Our Shoutouts blog looks each week at an interesting person or organization in our oenoverse. Whether they’re new to you or a familiar face, we welcome discussion on these peeps and orgs. If you know of a link we missed, please do link it up.

This, our very first shoutout, goes out to the Rhone Rangers, whose mission it is to bring Rhone to your noggin’ by promoting American Rhone varietal wines, which are made from the same grapes that have flourished for centuries in France’s Rhone River Valley.

And it sure is a mighty fine time for these wines. Quoting the Sheriff-stached James Laube, “California’s Rhône Rangers are saddled up and ready to ride, armed with a pair of excellent vintages and firing off some truly amazing wines”. So it’s a good day to be a Syrah, at least a Paso Robles Syrah.

It’s not just Syrah and Grenache that are in the limelight. The Rangers are fighting the good fight on behalf of 22 Rhone varietals they want you to become best pals with. Even a sidekick like Mourvedre is starting to get attention.

Still not sure if you should trust these pilgrims? Bloomberg Businessweek’s article shines some light on some of the rangers behind the cool moniker.

For more info on how to sign up or find events, check out www.rhonerangers.org.