TAKE A RIDE WITH OCEANO WINES!
Help send the Oceano bus on its way to delivering great wine, inclusivity and a cleaner world!
Project Description
Oceano Wines is a woman-owned business. Since 2016, my goal has been to produce unique expressions of cool-climate California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in an inclusive and environmentally responsible way.
The Problem:
Even though there is more interesting wine produced now than at any other time in history, consumers usually see the same wines on wine store shelves and restaurant wine lists. This is because big distributors largely decide what wines will be made available to you--particularly in smaller markets. These big corporations make their buying decisions based mostly on economies-of-scale considerations. In other words, the larger the winery, the more cost effective it is for them to distribute its wines. This means that you often don't get to see many smaller labels. This prevailing distribution model is also terrible for the environment. The established distribution system makes it difficult for wine producers to sell directly to you. But direct-to-consumer ("DTC") distribution is both better for the environment and better for the consumer--and everyone involved in the production of the wine.
The United States recently became the world's largest consumer of wine by both volume and value. While there will always be a considerable number of consumers who will never move beyond mass-produced wines, there is a growing segment of consumers who are looking for more interesting wines that are less generic, particularly if those wines are made in a more environmentally friendly way. Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are precisely that type of wine.
The Solution:
We are making Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as carbon neutral as possible, and in doing so, we hope to be an example for other small producers, most of whom use the traditional environmentally unfriendly distribution system to sell their wines. Oceano is serious about being a friend to the environment. Our grapes are grown in a SIP Certified vineyard. Our wines are made at Italics Winegrowers in Napa. Italics satisfies virtually all of its water needs with reclaimed wastewater. Its electricity is generated by its vast solar array, which has resulted in nearly 100 fewer tons of CO2 being released into our atmosphere each year. My goal of 80% DTC distribution for Oceano's wines will lessen our carbon footprint by reducing the number of stops the bottle takes on its way to you.
In order to further my goals of reducing Oceano's carbon footprint while continuing to make distinctive, cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and promote inclusivity in the wine-production space--an industry not known for that--I am looking to reach 80% DTC distribution for my wines and be an example for similar-minded, niche producers. The vintage VW Bus that I will be buying is being refitted by Karpatia and Oceano-branded by NYFW and lifestyle designer Cristina Ruales. The bus will function as a mobile "tasting room," corporate and private event opportunity, event prop and customer reward experience that will dramatically represent and advance Oceano's philosophy--and sales!
About me:
I'm Rachel Martin and have been involved in the winemaking and wine-selling business since 2005, growing Boxwood Estate's case production from 400 to 5,000 cases, as well as opening up its first international markets. I started Oceano Wines in 2016 and have placed my Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and prestigious wine stores from coast to coast. I established Oceano with the belief that expressive wines can be made while embracing sustainability and inclusivity--70 cents of every dollar spent making Oceano wines goes to a woman- or minority-owned business.
Our Winemaker:
Oceano's consulting winemaker is Marbue Marke. He has made wine at a number of California wineries--both large and small--and is currently the Director of Winegrowing at Napa's Italics Winegrowers. Marbue does not see winemaking as a formulaic process. Rather, as he has said, "The most under-appreciated aspect of winemaking is adaptability. Just as there are no two stones alike, there are no two grapes or harvests that are the same."
Thank you for your support!
There are no words to adequately express how grateful I am for your support. Thank you for joining me on this journey, one that I hope will, in a small way, make the world a better place. And a place with better wine!
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why do the rewards that include wine refer to gift certificates?
- ifw is not licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, so rewards that feature wine include gift certificates in the specific amount referenced in the reward or in the amount necessary to cover the quantity of wine specified in the reward (i.e., "10 cases," etc.). These gift cards are redeemable at the Oceano Online Store. Please take a quick look to see how easy it is to navigate. Your reward comes with a code that will reference the specific number of bottles that come with it making ordering easy.
- Do I have to pay for shipping of my reward wines?
