People have different opinions on the best beverage to pair with pizza. But entrepreneurs Kevin Klein and Josh Green aim to unite everyone’s answer with Pie Wine. The company appeared on the first episode of season 15 but didn’t get a deal from the Sharks. As of 2024, Pie Wine is worth an estimated $2 million.
Meet the Founders
The co-founders are real pizza lovers, and it was obvious when they entered the stage. They presented a product that was strange yet innovative. Apart from being solely made for pizza, it stood out with its carbonated properties, which are uncommon in wines.
Pie Wine’s history is as endearing as it is tasty. Josh and Kevin have been friends since they were kids. The two have worked in completely different fields.
Previously, Kevin worked as a journalist, he wrote for several media publications and hosted a couple of shows. Currently, he is the host of the Klein Alley Show on 106.7 KROQ in LA.
On the other hand, Josh was involved in investment banking. He and Kevin shared the same favorite food growing up but as they matured, they developed an interest in winemaking and decided to combine the two.
Founding Pie Wine
Pie Wine was born in 2022 and three flavors of canned wine were released to the public: Sweet Za (Sweet White), World Famous Red (Red Wine), and Classic Crisp (White Wine). Each was formulated to complement the taste of different types of pizza.
One could say they invented a new category for food and beverages. Thus, Pie Wine advertised itself as the go-to option for individuals seeking a convenient drink to elevate their pizza party experiences.
As “The OG Pizza Wine,” the company did not fall short of gaining media attention and got coverage from The Washington Post and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. This pales in comparison to the attention from Shark Tank. From watching the pitch, you could tell Kevin works in radio!
After Shark Tank
Like many startups that set foot on the stage, Pie Wine is already benefiting from the Shark Tank effect. An estimated 3.5 million people tuned into the episode, free advertising that’s worth millions!
Not long ago, the company was only accepting pre-orders. However, the founders came prepared for the spike in exposure and are well stocked up to cope with demand. Right now, Pie Wine is only available to buy on their PieWine.com.
Recently, they have partnered with C.A. Fortune and are aiming to get into 40 states. Their unique design will stand out on the shelf! Also, they have teamed up with NewLine Beverage, a wholesale beverage distributor that helps brands scale.
You can purchase 4-packs of 12-ounce cans for $20 and 12-packs for $60. Since they’re relatively new, there are no customer reviews on their site. Kevin Klein and Josh Green dove into this project without a lot of entrepreneurial experience, but their unique idea has taken them a long way.
It’s exciting to see where they go from here. Kevin’s connections in the media and celebrity friends will help keep them in the spotlight.
