August 14, 2025 (St. Helena, CA) — Winemaker Josh Phelps, Founder & CEO of Grounded Wine Co. and producer of premium California, Oregon, and Washington wines, is proud to announce the expansion of his longstanding partnership with Skurnik Wines & Spirits in California. Since the launch of Grounded Wine Co. in 2019, the two companies have built a strong relationship, beginning in New York and now spanning nine U.S. markets.
With the addition of California, Skurnik Wines & Spirits will now represent the Grounded Wine Co. portfolio in Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
“We have worked with the Skurnik family since we launched our first wines in 2019, and we have a tremendous partnership that has helped Grounded Wine Co. grow and expand in key markets across the country. We’re excited to expand our collaboration with Skurnik in California,” said Josh Phelps, owner of Grounded Wine Co. “Best of all, Skurnik is a multi-generational family company, which is refreshing at a time when there is so much consolidation.”
“We’ve admired Josh’s vision and approach to winemaking since the very beginning,” said David Skurnik, Executive Vice President of Skurnik Wines & Spirits. “Grounded Wine Co. combines an unwavering commitment to quality with a style and authenticity that resonates with today’s consumers. Expanding our partnership into Grounded’s home market of California is an exciting opportunity to share these wines with an even broader audience.”
This next chapter with Skurnik Wines & Spirits marks a significant milestone for Grounded Wine Co., one that reflects the company’s commitment to thoughtful expansion, strong partnerships, and quality-driven growth.
About Grounded Wine Co.
Grounded in heritage, grounded in soil, grounded in simplicity – Grounded Wine Co.’s mission is to create wines that evoke a sense of place. Intriguing, clean, balanced, and accessible, Grounded Wine Co. produces terroir-driven wines with an emphasis on quality and experience. Grounded Wine Co. is the personal brand of Napa Valley native Josh Phelps, built to reflect his experience growing up in wine country, and his relationships in the wine community. The wines feature grapes from trusted, sustainable vineyards in California, Oregon, and Washington. Grounded Wine Co. crafts these wines in select quantities:
- Grounded by Josh Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon
- Grounded by Josh Phelps Sauvignon Blanc
- Landform Pinot Noir
- Space Age Rosé
- Steady State Cabernet Sauvignon
- Collusion Cabernet Sauvignon
- Public Radio Grenache Blend
About Josh Phelps
Josh’s roots run deep in Napa, where he was exposed to the industry from a young age, starting his very first endeavor in the wine world, “Napa Valet,” at age 15. He continued to build his knowledge of the business through college, selling wine, working harvest and creating wine for friends with his father, Chris Phelps. Chris & Josh still work together on Grounded Wine Co., and Chris also makes wine for Ad Vivum Cellars and COIL Wines. As a Napa local, Josh’s philosophies on winemaking and business are inspired by the luminaries of the wine world he calls his mentors and friends like Joel Gott, Kimberly Jones, the late Leslie Rudd, and of course, his own father, Chris Phelps.
Working with trusted farmers, Josh Phelps’ company reflects his deep understanding of wine, one that can only be developed growing up around the vines. He has been named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, along with Zagat’s 30 under 30, and Wine Enthusiast’s 40 under 40. Josh is an Eagle Scout, and enjoys mountain biking, fishing and snowboarding in his free time.
About Skurnik Wines & Spirits
Skurnik Wines & Spirits is a leading importer and distributor of fine wines and spirits, proudly family-owned and operated since its founding in 1987. Headquartered in New York City, the company represents a diverse portfolio of more than 500 producers from around the world, many of whom are also family-run. Skurnik is a national importer and operates as a direct wholesale distributor in nine key states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and California.
Known for its curated selections and unwavering commitment to quality, Skurnik serves customers and suppliers with expertise, integrity, and a passion for excellence. To learn more, visit www.skurnik.com or contact Jessica Fitzpatrick, Marketing & PR Coordinator at pr@skurnik.com.
