Gnarly Head, a producer of bold California wines, announced the release of two limited-edition Grateful Dead-themed wines in partnership with iconic American rock band the Grateful Dead.
A rich, spicy Old Vine Zinfandel, sourced from 35-to-80-year-old-vines in Gnarly Head's home appellation of Lodi, California, and a darkly fruity California Cabernet Sauvignon will hit retail shelves in the United States this month, it says.
Labels for the wines feature iconography familiar to fans of the Grateful Dead, including the band's kinetic skull and roses figure, which emerges from the trunk of a twisted vine on the Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel label. An adaption of the Dead’s emblematic lightning bolt skull, made famous by the cover of the epic 1976 live double album “Steal Your Face,” appears on the Cabernet Sauvignon label.
“Gnarly Head wines and the music of the Grateful Dead are both rooted in Northern California, and both are expressive, bold and true to their roots — so this partnership is a natural fit,” said Andrew Blok, brand director for Gnarly Head, in a statement.
David Lemieux, the Grateful Dead's archivist and legacy manager, added: “You don’t just listen to the music of The Dead, you experience it. Gnarly Head wines tap that same passion and energy, and I hope that these fantastic wines inspire fans of the Dead to catch some of those vibes when they pour themselves a glass of Gnarly Head wine and put on their favorite album.”
The limited-edition Grateful Dead Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel and California Cabernet Sauvignon will be available to purchase for a suggested retail price of $12 at major retailers nationwide including Albertsons, Safeway, Publix, Kroger, Harris Teeter, Winn-Dixie, Total Wine & More, Food Lion, Market Basket, HEB and Fred Meyer beginning in September while supplies last.
www.gnarlyhead.com