- Shipping is not included but we do have reasonable flat rate shipping options.
- Can I drive the bus if I reserve it for an event?
- Sorry, but no. As you might imagine, operating the bus triggers a whole lot of legal and insurance issues.
We’ll bring the winery right to your home! Book Oceano’s custom vintage VW Bus for your next private or business event. The branded, show-stopping bus will pull right up to your home or business (or wherever your event is being held) and serve as a unique focal point for your celebration. Whether you are hosting 50 people or 250 (or some number in between) your booking includes Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (details below) and a one-of-a-kind way for you to provide your guests with nibbles or a full-blown catered food experience. Up to 75 guests: 5 cases of Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in any combination you choose. Includes 4 servers.
Terms and conditions: Pricing is for only East Coast locations. If your party is outside of this area an additional transport fee will be added.
Whether you want to contribute $50k, $25k or just $20, this is your opportunity to help us get our VW Wine Bus on the road to completion. Your contribution will support our mission of a greener and more inclusive world.
As a thank-you for your $75 contribution, you’ll get a personalized shoutout on all of Oceano’s social media feeds. Impress your Twitter, Facebook and Instagram friends!
Give the gift of Oceano. Our gift cards are redeemable on the Oceano website. You’ll also get a shoutout on the Oceano social media site of your choice. Choose between Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Handmade exclusively for Oceano Wines, these functional coasters are a beautiful addition to your table. Belle Epoque Pottery is a woman owned business. Owner Camille Morin is a 20+ year porcelain artist and glaze expert.
Produced exclusively for Oceano Wines, these goblets are beautiful, handmade, and are a lovely way to sip wine. You’ll also get a bottle of Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir so you can drink Oceano in the most beautiful way. Belle Epoque Pottery is a woman-owned business. Owner Camille Morin is a porcelain specialist and glaze expert.
Give the gift of Oceano. Our gift cards are redeemable on the Oceano website. You’ll also get a shoutout on the Oceano social media site of your choice. Choose between Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
150 customized high-quality notecards with Oceano bus original watercolor piece by Cristina Ruales - NYFW | Artist | Lifestyle Designer. As seen on our campaign with your name or word in place of ours...
Oceano founder, Rachel Martin, will fly to your city to be the guest educator at a catered, salon-style dinner for eight in your home. A salon event is one where guests gather “to be pleased and educated” by an inspiring host. You and your guests will discuss all aspects of the winemaking process in as much (or little!) detail as you wish. You’ll discover what makes coastal winemaking so unique, particularly in light of global warming, renewed emphasis on sustainable practices and social equity issues. Rachel’s style of conversation is engaging and casual, which will match perfectly with the menu you and Rachel collaborate on. All of which will, of course, be washed down with plenty of Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir! 3 bottles of each are included in the price.
Terms and conditions: The dinner will take place at a mutually agreeable time and date, and must be redeemed within two years of purchase. Wine is supplied by Oceano. Rachel will consult with you on the menu, but food is not included.
Join Oceano founder Rachel Martin for lunch at the legendary Bergdorf Goodman luxury department store on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Your all-expense paid lunch for two will take place at Bergdorf’s stunning 7th floor restaurant, BG, and will feature Oceano Wines. Then, head out for some serious shopping or perhaps a show!
Terms and conditions: The lunch will take place at a mutually agreeable time and date, and must be redeemed within two years of purchase.
Your name will be woven into the design of a custom Oceano Wines label. This is truly a collector’s dream! Your magnum (1.5L which is the equivalent of two regular-size bottles) can be either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Own a piece of Oceano history with an exclusive label that you help design, one that no one else in the world will have—unless you give them a bottle!
Terms and conditions: 6-bottle minimum order. You will receive a $750 Oceano gift certificate to pay for the wine once it is ready to ship. You must take delivery of all bottles at once. You may mix the order between our 2021 Chardonnay and 2021 Pinot Noir.
