The Wine RayZyn Company

What The Wine RayZyn Company does

The Wine RayZyn Company is a family-owned packaged food business founded in 2014 in Napa, California, by cardiologist Chris Cates, M.D. and his son Andrew Cates. The company produces crunchy dried wine grape snacks under the RayZyn brand, including CabernayZyn (Cabernet Sauvignon), ChardonayZyn (Chardonnay), and MerlayZyn (Merlot) variants, plus chocolate-covered and cause-related extensions such as Rescue RayZyn. Its core technology is a patented on-vine dehydration process that caramelizes the wine grape seed inside the fruit while preserving the skin, stem, and nutrients, producing a product the company describes as the first USDA-recognized wine raisin category. Raw materials are sourced primarily from the founders' family-owned Segassia Vineyard on Mt. Veeder and from other Napa Valley vineyards that would otherwise leave wine grapes unharvested after wine production.

The company sells through a multi-channel distribution model: direct-to-consumer e-commerce via a Shopify storefront (rayzyn.com), national wholesale through KeHE (covering the entire U.S. via twelve regional DCs and reaching 1,500+ stores by 2017), QVC television retail (multiple appearances since 2016), United Airlines inflight sales, Faire wholesale marketplace, and B2B partnerships with restaurants, hotels, and specialty retailers. Pricing is positioned at the premium end of the snack category, with core SKUs priced at $29.99 for a 12-pack and bundles/samplers ranging from $11 to $49.99. The product line addresses health-conscious consumers, hospitality operators, and gift buyers, with positioning around antioxidant density, no alcohol content, non-GMO certification, Kosher certification (Star-K), and 2-4 year shelf life without preservatives. The company also operates a cause-related line (Rescue RayZyn) that donates to wildfire relief efforts and was the first Food Recovery Network Verified product.

Name

The Wine RayZyn Company

Legal name

The Wine RayZyn Company, LLC

Website

https://rayzyn.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Wine RayZyn Company is a family-owned Napa Valley food business that produces patented dried wine grape snacks (Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot varieties) plus chocolate-covered extensions, selling through DTC e-commerce, KeHE national wholesale, QVC, United Airlines, and hospitality partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Healthy Superfood Snacks

NAICS

Wineries (312130)

SIC

Canned, Fruits, Veg, Preserves, Jams & Jellies (2033)

akta.pro primary industry

Wine Production & Winemaking (AFAFAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wine Grape Vineyard Operations (Varietal/AVA Practices, Yield & Quality Targets) (AFAGAJAJ), Post-Harvest Grape Handling & Logistics (Sorting, Bins, Transport to Winery/Packhouse) (AFAGAJAH)

Keywords

• Dried wine grapes
• Healthy snack foods
• Superfood dried fruit
• Chocolate covered snacks
• Wine raisins

Headquarters

HQ city

Napa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce: The company sells products directly to consumers through their Shopify-powered e-commerce storefront at rayzyn.com, offering the full product catalog with various bundle and subscription options.
2. QVC Television Sales: Wine RayZyn products are sold through QVC television shopping network, featuring live demonstrations by co-founder Andrew Cates. Products launched on QVC include Dark Chocolate Covered CabernayZyn Truffles and various other products.
3. Wholesale and Foodservice Distribution: Products are distributed through wholesale channels including KeHE (the largest grocery distributor with 12 regional distribution centers), restaurant and hotel partners, and retail stores. As of 2017, the company had over 1,500 retail store locations.
4. B2B Partnership Sales: The company supplies products to airline partners (United Airlines), restaurants, hotels, and premium retailers as an ingredient or menu item, positioning the product as a complement to wine programs and gourmet offerings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Wine RayZyn Company manufactures and sells crunchy dried wine grape snacks in three varietal flavors—CabernayZyn (Cabernet Sauvignon), ChardonayZyn (Chardonnay), and MerlayZyn (Merlot)—made via a patented on-vine dehydration process that caramelizes the grape seed while preserving the stem and skin. The portfolio also includes dark chocolate-covered, sea salt caramel, and Greek yogurt-coated variants, plus cause-related Rescue RayZyn products built from grapes salvaged after the 2017 California wildfires. Products are sold direct-to-consumer online, on QVC, and through grocery, hospitality, and airline distribution.

