Sip the Story: Delaware Wines, Spirits, and Craft Beer That Tell a Story
A great pour is full of lore, and at Girard Craft & Cork, we’re proud to share it with you. Our curated selection of wines, spirits, and craft beers celebrates both tradition and innovation, highlighting local makers alongside renowned producers from around the world. Join us for weekly tastings throughout September, each featuring sips that tell stories, a fitting toast for National Literacy Month.
Heritage & Family Legacies
Where tradition is passed down, and sometimes discovered.
McBride Sisters Red Blend
Sisters separated by oceans, united by wine.
Some bottles carry history in every sip, and the McBride Sisters Red Blend is one of them. Founded by sisters Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John, the McBride Sisters Wine Company is the largest Black-owned and women-founded wine company in the United States, breaking barriers while making wine approachable and deeply personal. Their story is as remarkable as their wines. Robin grew up in Monterey, California, while Andréa was raised in Marlborough, New Zealand. Robin and Andréa didn’t know about the other until their father passed away in 1999. The family helped connect them, and the sisters met for the first time at LaGuardia Airport when Andréa was just 16. Despite growing up oceans apart, both were surrounded by vineyards and developed a passion for wine. That shared passion led them to build a business together. In 2005, they started importing New Zealand wines, and later launched their own labels. And in 2017, they brought everything under the McBride Sisters Collection. Their wines now reflect both their worlds, sourcing fruit from California’s Central Coast and New Zealand’s Marlborough region, a beautiful symbol of their story. But the McBride Sisters brand is more than wine. Their Black Girl Magic collection celebrates the beauty and resilience of Black women, while their SHE CAN canned wines fund scholarships for women in leadership. Every bottle is both a pour and a platform—for inclusivity, empowerment, and community.
Di Giovanna ‘Filla’ Nerello Mascalese
Love, family, and Sicily in a bottle.
This Sicilian red honors the volcanic terroir of Mount Etna and the family’s multi-generational winemaking traditions, but it also comes with a love story straight out of a movie. Melissa Di Giovanna, once a New York sales manager, met Sicilian winemaker Gunther Di Giovanna while working in the city. They fell in love, she married him, and moved to Sicily. Today, their children’s artwork even graces the labels, keeping family at the heart of the brand. The Di Giovanna estate is a fifth-generation winery tucked into the Sicani Mountains of western Sicily. Brothers Gunther and Klaus now carry on their parents’ vision, crafting wines that honor tradition and the rugged landscape around them. With Melissa leading sales and marketing, the next generation is already part of the story—their sons and cousins designed a wine label in 2021. Long before “sustainability” was a buzzword, the family converted their high-elevation vineyards to certified organic farming in the 1990s. Today, they continue to thrive with biodiversity, working with both native grapes like Nero d’Avola and Nerello Mascalese and international varieties. Their wines are vibrant, authentic, and unmistakably Sicilian.
Cathiard Vineyard 2020 Founding Brothers Red Wine
Ghost wineries, wildfires, and a little bit of magic.
If this wine could talk, it would lean in close and say, “Let me tell you a story…” It would start in 1880, with two adventurous Scottish brothers, James and William Rennie, stepping off a ship into sunny California with little more than ambition, grit, and a love for the vine. They planted sixty acres of Napa Valley, built a stone winery, and whispered dreams into the soil—dreams that survived Prohibition, years of neglect, and long stretches as a “ghost winery.”
Then, in 2020, the Cathiard family waltzed onto the scene, eyes sparkling with mischief and reverence. They revived the estate, brought in winemaker Justine Labbé, and decided it was time to honor those original dreamers. The result? The Founding Brothers Red: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, from vines over 25 years old, aged in French oak and large foudres, carrying that signature Rutherford dust and a whisper of spice. Even wildfires couldn’t dim its brilliance.
Pour a glass and listen carefully—the wine tells tales of boldness, revival, and Napa Valley magic. It’s history, heart, and heritage all wrapped up in a bottle. And the best part? Every sip makes you feel like you’re part of the story.
These wines celebrate family, heritage, and personal growth—much like beloved reads such as Little Women, The Joy Luck Club, Wine Girl, and The Wine Lover’s Daughter, stories that highlight intergenerational bonds and the legacies that shape us.
