PA-Made 'Sh!tshow' Wine Expanding After Viral Success In Pandemic

WYALUSING, PA — The coronavirus pandemic made last year incredibly difficult for nearly everyone in one way or another.

Suffice to say: 2020 was a s***show. And that's why one Pennsylvania winery's offering took off and is expanding.

"Sh!tshow Red" is a Cabernet and Merlot blend by Grovdale Winery in Bradford County.

The wine — which is now expanding by adding two more West Coast-sourced, Pennsylvania-made blends, Dry White and Dry Rosé — was initially a joke from winemaker Dominic Mantei.

But the joke became reality in 2020 and was a viral hit in the fall, thrilling wine connoisseurs around the country while resonating with consumers during a time that included the coronavirus pandemic and heightened election season.

"We were blown away by the successful release of our Sh!tshow red blend, but knew we were just scratching the surface," said Jeff Homer, Sh!tshow founder and owner of Grovedale Winery. "As pandemic restrictions lift in time for the summer season, we’re excited to offer customers new wines to share and enjoy alongside whatever life throws at them. Life’s s**tshows come in all shapes and sizes so regardless of whether you treat yourself or your loved ones to a bottle, each of these new varietals will be the perfect fine wine for the times."

The new white and rosé wine projects began harvest in 2020 as Sh!tshow Red was taking off.

"My blending and finishing went for a dry wine as a target, yet the wines have balance and fruit, and the grapes we chose are some of my favorites," Mantei said. "Our white is made from retro classics Chenin Blanc and Viognier grapes, while the rosé is a spin on the grapes used in our red blend, creating the perfect light and crisp wine for any summer occasion."

And the wine has a charitable bent, too.

Five percent of all proceeds from Sh!tshow Red sales will go directly to Mental Health America.

"We’ve gone from an online launch of our Sh!tshow Red Blend, to having product in nearly 200 retail locations in the South Central Pennsylvania and Delaware Valley areas, all in less than a year – and many of our retail partners can’t keep up with demand," Homer said. "We’re certain these new varietals will help them fulfill the needs of their shoppers, and also highlight that we’re the wine that pairs best with all of life’s moments, especially the ones that feel like a s***show. Pun intended."

You can order the wines and find where they are available online here.