Product overview

The Wine RayZyn Company offers a portfolio of crunchy superfood snacks made from specially dried wine grapes. The core product line consists of three varieties—CabernayZyn (Cabernet Sauvignon), ChardonayZyn (Chardonnay), and MerlayZyn (Merlot)—which are dried on the vine with seeds and stems intact, creating a unique nutty crunch. The company extends these base products with coated variants including dark chocolate-covered versions, sea salt caramel ChardonayZyn, and Greek yogurt covered MerlayZyn. Additional offerings include cause-related Rescue RayZyn products (supporting wildfire relief), various bundle and sampler packs, gift sets featuring recycled wine bottle goblets, and branded merchandise. The products are positioned as healthy alternatives to traditional raisins, emphasizing high antioxidant content, fiber, no alcohol, non-GMO ingredients, and sustainable farming practices. The company sells primarily through e-commerce with distribution through retailers, QVC, and United Airlines partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Segassia Vineyard: Family-owned private vineyard on Mt. Veeder in Napa Valley owned by the company's founders.

Products and services

• CabernayZyn Crunchy Superfood Snack Crunchy superfood snack made from specially dried Cabernet Sauvignon wine grapes with caramelized seeds for a nutty crunch; sold in 1.6oz, 8oz and 0.6oz sizes and positioned as a healthy, alcohol-free snack for health-conscious consumers and gift buyers.
• ChardonayZyn Crunchy Superfood Snack Crunchy superfood snack made from specially dried Chardonnay wine grapes with caramelized seeds; positioned for health-conscious snacking, baking, and cooking.
• MerlayZyn Crunchy Superfood Snack Crunchy superfood snack made from specially dried Merlot wine grapes with caramelized seeds; positioned as a better-for-you snack and culinary ingredient.
• Dark Chocolate Covered CabernayZyn Cabernet Sauvignon wine raisins enrobed in premium dark chocolate, sold in 12 individual 1.25oz bags and a case of 8 4.5oz bags; positioned as a heart-healthy, alcohol-free indulgent snack and gift.
• Sea Salt Caramel ChardonayZyn Chardonnay wine raisins enrobed in a sea salt caramel coating, sold in 12 individual 1.25oz bags; positioned as an indulgent yet portion-controlled treat.
• Greek Yogurt Covered MerlayZyn Merlot wine raisins enrobed in a smooth and creamy Greek yogurt coating, sold in 12 individual 1.25oz bags; positioned as a portion-controlled, better-for-you indulgence.
• CabernayZyn Truffles Dark chocolate-covered Cabernet Sauvignon wine raisins presented in a 42-piece premium gift box format; positioned as a gourmet, heart-healthy indulgence and gifting item.
• Rescue RayZyn Two Pack Two 4.5oz bags of Dark Chocolate Covered CabernayZyn made from wine grapes rescued after California wildfires, with $1 from each sale donated to the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund and Food Recovery Network.
• Wine RayZyn Bundle and Sampler Packs Multi-flavor and multi-format bundle assortments (e.g., Party-Size Variety Trio, Ultimate Sampler, Dark Chocolate Delight, Chocolate Bundles) combining the core and coated products into curated gift, party, and sampler packs.
• CabernayZyn Goblet Gift Set Wine goblets crafted from recycled wine bottles and packaged with 1.6oz of CabernayZyn, offered as a unique upcycled wine-themed gift set.