Romantic & Fiction-Inspired
For the dreamers, the romantics, and the storytellers.
Ca’ Furlan Rosé Prosecco
Italian tradition meets sparkling celebration.
Bright, crisp, and festive, this sparkling rosé celebrates Italian winemaking and family heritage. Winemaker Alessandro Furlan grew up making wine at his family’s vineyard in Friuli before branching out with his own label. Inspired by his grandfather’s work in wine retail during WWII and his father’s creation of the Franco Furlan label in the 1960s, Alessandro carried the tradition forward—but on his own terms. Partnering with longtime friend Charlie Trivinia of Regal Wine Imports, he created Ca’ Furlan (“House of Furlan”), a winery rooted in tradition yet designed to reach new audiences. Their Cuvée Beatrice, named after a family member, adds a personal touch to the label. Made primarily from Glera, the wines reflect Prosecco’s humble origins as a farmer’s everyday drink—high-quality, approachable, and celebratory.
Lafiole Viognier
The bottle that bends time.
Sometimes the story is told by the bottle itself. The La Fiole is one of the most recognizable shapes in wine, its twisted, weathered design dating back to the 1950s. Charles Brotte, founder of Maison Brotte in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, wanted a bottle that captured the spirit of centuries-old Rhône wines warped over time by cellar conditions. With the help of a local glassmaker, he designed a bottle that looked naturally aged and imperfect—an instant icon. Today, the curved La Fiole bottle still signals tradition, craftsmanship, and timeless character, making every pour feel like a page from history.
The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum
A mythical pour for adventurous spirits.
Some spirits carry legends in every drop, and The Kraken® Rum is one of them. Long ago, in the treacherous waters of the Caribbean, a lone ship carrying barrels of spiced rum was attacked by a colossal, tentacled beast.
All aboard were dragged into the depths, and only one barrel survived—stained with the ink of the creature we now know as The Kraken. That surviving barrel became a symbol of resilience and mystery, and today, The Kraken® Rum channels that same power in every pour. Deep, dark, and layered with rich spices—cinnamon, clove, and hints of vanilla—it’s a rum that invites both reverence and adventure.
Whether you’re raising a glass to legends, crafting a dramatic Dark ‘n’ Stormy, or simply savoring a moment of indulgence, The Kraken® Rum transforms every sip into an experience. With its inky darkness and bold character, it reminds us that the most unforgettable spirits are the ones with stories worth telling.
These romantic and fiction-inspired wines and spirits invite playful, enchanting experiences—much like feel-good reads such as Harry Potter, The Night Circus, The Rosie Project, Percy Jackson & the Olympians, and The House in the Cerulean Sea, stories that spark joy, wonder, and imagination.
Innovative & Playful Spirits
Craft with a twist—and a sense of fun.
Elvelo Tequila
Born from volcanic soils, crafted to ignite your cocktails.
Not all agave spirits are created equal—and ElVelo Tequila proves why terroir matters. Sourced entirely from the volcanic-rich soils of Jalisco’s Tequila Valley, this 100% Puro de Agave tequila delivers bold, full-flavored depth that elevates any cocktail. It’s more than tequila—it’s the result of a masterful collaboration with second-generation Master Distiller Carlos Hernandez Ramos of La Cofradia.
The goal? To create a spirit that shines in every pour—whether a classic Margarita, a refreshing Paloma, or a modern twist on a Rosita. With 44.5% ABV in a generous 1L format, ElVelo isn’t shy—it’s built to make an impression. The secret lies in the Valley itself.
At roughly 1,200 meters, its volcanic-rich soils—shaped by eruptions over 200,000 years ago and rich in Basalt, Andesite, and Rhyolite—give the agave a distinctive mineral depth, producing a bold, earthy character you can taste in every sip. Shake it, sip it, savor it—ElVelo captures the very essence of the Tequila Valley in your glass. It’s the kind of spirit that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable, a philosophy we love celebrating at Girard Craft & Cork.
Good Boy Vodka
A vodka with a purpose.
There’s something about a vodka that feels like it was made for more than just cocktails—something that carries a story in every sip.
That’s the vibe you get with Good Boy Vodka.
