Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant

Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant is a curator of wines from small, family-run estates, not a winery. It focuses on handpicked selections that reflect the character of their makers and places of origin.

Historically, the company has emphasized visiting wine regions, tasting at the source, and building long-term relationships to identify producers whose wines may be less widely distributed in the United States. The selected bottles reach customers through its shop and through placements at restaurants and independent wine stores nationwide.

Bottles imported by the company carry a back label that states Imported by Kermit Lynch, identifying the importer and its selection approach.

Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant stands out for its focus on authenticity and quality, gaining popularity among wine lovers for several reasons.

• Authentic selections — focuses on traditionally made wines from small, artisanal producers.
• Clear buying perspective — a consistent selection philosophy shaped by long-standing relationships in key European regions.
• Lively community — the company's monthly newsletter fosters a connection with readers, blending education with humor.
• Cultural influence — founder Kermit Lynch's book Adventures on the Wine Route is widely read among wine enthusiasts, reinforcing the company's profile.

• Who is Kermit Lynch?
  Kermit Lynch is an American wine importer, retailer, and author known for introducing high-quality, traditional wines from small French and Italian producers to the U.S. market.
• When was the company founded, and where is it based?
  Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant was founded in 1972 in Berkeley, California, where it remains based.
• What types of producers and wines does Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant focus on?
  The portfolio centers on wines from small, family-run vineyards, emphasizing traditional methods and clear expressions of terroir.
• What regions does Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant focus on?
  Primarily France and Italy, especially Burgundy, Rhône, Loire Valley, Provence, Tuscany, and Piedmont.
• How are wines selected, and how can I identify them?
  Wines are handpicked through direct visits to European cellars. You can identify them by the signature back label that states "Imported by Kermit Lynch," which serves as a mark of the merchant's specific selection criteria and quality standards.
• Does Kermit Lynch make his own wine?
  No. The company is primarily an importer and merchant, not a winery. The founder has collaborated on select projects, but the brand centers on sourcing wines from independent producers.
• Where can I purchase wines from the Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant portfolio?
  At the Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant shop in Berkeley, California, online, and at restaurants and independent wine shops across the United States.