GRAMMY-nominated future funk band Lettuce has teamed up with Colorado-based natural winery Aquila Cellars to launch Lettuce Crush Vol. 1, a new line of wines debuting with two distinct blends, Red Crush and Orange Crush. Created with the same care and creative spirit that defines the band’s approach to music at one of the country’s most innovative wineries, Lettuce Crush is available for purchase now throughout the U.S. and will begin rolling out at select Colorado retailers and restaurants this summer.
Handcrafted at high elevation in Paonia, Colorado, Lettuce Crush Red Crush and Orange Crush, are each grown organically, produced without additives, and shaped by the raw creative ethos shared between both collaborators.
“Lettuce has always stood for well-made things in their purest form,” the band shares. “Well-made records, well-made instruments, well-made food—and now, well-made wine. We don’t need filler, additives or any gobbledygook. So, we decided to make a wine that is just that, nothing added or taken away, just as Mother Earth intended it.”
A high-altitude spin on the Italian table wine tradition, Red Crush is a 50/50 blend of Teroldego and Barbera, fermented 50% whole-cluster and barrel-aged for 10 months in neutral oak. The result is a bold yet balanced red, bursting with black and red fruit from the Barbera, and layered with the savory, herbal complexity of Teroldego—traditionally grown in the high Dolomites. It’s a natural pairing for a long dinner table, but versatile enough to sip solo with the right record on.
“It’s high country meets low country in a glass,” says Brandt Thibodeaux, winemaker and co-founder of Aquila Cellars. “Deeply rooted, high-acid, soulful—it’s the kind of wine that plays like a groove.”
Built on a base of Riesling and Pinot Gris, Orange Crush is a textural field blend full of citrus zest, tropical fruit, and a surprising hit of raspberry through the mid-palate. Fermented on the skins, it’s bright and wild with just enough grip to hold its shape. It's a porch pounder with enough structure to cellar and pop at the next album drop or you might decide to crush it yourself before the second set.
“There’s something energetically primal about a field blend,” says Thibodeaux. “When you are harvesting the grapes and you see the different colors and characters enjoying each other's company in the bin, you can't help but think....this is how it was meant to be.”
As the name suggests, Lettuce Crush is as much about intention as it is flavor. The collaboration was born out of mutual respect between two teams steeped in improvisation, analog warmth, and a shared love of making something from nothing. The result is a pair of wines that feel spontaneous but grounded, playful yet disciplined.
“We’re stoked to finally have our own custom blend of wine to bring to the people,” says saxophonist Ryan Zoidis. “Grown and vinified in Colorado, this natty juice will be a great addition to every party dinner or show!”
“Aquila Cellars has been a trailblazer in the Colorado wine scene for the last 5 years. Growing organic grapes in some of the highest vineyards of North America is very difficult and expensive. These wines came out GREAT and we’re beyond grateful to Aquila Cellars for making the first-ever Lettuce Crush happen,” adds trumpeter Eric Bloom.
For fans in Colorado, Lettuce will be hosting an official launch party on Tuesday, July 2nd at My Boy Tony in Denver. The event is open to the public, kicking off at 7pm and featuring an all-vinyl deep cut set by NELLI. Attendees will be able to purchase the wine on-site as well as buy fee-free tickets to the band’s upcoming July 4th performance with GZA at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom.
Lettuce Crush marks the first pour in what promises to be a flavorful new chapter for the band. This isn’t the only new culinary crossover endeavor in the works, so stay tuned for additional announcements the band is cooking up soon.
Lettuce Crush is now available to ship nationwide. To learn more and order, please visit: lettucefunk.com/wine