Born from a deep appreciation for life’s finest moments, it’s the kind of spirit that celebrates memories—big and small—while quietly doing a world of good. This isn’t just vodka; it’s a purpose-driven experience. From supporting military veterans to championing K9 heroes and pet shelters, Good Boy has woven giving back into every bottle. And now, they’re expanding that mission, lifting up women navigating life’s toughest challenges, including breast cancer recovery.
Every pour becomes a small reminder that even indulgence can be meaningful.
The liquid itself mirrors that ethos—smooth, approachable, and effortlessly versatile, ready for a classic martini, a bright mule, or just a quiet moment of reflection. But the magic is in the story it tells: of veterans and loyal dogs, of communities coming together, and of moments that linger long after the glass is empty. Good Boy Vodka isn’t just for sipping, it’s for celebrating. It’s for raising a toast to those who serve, those who love, and those who dare to make a difference. In every drop, there’s a memory, a mission, and a little spark of something unforgettable.
McClintock Distilling Company
Where history meets innovation in every bottle.
Ever wonder what happens when history, innovation, and craft collide in a bottle?
That’s McClintock Distilling Company. Named for 19th-century inventor McClintock Young, this Maryland distillery transforms organic, heirloom grains into pre-Prohibition-style spirits that are full of flavor and character.
Every step—from stone-burr grinding to sustainable, eco-conscious production—shows their commitment to quality you can taste.
The story behind the name is just as captivating. McClintock Young’s inventive spirit might have been lost to time if not for the discovery of an old stone cabin in Frederick, Maryland, whose contents had been locked away for generations.
When the cabin came into the hands of one of the distillery’s owners, McClintock’s ingenuity was rediscovered. Some say the distillery chose his name; the team believes his spirit chose them.
Even the labels tell a story. Inspired by Arts & Crafts and Victorian design, McClintock’s bottles feature intricate line drawings, ornamental flourishes, and vintage typography—from botanical illustrations on the Forager Gin to decorative borders on the Bootjack Rye Whiskey. Each label reflects the same playful, inventive spirit found inside the bottle.
We’re proud to be McClintock’s biggest seller. Every bottle is more than a drink, it’s an experience. Whether you’re sipping at home, sharing with friends, or exploring the distillery, McClintock delivers ingenuity, care, and community in every pour—and it’s easy to see why our customers keep coming back.
These spirits invite experimentation and discovery, much like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Alchemist, Big Magic, and Stardust—books that encourage curiosity, playfulness, and adventure.
Local Legends: Brewed in Delaware
Hometown pride in every pint.
Dogfish Head Brewery
Off-centered ales for off-centered people.
If you think craft beer is all about tradition, think again—Dogfish Head has been rewriting the rules of brewing since day one, one quirky batch at a time. In June 1995, Sam and Mariah Calagione opened Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware’s first brewpub. Brewing on a tiny system that produced just 12 gallons at a time, they experimented freely, creating bold, unconventional beers that became their signature off-centered ales—and proving that great things really do come in small kegs. In 2002, a stainless-steel bin discovered in a scrapyard became “Frankenstill,” launching Dogfish Head’s hand-distilled gin, rum, and vodka. Today, Frankenstill stands at their Milton campus as a symbol of their adventurous spirit—and a reminder that a little “mad science” can create monstrously good spirits. Dogfish Head isn’t just about beverages. They’ve created experiences: the Dogfish Inn in Lewes offers a stylish base for beer lovers, and Chesapeake & Maine serves fresh coastal seafood alongside handcrafted cocktails and Dogfish beers. Their 2019 merger with The Boston Beer Company expanded their reach while keeping creativity at the core. At Girard Craft & Cork, we celebrate breweries that push boundaries—and Dogfish Head does just that.
The dogfish head beers capture creativity, community, and a strong sense of place, much like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Martian, The Old Man and the Sea, The Beach, and Moby-Dick, stories that inspire exploration, humor, and connection to the sea.
Sip With a Story in Delaware
Every bottle at Girard Craft & Cork tells a story of heritage, creativity, and adventure. Explore our wines, craft beers, and spirits, and experience the rich flavors and stories behind every sip.
All purchases must be made in-store with a valid ID. You must be 21 or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Written with AI support and edited by our team. Product stories are based on brand sources, and we’ll fix any errors if noted.