You and a guest will join Rachel and consulting winemaker Marbue Marke at Italics Winegrowers in famed Napa, California, where you will have a seat at the table as Rachel and Marbue blend, taste, debate and finalize the vintage’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This reward includes 1 room for a one-night stay at a local Napa hotel, a basket of wine and goodies, limousine ride to and from Italics, and a half-day witnessing first hand how the complex process of elevating juice to wine is accomplished. As consumers, your input on the various blends you’ll try will certainly impact the choices Rachel and Marbue ultimately make!
Terms and conditions: Airfare, and accommodations for more than one night are not included.
Join Rachel and consulting winemaker Marbue Marke at next year’s grape harvest in San Luis Obispo, California. This is a one-of-a-kind, full-day experience where you can be part of the winemaking process. Start the day before dawn when you and a guest will be taken by limousine from your hotel (complimentary one-night stay included) to Spanish Springs Vineyard. After picking grapes, you’ll enjoy a catered box lunch in the vineyard washed down by Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. After lunch, you have the choice of returning to your hotel to freshen up or proceed directly via limo to meet the just-picked fruit at Italics Winegrowers, the state-of-the-art facility where Oceano Wines are made. You’ll get to participate in grape sorting and learn how Italics is reducing its carbon footprint and setting itself apart at the vanguard of sustainable and environmentally friendly wine production.
Work with our designer Stephanie Layton to create an Oceano label just for you. Choose Chardonnay or Pinot Noir or a combination. Your design will be kept for you for later use on additional cases, next vintages, poster prints and Oceano swag.
Terms and conditions: 5 case minimum order. You must take delivery of all bottles at once. You may mix the order between 2021 Chardonnay and 2021 Pinot Noir. You will receive a $3,000 Oceano gift certificate to pay for the wine once it is ready to ship. Oceano retains ownership of the label design.
Twelve bottles twice a year (Spring and Fall) of Oceano’s vibrant and balanced wines delivered to your door. You’ll also be invited to members-only wine-themed dinners, events and tastings.
Terms and conditions: Club memberships are not transferable or assignable.
Your cellar will be refilled with 12 bottles of Oceano wines each quarter. You’ll also be invited to members-only wine-themed dinners, events and tastings. And you’ll have VIP priority access to the Oceano Vintage VW Bus. VIP access guarantees that you jump to the top of the list for use of the bus at your events.
Terms and conditions: Club memberships are not transferable or assignable.
We’ll bring the winery right to your home! Book Oceano’s custom vintage VW Bus for your next private or business event. The branded, show-stopping bus will pull right up to your home or business (or wherever your event is being held) and serve as a unique focal point for your celebration. Whether you are hosting 50 people or 250 (or some number in between) your booking includes Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (details below) and a one-of-a-kind way for you to provide your guests with nibbles or a full-blown catered food experience. Up to 150 guests: 10 cases of Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in any combination you choose. Includes 4 servers.
Terms and conditions: Pricing is for only East Coast locations. If your party is outside of this area an additional transport fee will be added.
Go all in on the custom vintage Oceano-branded VW Bus. Your contribution of $75,000 makes you the one and only sponsor of the refitted Oceano VW Bus. Belly Bus is a New York City-based, minority-owned company, that restores, outfits and customizes vintage VW Buses for use as food trucks and mobile retail and boutique outlets. Your amazingly generous contribution will get you a front-row seat to the collaboration between Rachel, her designer Cristina Ruales - NYFW | Artist | Lifestyle Designer - and Ram Reddy, the brains and brawn behind Belly Bus as they customize this unique expression of Oceano Wines and the coastal lifestyle those wines represent. The bus can literally be named for you! You’ll get your creative on, make suggestions and offer opinions throughout the design process. As a special bonus, you’ll also get a 10-year membership to the Yacht Club, Oceano’s premium wine club, plus lifetime VIP priority access to use the bus at your events and parties.
Terms and conditions: Date and time must be agreed to. Your booking will include the servers indicated above but no additional personnel. Food is not included. Glassware is not included. Any drinks, water, etc. other than the wine indicated above are not included. Tax and 15% service charge not included.
