Skin Contact Wines imports wines from organically farmed vineyards. We believe the best wines come from grapes that are farmed attentively. Organic viticulture represents a return to the basic tenets of farming and a respect for natural processes. Some of our producers choose to go beyond organic principles and utilize biodynamic practices to further promote a healthy microbiome on their properties. Wherever a producer falls on this spectrum of farming in harmony with nature, we want to support their hard work.
Viticulture is only a part of the winemaking process, and the care taken in the vineyards must be mirrored in the cellar. Organically farmed grapes best showcase the characteristics of a place, vintage, and variety. The winemaker must translate the terroir of her grapes into a finished product. While she has many aids and tricks at her disposal, we believe that the best wines are made with the bare minimum of treatments. Simply, wine ought to be as close to fermented grape juice as possible.
At Skin Contact Wines, we sell the wines we like to drink. Although organic farming is more expensive than conventional methods, we believe value abounds in this section of the market. By partnering with producers from around the world, we hope to show the growing sector of Americans looking for organic products that wine too can be organic and delicious.
Viticulture is only a part of the winemaking process, and the care taken in the vineyards must be mirrored in the cellar. Organically farmed grapes best showcase the characteristics of a place, vintage, and variety. The winemaker must translate the terroir of her grapes into a finished product. While she has many aids and tricks at her disposal, we believe that the best wines are made with the bare minimum of treatments. Simply, wine ought to be as close to fermented grape juice as possible.
At Skin Contact Wines, we sell the wines we like to drink. Although organic farming is more expensive than conventional methods, we believe value abounds in this section of the market. By partnering with producers from around the world, we hope to show the growing sector of Americans looking for organic products that wine too can be organic and delicious.
Who we are:
We are two experienced members of the New York Metro wine trade with deep connections to a community of buyers and consumers. Our business is our livelihood and our pleasure. We wear many hats as educators, number crunchers, and pavement pounders. Above all, we dedicate ourselves and our work to the producers who have inspired us to take this path.
We are two experienced members of the New York Metro wine trade with deep connections to a community of buyers and consumers. Our business is our livelihood and our pleasure. We wear many hats as educators, number crunchers, and pavement pounders. Above all, we dedicate ourselves and our work to the producers who have inspired us to take this path.
John Grammer
Growing up in New York City, John spent long Saturdays biking through Chinatown in search delicious food and new experiences. He knew he wanted to pursue a career in food, but did not know where this path would lead. Joining a distribution company out of college, he hit the street to learn about wine and continue his journey. Tasting a bottle of Emidio Pepe Montepulciano 2001 with a generous client sealed the deal. John never looked back from that moment, developing his business in New York and meeting many friends and mentors along the way. Since then, he completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine and Spirits program. Today he lives with his wife Lilli in New York and continues to ply the streets on his 10 speed Peugeot.
Growing up in New York City, John spent long Saturdays biking through Chinatown in search delicious food and new experiences. He knew he wanted to pursue a career in food, but did not know where this path would lead. Joining a distribution company out of college, he hit the street to learn about wine and continue his journey. Tasting a bottle of Emidio Pepe Montepulciano 2001 with a generous client sealed the deal. John never looked back from that moment, developing his business in New York and meeting many friends and mentors along the way. Since then, he completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine and Spirits program. Today he lives with his wife Lilli in New York and continues to ply the streets on his 10 speed Peugeot.
Ricardo Castiblanco
Castiblanco is a seasoned veteran of the food and wine industry in NYC. He was educated in the Fine Arts at The Pratt Institute and in Photography at The School of Visual Arts, both in NYC. Stints at Chanterelle, Bouley, Daniel, and Ansonia led to a passion for wine that has translated into a career as a sales representative for Paramount Brands, Michael Skurnik Wines, and most recently as a partner at Vision Wine Brands. The formation of Skin Contact Wines is a way to form a family business focused on fully exploring the organic, natural side of the wine world. My interest is in artisan producers who are returning to crafting wines traditionally, and without manipulation. Castiblanco lives in Leonia, NJ with his wife Katharina and their two children Fabio and Ursula.
Castiblanco is a seasoned veteran of the food and wine industry in NYC. He was educated in the Fine Arts at The Pratt Institute and in Photography at The School of Visual Arts, both in NYC. Stints at Chanterelle, Bouley, Daniel, and Ansonia led to a passion for wine that has translated into a career as a sales representative for Paramount Brands, Michael Skurnik Wines, and most recently as a partner at Vision Wine Brands. The formation of Skin Contact Wines is a way to form a family business focused on fully exploring the organic, natural side of the wine world. My interest is in artisan producers who are returning to crafting wines traditionally, and without manipulation. Castiblanco lives in Leonia, NJ with his wife Katharina and their two children Fabio and Ursula.