# AMA with Maker Wine CEO

Maker Wine CEO and co-founder, Sarah Hoffman, answers Can Fam questions during a happy hour on the Wine Line.

By Maker Wine  
December 21, 2023

Maker Wine CEO and co-founder, Sarah Hoffman, recently hopped on the Wine Line for an AMA with the Can Fam. Nothing was off-limits as she answered questions about her favorite wines, what’s to come in 2024, and why you might see some “floaters” when you pour your cans out.

Let’s get right into it.

### Can Fam: What’s your _favorite wine_ in the Maker lineup?

**Sarah Hoffman**: Oh, right now I'd say I have [Carbonic Red](/content/products/terah-carbonic-sangiovese/ "Carbonic Red (opens in a new window/index.html)") (our Sangiovese) and [Ser Winery’s still Rosé](/content/products/ser-rose-grenache/ "Ser Winery’s still Rosé (opens in a new window/index.html)") on repeat!! But this tends to change every season we bring on new wines.

### CF: What’s your _favorite white wine_?

**SH**: This year it was [Verdelho](/content/products/wandermust-verdelho/ "Verdelho (opens in a new window/index.html)"), followed by our Handley Chardonnay! Next year we are doing a cool white blend that is tasting amazing.

## Try the Verdelho

Want to try this one-of-a-kind grape? Pick up a six pack of this dry, aromatic white wine.

[Shop Verdelho](/content/products/wandermust-verdelho/index.html)

_Editor’s note: WanderMust Verdelho isn’t coming back next year – so, Can Club, stock up while you can._

### CF: Orange _Vermentino_... is that supposed to be cold or room temp?

**SH**: I would treat it like a white wine – so take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before drinking. 🧡

### CF: I opened a can tonight from my 12 Days of Canned Wine Advent Calendar and it had a _floater_. Is that common? I know floaters can happen when uncorking wine bottles.

**SH**: I believe you are referring to ‘tartrate crystals' or 'wine diamonds,’ which are a normal part of wine, especially minimal-intervention wines like those from the small producers we work with. [This piece from Decanter](https://www.decanter.com/learn/advice/tartrate-crystals-in-wine-346248/ "This piece from Decanter (opens in a new window)") does a nice job explaining it. It’s more typical in whites that are stored at a low temp. 🥂

### CF: Well, I love _big reds_. Do you have any in the works? Syrah perhaps? I also enjoyed the Merlot which I have not seen in awhile.

**SH**: Great question! The vineyard our Merlot was sourced from was unfortunately replanted, but our [Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend from Gilbert Cellars](/content/products/gilbert-cabernet-sauvignon/ "Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend from Gilbert Cellars (opens in a new window/index.html)") is one of my faves right now. Next year we are going to bring back new vintages of that Cab plus our bold Zinfandel, Cabernet Pfeffer, and Pinot Noir – _plus,_ we’re adding a Sparkling Cinsualt.

## Try Cabernet Sauvignon

Want to try this perfectly balanced, bold yet silky red? Join the Can Club for access to this and other members-only wines.

[Shop Cab Sauv](/content/products/gilbert-cabernet-sauvignon/index.html)

### CF: Any _new Pinot Noir_ coming up?

**SH**: We are canning the next vintage of the [Handley Pinot Noir](/content/products/handley-pinot-noir/ "Handley Pinot Noir (opens in a new window/index.html)") in a few months, but we are also actively on the hunt for an Oregon Pinot since we are just starting to enter retail there. 🥂

### CF: Any exciting _new varietals or blends_ coming in 2024?

**SH**: YES, SO MANY. We're releasing 15 wines next year. A couple of new ones I'm excited about: A Sparkling Cinsault (red grape) and two white blends – one of Spanish varietals and another is a blend of Clairette Blanch, Picpoul, and Vermentino.

Want in on the fun next time? [Join the Wine Line](https://makerwine.attn.tv/p/uZ9/landing-page "Join the Wine Line (opens in a new window)") to be first to know about new releases, AMAs, and more in 2024.