Kalche Wines
When I imagine the world I want—for my friends, my future children, and for myself—it’s a world rooted in justice, sustainability, and community. A world where joy and equity are intertwined, where art and activism co-exist, and where people are valued more than profit. That vision is precisely what Kalchē Wine Cooperative is building—one beautifully crafted bottle at a time.
Kalchē isn't just a winery; it’s a revolution in a bottle. Based in Fletcher, Vermont, this queer- and women-owned cooperative is reimagining what the wine industry can and should be. Founded by Justine Belle Lambright (they/them), Grace Meyer (she/her), and Kathline Chery (she/her), Kalchē is structured around the principles of solidarity economics—meaning their success isn’t measured by elitist accolades or profit margins, but by how equitably they operate and how responsibly they care for both land and labor.
In an industry with deeply entrenched roots in white supremacy, colonization, and patriarchy, Kalchē is carving out a new narrative—one that uplifts workers, centers marginalized voices, and challenges the status quo. By choosing a worker-owned model, they redistribute power from the few to the many, building an ecosystem that values collaboration over competition and people over prestige. It’s not just radical—it’s necessary.
Their winemaking philosophy reflects the same bold, forward-thinking spirit. Kalchē uses low-intervention, small-batch production methods rooted in ecological integrity. They focus on botanicals, hybrid grapes, and local fruit, showcasing the beauty and abundance of the land they steward. By embracing hybrid varieties—grapes often dismissed by traditionalists—they’re defying elitist norms and creating space for innovation and inclusivity. Their fermentation techniques maximize resourcefulness, minimize waste, and reduce environmental impact, proving that sustainability and artistry can absolutely coexist.
One of Kalchē’s standout offerings is The Bluest, a wine that embodies their creative and disruptive energy. It’s a blend of two early vintage cuvées: the first, a direct-pressed Marquette, fermented cool over whole clusters of Petite Pearl; the second, a nouveau-style Petite Pearl from their very first release, made using semi-carbonic maceration. It’s layered, expressive, and unafraid to push boundaries. It challenges what we expect from wine—not only how it tastes, but how it's made, and who gets to make it.
Their wines are more than just beverages—they’re stories, values, and visions bottled up. Every label speaks to intention, rebellion, and possibility. A red meant to be chilled? That’s Kalchē. A wine made with botanicals and backyard fruit? That’s Kalchē. A company that believes farming, fermentation, and liberation can all happen in the same space? That’s Kalchē.
And maybe that’s why their mission resonates so deeply with me. Because when I think about a better world, it’s not one where everyone becomes the same—it’s one where everyone has space to show up fully, authentically, and safely. Kalchē makes that world feel not just possible, but deliciously real.
So yes—Kalchē makes stunning wines. But more than that, they make a statement: that wine can be queer, ethical, radically transparent, and still knock your socks off. They are helping to build a world I want to live in—one sip at a time.
