Survival skilled and Alone contestant Mark D’Ambrosio noticed a possibility to alter the way in which folks take into consideration — and luxuriate in — good wine.
My favourite a part of shopping for an excellent bottle of wine must be the free ammunition. Obviously, the tailored journey itinerary and equipment manifest is a detailed second.
Oh, and consuming it’s fantastic, too.
This is the expertise of consuming Woodsman wines. The brainchild of Mark D’Ambrosio, knowledgeable mountain survival skilled — maybe higher identified for his function on the acute actuality survival present Alone (season 7) — Woodsman wine gives up some distinctive perks past simply the fun of an excellent classic.
“The taste of the wine is an added benefit, but it is not the purpose of the wine,” D’Ambrosio advised me. That might sound like an odd enterprise mannequin, however that’s as a result of the 37-year-old former Marine reconnaissance scout sniper isn’t a lot within the wine enterprise as he’s within the outside journey enterprise.
Less than one 12 months previous, Woodsman wine is devoted to getting its clients outdoor and equipping them for a memorable time. Each bottle has a QR code with an thought for an approachable, enjoyable outside expertise that features planning ideas, a gear checklist, and meals pairing concepts.
What’s extra, every varietal comes with its personal piece of survival equipment — so if all heck broke free, you’d have a fightin’ shot of getting out the onerous approach!
Woodsman Wine: Drink It Outside
Currently, Woodsman gives 4 varieties, three reds and one white. Each bottle prices $50-60, what D’Ambrosio calls “mid-tier.” And all the wines carry their very own journey plan and a novel tether to the outside.
The Hunter: Cabernet Sauvignon
The Hunter bottle has a Nosler precision rifle bullet and is wrapped with 550 paracord. It makes for a cool-looking bottle, however make no mistake — you should utilize these instruments.
“You can load it and take an elk with it,” D’Ambrosio mentioned. And the 550 wire is a perfect companion for bushcraft — use it to construct a shelter or strap cargo.
Or, put it to work on one of many Woodsman adventures. D’Ambrosio hopes some of us will create a bow drill with a stick and the wire, after which use the indentation within the backside of the bottle as a socket. From there, you’re a lot of the option to beginning an genuine, primitive friction fireplace.
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The Angler: Sauvignon Blanc
White meat pairs effectively with white wine. Not solely does The Angler complement fish on the dinner desk, nevertheless it’ll additionally make it easier to catch the rattling factor.
This bottle comes with a wooly bugger lure, what D’Ambrosio calls “the best fly for every fish that eats another fish — fresh water or salt.”
Wrapping the neck of this bottle is sufficient string to make a fundamental Tenkara rod, and you may even use the cork as a bobber.
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The Woodsman: Red Blend
Looking for only a general-purpose wine? Go for a mix. Likewise, The Woodsman gives up some general-purpose instruments.
The miniature axe on this bottle is mostly a ferro rod — scrape it with any sharp object to throw a spark. And to essentially enhance your odds of beginning some backcountry fireplace, The Woodsman is wrapped with jute, probably the greatest fibers for catching fireplace.
Heck, in case you’re actually in a pinch, chug the wine, break the bottle, and use that to make your spark.
Check Price at The Woodsman Selection
The Archer: Cabernet Franc
If D’Ambrosio’s nascent assortment had a headlining classic, it could be his cab franc. He’ll admit he’s not a “wine guy,” however when he tried this selection for the primary time, he knew he preferred it.
As such, this wine has a particular and extra decorative present. Building a standard bow is one other journey D’Ambrosio has notched, so there’s some fundamental bowstring up for the duty.
But the stone level arrowhead, although technically succesful in a actual bind, isn’t designed to take recreation. It’s extra of a token and a reminder to get exterior and reside life.
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The Woodsman Box Set & More
The Woodsman Collection continues to be in its early phases, however D’Ambrosio is already wanting forward at constructing extra adventures and extra extras. For the 12 months to come back, he’s taking a look at extra outdoor-ready and price-accessible choices with $20-30 wines in aluminum bottles.
And on the different finish of the spectrum, he’s actually constructing premium choices for many who need one thing additional particular. The Woodsman Box Set incorporates considered one of every bottle inside a hand-crafted field.
Handmade by D’Ambrosio’s employees of three: “Me, myself, and I,” he joked.
In addition to the wine and memento field, this present set contains two tumblers, two coasters, two marshmallow sticks for roasting, and a nifty Ah-So wine opener to protect the cork — all for $599.
And for folk who merely can not get sufficient journey — or wine — The Woodsman Collection has three tiers of its subscription service Wine Club: The Explorer, The Adventurer, and (my private favourite) “American As F@ck.”
Each of those subscriptions comes with unique entry to adventures and backcountry retreats — with the person himself. And it doesn’t matter what, D’Ambrosio desires of us to know, it’s about extra than simply fancy-schmancy vino:
“Some people may like it and some people won’t, but everybody will love the adventure,” he mentioned. “But that wine will taste that much sweeter outside, after one of these adventures.”
Learn extra concerning the wine and get some for your self at The Woodsman Collection.
