The Republic of Tea Launches First Fine Wine Grape Skin Tea Collection – SONOMA TEA

Novato, CA (April 8, 2015)

An innovative collection of herbal teas, for the first time made from fine wine grape skins sourced from Sonoma County, is being launched by The Republic of Tea, leading purveyor of premium teas.

The SONOMA TEAS collection represents a new concept in an herbal tea blend.  The appreciation of Sonoma County’s renowned vineyards has been previously relegated only to wine enthusiasts.  With the introduction of this new tea collection, everyone can now enjoy a refreshing beverage that showcases the best qualities and flavors from fine wine grape skins.

Free of caffeine, alcohol and calories, Sonoma Teas are a wonderful alternative to high calorie soft drinks and sugary juices.  The fine wine grape skins used in the Sonoma Teas collection also contain antioxidants, which contribute to a diverse and healthy diet.

The collection showcases three varietals for iced tea: SONOMA CHARDONNAY, SONOMA ROSÉ, and SONOMA CABERNET.  Additionally, the MULLED ZIN HOT TEA is the perfect warm beverage for cold winter days.   Similar to wine, the four offerings in the Sonoma Tea collection impart unique and identifying characteristics.

• SONOMA CHARDONNAY – Reminiscent of a vacation in a glass, Sonoma Chardonnay Iced Tea has a base of Sonoma Chardonnay fine wine grape skins infused with tropical pineapple and sweet peach notes.

• SONOMA ROSÉ – Sonoma Rosé Iced Tea is a sophisticated sipper made from Sonoma Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc fine wine grape skins married with ripe strawberries and crisp red apples resulting in a light and floral finish.

• SONOMA CABERNET – Sonoma Cabernet Iced Tea brings a festive infusion of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon fine wine grape skins with sweet, juicy oranges and the deep berry note of black currants.  Skip the wine goblet and pour into a big, tall glass to enjoy this refreshing berry blend.

• MULLED ZIN HOT TEA – The only hot tea of the line, the Mulled Zin Hot Tea is made of Sonoma Zinfandel fine wine grape skins infused with the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and orange zest.  This soothing and fragrant hot beverage will fill the home with aromas of the holiday season.  Try garnishing each cup with orange slices, chopped apples and cinnamon sticks to bring out the full array of flavors.

“Our mission is to enrich people’s lives by offering Sonoma Teas to the citizens of The Republic of Tea.  These are never-before-seen herbal tea blends that impart the best qualities and flavors from fine wine grape skins.  It’s a fun and refreshing beverage collection,” said Kristina Richens, Minister of Commerce at The Republic of Tea.

Sonoma Teas utilizes fine wine grape skins sourced from WholeVine, a new line of wholesome offerings with all-natural ingredients from fine wine vineyards in and around Sonoma County.  Founded by Barbara Banke of Kendall Jackson Family Estates and partner Peggy Furth, WholeVine shares The Republic of Tea’s commitment to sustainability and is dedicated to helping the fine wine industry reduce its environmental footprint by generating new uses for vineyard byproducts.

The Sonoma Teas collection is packaged in steel tins that keep the teas fresh for two years.  Each tin contains six pouches of tea that produce six quarts or 24 servings.   Priced at just $7.99, Sonoma Teas are an affordable luxury for entertaining friends and family.  In line with The Republic of Tea’s commitment to sustainability and natural materials, each tea pouch is made with unbleached fibers and do not include any unnecessary paper tags, strings or staples.

Sonoma Iced Teas are now available for purchase on www.RepublicofTea.com.  The Mulled Zin Hot Tea will be available for the holidays, beginning September 1, 2015.

About The Republic of Tea:

The Republic of Tea enriches people’s lives through its premium teas, education and innovation, as it emphasizes a “Sip by Sip Rather Than Gulp by Gulp” lifestyle.  Founded in 1992, The Republic of Tea sparked a specialty tea revolution.  Today the brand offers an unequaled selection of the highest-quality teas, herbal blends, books and nature-inspired sip ware, available exclusively at specialty retailers throughout the U.S. Further, The Republic of Tea is mindful of how its actions impact the greater community and actively supports worthy organizations like Action Against Hunger, The Ethical Tea Partnership, The Prostate Cancer Foundation and The Whole Planet Foundation.  Certifications include Demeter USA Certified Biodynamic, Fair Trade certification, Gluten-Free certification, Non-GMO Project verification, OU Kosher certification, Rainforest Alliance certification and USDA Organic certification.