Rewards
We’ll bring the winery right to your home! Book Oceano’s custom vintage VW Bus for your next private or business event. The branded, show-stopping bus will pull right up to your home or business (or wherever your event is being held) and serve as a unique focal point for your celebration. Whether you are hosting 50 people or 250 (or some number in between) your booking includes Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (details below) and a one-of-a-kind way for you to provide your guests with nibbles or a full-blown catered food experience. Up to 75 guests: 5 cases of Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in any combination you choose. Includes 4 servers.
Terms and conditions: Pricing is for only East Coast locations. If your party is outside of this area an additional transport fee will be added.
Whether you want to contribute $50k, $25k or just $20, this is your opportunity to help us get our VW Wine Bus on the road to completion. Your contribution will support our mission of a greener and more inclusive world.
As a thank-you for your $75 contribution, you’ll get a personalized shoutout on all of Oceano’s social media feeds. Impress your Twitter, Facebook and Instagram friends!
Give the gift of Oceano. Our gift cards are redeemable on the Oceano website. You’ll also get a shoutout on the Oceano social media site of your choice. Choose between Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Handmade exclusively for Oceano Wines, these functional coasters are a beautiful addition to your table. Belle Epoque Pottery is a woman owned business. Owner Camille Morin is a 20+ year porcelain artist and glaze expert.
Produced exclusively for Oceano Wines, these goblets are beautiful, handmade, and are a lovely way to sip wine. You’ll also get a bottle of Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir so you can drink Oceano in the most beautiful way. Belle Epoque Pottery is a woman-owned business. Owner Camille Morin is a porcelain specialist and glaze expert.
Give the gift of Oceano. Our gift cards are redeemable on the Oceano website. You’ll also get a shoutout on the Oceano social media site of your choice. Choose between Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
150 customized high-quality notecards with Oceano bus original watercolor piece by Cristina Ruales - NYFW | Artist | Lifestyle Designer. As seen on our campaign with your name or word in place of ours...
Oceano founder, Rachel Martin, will fly to your city to be the guest educator at a catered, salon-style dinner for eight in your home. A salon event is one where guests gather “to be pleased and educated” by an inspiring host. You and your guests will discuss all aspects of the winemaking process in as much (or little!) detail as you wish. You’ll discover what makes coastal winemaking so unique, particularly in light of global warming, renewed emphasis on sustainable practices and social equity issues. Rachel’s style of conversation is engaging and casual, which will match perfectly with the menu you and Rachel collaborate on. All of which will, of course, be washed down with plenty of Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir! 3 bottles of each are included in the price.
Terms and conditions: The dinner will take place at a mutually agreeable time and date, and must be redeemed within two years of purchase. Wine is supplied by Oceano. Rachel will consult with you on the menu, but food is not included.
Join Oceano founder Rachel Martin for lunch at the legendary Bergdorf Goodman luxury department store on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Your all-expense paid lunch for two will take place at Bergdorf’s stunning 7th floor restaurant, BG, and will feature Oceano Wines. Then, head out for some serious shopping or perhaps a show!
Terms and conditions: The lunch will take place at a mutually agreeable time and date, and must be redeemed within two years of purchase.
Your name will be woven into the design of a custom Oceano Wines label. This is truly a collector’s dream! Your magnum (1.5L which is the equivalent of two regular-size bottles) can be either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Own a piece of Oceano history with an exclusive label that you help design, one that no one else in the world will have—unless you give them a bottle!
Terms and conditions: 6-bottle minimum order. You will receive a $750 Oceano gift certificate to pay for the wine once it is ready to ship. You must take delivery of all bottles at once. You may mix the order between our 2021 Chardonnay and 2021 Pinot Noir.
