Aug. 12, 2024 Wine Industry Network (original article here)

Wine Hooligans, the renowned producer of acclaimed wine brands and top-tier services provider for the industry, recently announced an innovative business venture with BevZero, a global leader in the de-alcoholization and beverage services sector for the US and beyond.

Under the deal, Wine Hooligans becomes the sole operations and production licensee of BevZero Services in the United States.

The move allows BevZero to focus on the expansion of its equipment sales and distribution business, yet still maintain a financial interest in the services operations now led by Wine Hooligans. BevZero Services in Spain and South Africa will continue business as usual.

For its part, Wine Hooligans can now leverage BevZero’s cutting-edge Spinning Cone Column technology to offer an end-to-end services suite for clients eager to venture into the rapidly expanding low and no alcohol market.

“Sober October and Dry January are becoming increasingly popular themes throughout our country and beyond,” notes Wine Hooligan COO Patrick Morgan. “As a result, low to no alcohol is one of the fastest growing segments in the wine world today.”

Patrick Morgan, Wine Hooligans VP/COO

According to Morgan, Wine Hooligan’s highly regarded one-stop-shop operation is especially beneficial for producers interested in developing the increasingly sought after de-alcoholized beverages. “We offer a full suite of services to our customers: we can source your bulk wine, create & produce your labels, procure all your glass & dry goods, de-alc, blend, filter & bottle your wine. We even have a warehouse solution if required”, says Morgan.

The chemistry in this process is a critical step. “When you take alcohol out of wine, the possibility of bacterial and microbial growth is heightened. If you’re not prepared, you’re risking your entire lot of wine,” Morgan points out. “We have a solid team of professionals under one roof able to do the extensive testing and chemical analysis required to do the job right, and in a matter of days – minimizing any downside.”

Nicholas Miller is the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and EVP of the Miller Family Wine Company located along the Central Coast of California in the Paso Robles wine region.

His company produces th3e highly regarded Hand on Heart non-alcoholic wine brand, a food-friendly product created from premium grapes sourced throughout California with the alcohol removed, post fermentation.

Miller could not be happier with the cooperative venture between BevZero and Wine Hooligans, which he says, has created a streamlined, one-facing organization.

“We think very highly of both organizations,” Miller testifies. “We weren’t necessarily tied to the Santa Rosa area; we wanted to work with whoever could do the best job, post production. That turned out to be Wine Hooligans.

“They know what we want, they know the business. To have both companies working together is a real benefit to us. It creates the space for improvement; a truly collaborative environment.”

Jessica Smith is a winemaker and Director of Operations at Surely Wines, producers of award-winning, sparkling rosés and a portfolio of other extremely popular non-alcoholic California wine varieties.

Smith worked as an employee at BevZero for just under a decade before moving over to Surely Wines and has the utmost respect for its organization and people.

Similarly, she has used Wine Hooligans for its stellar packaging services and is extremely happy with the new collaboration between the two companies.

           Wine Hooligans Bottling Line 

“We’re moving all still beverage packaging over to them, including our new innovative brand,” Smith attests. “This really improves communication. The synergy between departments now gets everybody on the same page.”

“It really is a big deal with Wine Hooligans,” Smith continues. “The business is professional with a focus on customer service and timeliness. One hundred percent of the time, I get a same day response if I have any questions or concerns. I know things will be taken care of before problems come up, which gives me peace of mind.”

For more information on the Wine Hooligans/BevZero collaboration or to request services, go to: https://winehooligans.com.