Kermit Lynch wrote the above quote in his book Adventures on the Wine Route, after opening his wine shop in Berkeley, California in 1972.
Kermit set out to fill his shelves with wines that evoked joy, delivered deliciousness, and transported him back to the vineyards he visited and the wineries he discovered in France. Over the past 50 years, he has become one of the most celebrated importers of French and Italian wine in the US.
Kermit introduced Americans to the concept of “terroir,” advocating for wines that tasted like where they came from. He inspired a new generation of wine drinkers by focusing on place-driven, small-production, thoughtfully-made wines. He advocated for lower alcohol wines made without additives, focusing on native yeast and natural fermentations. Grapes are farmed using sustainable practices, implementing organic or biodynamic principles, because he believed (and still does) that the best wine is made in the vineyard. Since the beginning, Kermit has preferred his wines to be bottled unfiltered, choosing wines with soul, texture, and complexity.

In honor of Kermit’s legacy, we’ve dedicated a section in each of our stores to the wines of Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. With the arrival of Spring, we’ve selected a handful of delicious wines perfect to take on the boat, enjoy with friends on the back deck, or to simply elevate your next week-night dinner.

We hope you come to discover something new. Keep an open mind. Drink something delicious!