You and a guest will join Rachel and consulting winemaker Marbue Marke at Italics Winegrowers in famed Napa, California, where you will have a seat at the table as Rachel and Marbue blend, taste, debate and finalize the vintage’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This reward includes 1 room for a one-night stay at a local Napa hotel, a basket of wine and goodies, limousine ride to and from Italics, and a half-day witnessing first hand how the complex process of elevating juice to wine is accomplished. As consumers, your input on the various blends you’ll try will certainly impact the choices Rachel and Marbue ultimately make!
Terms and conditions: Airfare, and accommodations for more than one night are not included.
Join Rachel and consulting winemaker Marbue Marke at next year’s grape harvest in San Luis Obispo, California. This is a one-of-a-kind, full-day experience where you can be part of the winemaking process. Start the day before dawn when you and a guest will be taken by limousine from your hotel (complimentary one-night stay included) to Spanish Springs Vineyard. After picking grapes, you’ll enjoy a catered box lunch in the vineyard washed down by Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. After lunch, you have the choice of returning to your hotel to freshen up or proceed directly via limo to meet the just-picked fruit at Italics Winegrowers, the state-of-the-art facility where Oceano Wines are made. You’ll get to participate in grape sorting and learn how Italics is reducing its carbon footprint and setting itself apart at the vanguard of sustainable and environmentally friendly wine production.
Work with our designer Stephanie Layton to create an Oceano label just for you. Choose Chardonnay or Pinot Noir or a combination. Your design will be kept for you for later use on additional cases, next vintages, poster prints and Oceano swag.
Terms and conditions: 5 case minimum order. You must take delivery of all bottles at once. You may mix the order between 2021 Chardonnay and 2021 Pinot Noir. You will receive a $3,000 Oceano gift certificate to pay for the wine once it is ready to ship. Oceano retains ownership of the label design.
Twelve bottles twice a year (Spring and Fall) of Oceano’s vibrant and balanced wines delivered to your door. You’ll also be invited to members-only wine-themed dinners, events and tastings.
Terms and conditions: Club memberships are not transferable or assignable.
Your cellar will be refilled with 12 bottles of Oceano wines each quarter. You’ll also be invited to members-only wine-themed dinners, events and tastings. And you’ll have VIP priority access to the Oceano Vintage VW Bus. VIP access guarantees that you jump to the top of the list for use of the bus at your events.
Terms and conditions: Club memberships are not transferable or assignable.
We’ll bring the winery right to your home! Book Oceano’s custom vintage VW Bus for your next private or business event. The branded, show-stopping bus will pull right up to your home or business (or wherever your event is being held) and serve as a unique focal point for your celebration. Whether you are hosting 50 people or 250 (or some number in between) your booking includes Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (details below) and a one-of-a-kind way for you to provide your guests with nibbles or a full-blown catered food experience. Up to 150 guests: 10 cases of Oceano Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in any combination you choose. Includes 4 servers.
Terms and conditions: Pricing is for only East Coast locations. If your party is outside of this area an additional transport fee will be added.
Go all in on the custom vintage Oceano-branded VW Bus. Your contribution of $75,000 makes you the one and only sponsor of the refitted Oceano VW Bus. Belly Bus is a New York City-based, minority-owned company, that restores, outfits and customizes vintage VW Buses for use as food trucks and mobile retail and boutique outlets. Your amazingly generous contribution will get you a front-row seat to the collaboration between Rachel, her designer Cristina Ruales - NYFW | Artist | Lifestyle Designer - and Ram Reddy, the brains and brawn behind Belly Bus as they customize this unique expression of Oceano Wines and the coastal lifestyle those wines represent. The bus can literally be named for you! You’ll get your creative on, make suggestions and offer opinions throughout the design process. As a special bonus, you’ll also get a 10-year membership to the Yacht Club, Oceano’s premium wine club, plus lifetime VIP priority access to use the bus at your events and parties.
Terms and conditions: Date and time must be agreed to. Your booking will include the servers indicated above but no additional personnel. Food is not included. Glassware is not included. Any drinks, water, etc. other than the wine indicated above are not included. Tax and 15% service charge not included.