Quantifiable outcome

• More antioxidants than 15 pounds of Almonds, 100 pomegranates, and 2 pounds of Blackberries per serving
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• United AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 September 2019Wine RayZyn partnered with United Airlines in September 2019 for inflight sales, making products available to airline passengers with limited-time offers for those who fly United.
• QVCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 February 2019QVC is a major television shopping network partner that has featured Wine RayZyn products multiple times since 2016. Co-founder Andrew Cates has appeared on QVC multiple times (2016, 2018, 2019) to demonstrate products. QVC has been described as 'a great partner' with an 'amazing viewer fan base.' The worldwide launch of Dark Chocolate CabernayZyn Truffles occurred on QVC in February 2019.
• Food Recovery NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 September 2018Partnership with Food Recovery Network to launch the Rescue RayZyns campaign in support of local wildfire relief. The Rescue RayZyn product became the first ever Food Recovery Network Verified product. $1 from every online Rescue RayZyn purchase is split between the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund and Food Recovery Network.
• KeHE DistributorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 October 2016Wine RayZyn opened national distribution through KeHE, the largest grocery distributor in the country with twelve regional distribution centers covering the entire U.S. This enabled rapid expansion to over 1,500 stores by 2017.
• Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief FundminorOthersNon-profit disaster relief fund receiving $1 donations from Rescue RayZyn sales to support victims of the 2017 California wildfires. The fires destroyed 40% of Wine RayZyn's own Segassia Vineyard.
• Fine Dining Restaurants & HotelscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWine RayZyn partners with top restaurants, hotels, and premium retailers that share their passion for delivering exceptional experiences. Products are positioned as a perfect complement to curated wine lists, gourmet menus, and luxury hospitality settings. The company has a formal 'Partner with Wine RayZyn' program targeting fine dining establishments and boutique hotels.
• Specialty RetailerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe company partners with specialty retailers offering premium products. They have a retail partner application process and sell wholesale through Faire marketplace. Products are positioned for specialty food stores and gourmet retailers.
• Segassia Vineyard (Family-owned)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe company's family-owned Segassia Vineyard on Mt. Veeder in Napa Valley is their primary source for wine grapes. The vineyard has been in the family for three generations of award-winning vineyard and organic farming experience. 40% of the vineyard was destroyed in the 2017 California wildfires.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Made in Nature: Organic dried fruit brand (mangoes, cranberries, figs, raisins) sold through natural and mainstream grocery. Comparable to Wine RayZyn in organic/non-GMO positioning and dried-fruit snack format, with broader conventional retail reach.
• Mariani Packing Company: Premium dried fruit manufacturer with a portfolio of raisins, cranberries, and other dried fruits sold through retail and foodservice. Comparable to Wine RayZyn in product format (dried fruit snacks) and premium positioning.
• That's It. Fruit-based snack bar company built on simple, whole-fruit ingredient positioning. Comparable to Wine RayZyn in targeting health-conscious consumers with whole-fruit, no-additive snacks at premium price points.
• Sun-Maid Growers of California: The dominant U.S. raisin/dried grape brand. Sun-Maid is the most direct category analog to Wine RayZyn — both sell grape-based dried fruit snacks through grocery retail — though Sun-Maid operates at vastly greater scale with traditional seedless raisins.
• Bare Snacks: Maker of crunchy baked and dried fruit snacks (apple, banana, coconut chips). Comparable to Wine RayZyn as a premium, crunchy dried-fruit snack brand positioned on better-for-you snacking rather than chewy traditional dried fruit.
• Traina Foods: California-based producer of sun-dried and dried fruit products (tomatoes, apricots, raisins) sold B2B into foodservice and ingredients. Comparable to Wine RayZyn as a California-origin dried-fruit producer with both retail and foodservice reach.
• Peeled Snacks: Premium dried fruit snack brand emphasizing simple, real-fruit ingredients. Comparable to Wine RayZyn as a shelf-stable, dried-fruit snack positioned for healthy on-the-go consumption in convenience and grocery channels.

Emerging players

• True Made Foods: Emerging better-for-you snack brand using vegetable- and fruit-based sweeteners. Comparable to Wine RayZyn as a smaller emerging CPG brand pursuing health-conscious consumers through natural and grocery channels.

Broad incumbents

• KIND Snacks: Major better-for-you snack brand (bars, snack clusters) owned by Mars. Comparable to Wine RayZyn in targeting health-conscious consumers at premium price points and competing for similar healthy-snack occasions and retail real estate.
• Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds: Larger incumbent in the better-for-you snacking category with massive retail distribution and marketing spend. Comparable to Wine RayZyn as a healthy snack competitor on retail shelves, though Wonderful operates at national-scale CPG rather than premium niche.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TheWineRayZynCompany
• Instagraminstagram.com/winerayzyn
• Xx.com/winerayzyn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-wine-rayzyn-company

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Wine RayZyn Company