For 20 years, Albert Hammond Jr. has traveled the globe as guitarist for The Strokes and in support of his own solo albums. These memorable journeys have inspired his new venture – JETWAY, a naturally uplifting ultra-premium wine seltzer.
“JETWAY was sparked by an evening in Italy where strangers became friends; it was such a special moment in time,” explains Albert Hammond Jr., who will be pouring JETWAY at Outside Land’s “Winelands” in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park this coming Halloween weekend, where The Strokes are headline performers.
Unlike hard seltzers, JETWAY does not contain cane sugar or artificial flavors. The first two offerings – a Sauvignon Blanc and a Rosé of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, are sourced from the McNary Vineyard, which overlooks the Columbia River in Washington state. Both are blended with distinct and rare ingredients that enhance well-being – including elderflower, yerba mate, Fijian ginger and yuzu – all of which were hand-picked by Hammond Jr., as they are inspired from his travels and childhood.
“Half the enjoyment of JETWAY is its aroma – it takes you on a journey and makes you want to keep going back for another smell and taste,” says Hammond Jr. “The color is beautiful and the bubbles playful. I want JETWAY to be the bridge to your next adventure, whatever that might be – hanging at home with friends, a night out or an exotic trip.”
Hammond Jr. has tapped Ben Parsons as JETWAY’s Chief Operating Officer. A renowned winemaker and brand builder, Parsons pioneered the canned wine category, which was named as one of the most important wine trends of the decade. Throughout his 20-year career, he has worked to dispel elitism and mysticism in the world of wine while bringing a quality, disruptive product to the masses.
“JETWAY is all about a sense of place,” notes Ben Parsons. “At its core, it’s a single vineyard designate wine blended with distinct and rare ingredients that actually complement the wine, coming together in unison to make something better. Wine has a healthy halo in its DNA since it’s made with grapes, so the added ingredients only enhance that.”
The JETWAY Family also includes investors Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Nick Hoult, Coran Capshaw, Robert Schwartzman and Zoey Grossman.
Beginning in October, JETWAY will be available in stores and restaurants in the Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego, distributed by Scout, an independently owned craft alcohol wholesaler based in San Diego. JETWAY will also be available at The Strokes’ show in Los Angeles at The Forum on October 27 and Outside Lands in San Francisco, October 29-31. Distribution will continue to expand throughout the fall/winter of 2021 and into 2022.
At 100 calories per 8.4 fl. oz. can, JETWAY wine seltzers are 5% alcohol by volume. No sugar added, gluten-free and vegan-friendly, the drinks are presented in cans with artwork that evokes the golden age of travel.