In a wine industry often dominated by heavy branding and complicated blends, AVIVO is carving out a refreshingly simple identity. Co-founded by Ridgely Evers, the label focuses on sustainability and transparency without losing sight of the most important measure: how the wine tastes in the glass. Every bottle costs $24, keeping quality accessible while underscoring the idea that thoughtfully made wine should not be reserved for special occasions.
AVIVO works with Mediterranean varietals—grapes that thrive in warm climates—sourced from California’s Lodi region. The choices are intentional. Sangiovese and Vermentino are not only well-suited to the area’s sun-soaked vineyards but also align with the brand’s climate-conscious ethos. By growing grapes that flourish naturally in this environment, AVIVO reduces the need for intervention and encourages a healthier vineyard ecosystem.
The winemaking philosophy is pared down to essentials. Each wine contains only two ingredients: organic grapes and a minimal addition of sulfur dioxide for stability. Both are listed clearly on the label, a nod to transparency in a world where wine often carries dozens of undisclosed additives. The result is a collection of wines that taste pure, honest, and direct from the vineyard.
The current lineup captures a range of expressions from these varietals. The 2021 Red, a Sangiovese-based blend, is bright with cherry and spice, carrying just enough depth to pair well with food but smooth enough to enjoy on its own. The 2024 Rosé is luminous in the glass, pale pink with citrus and stone fruit layered over a subtle ginger lift that makes it as refreshing as it is versatile. The 2023 White, built from Vermentino, offers crisp notes of grapefruit and pear, rounded out by a delicate floral edge that highlights the grape’s Mediterranean heritage.
AVIVO’s wines are straightforward, but not simple. They reflect a belief that sustainability and pleasure can coexist in a bottle — wines that feel modern in philosophy yet timeless in style.
Delicious from start to finish.