Une Femme Wines

Une Femme Wines operates as an internet-first brand of sparkling wines crafted to appeal to a contemporary consumer base. The company was co-founded in 2018 by the sister-brother duo, Jen and Zach Pelka. The concept for the brand originated from Jen Pelka's experience as the founder of The Riddler, a pair of all-women-funded Champagne bars in San Francisco and New York. At The Riddler, she observed that wines made by women consistently outsold others, which identified a market gap for a modern, women-centric sparkling wine brand.

Jen Pelka's background is deeply rooted in the food and beverage industry, beginning with various roles at Chef Daniel Boulud's restaurant, DANIEL, and later leading to her fascination with champagne while at Gilt Taste. Her brother and co-founder, Zach Pelka, is a four-time founder with a background in finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The closure of The Riddler during the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for the Pelkas to pivot and expand Une Femme's presence in wholesale channels. This strategic shift led to significant growth, positioning Une Femme as a fast-growing canned wine brand in the United States.

The company's business model is centered on a direct-to-consumer approach through its website, supplemented by significant retail and hospitality partnerships. Revenue is generated from the sale of its sparkling wines, which are available in both traditional 750 mL bottles and cans. Their distribution network includes major retailers like Target and Sprouts Farmers Market, as well as partnerships with Delta Air Lines, Marriott's luxury hotel collections, and Kimpton Hotels. The company has a social mission at its core; a portion of proceeds from every bottle sold is donated to charitable organizations that benefit women, such as Dress for Success and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This commitment extends throughout their supply chain, as they partner with women winemakers, investors, growers, and distributors.

Une Femme's product line features California sparkling wines, including "The Betty" Sparkling Brut and "The Callie" Sparkling Rosé. They also offer special edition, small-batch wines and Champagnes. A key aspect of their production is the collaboration with sustainable, family-owned vineyards in California's Napa, Sonoma, and Lodi regions. To maintain freshness, the company cans its wine on a monthly basis. The brand has received accolades for its products, including awards at the Sommeliers Choice Awards.

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