Other Than Standard" might actually make a good name for the winery. Bruno & George was started in Sour Lake in east Texas with the expressed purpose of making raisin wine - a type of wine made from dried grapes popular in old Sicily (and with many Sicilian immigrants to the US). Along the way, we have added some delicious fruit wines and a burgeoning east Texas success story has begun. It wasn't easy.

Winemaker Shawn Bruno had to get the Texas state legislature to repeal a law prohibiting making wine from dried fruit and get the BATF to allow him to make (and label) a raisin wine over 14% alcohol. In a compromise with the BATF, because there is no category for raisin win over 14% alcohol, our raisin wine is labeled "Other than Standard”. The name has developed an affectionate following. In pubs and restaurants that serve our wines customers now just ask for OTS. We have successfully petitioned the BATF for a new category called “Dessert Raisin” but even though we were successful we have decided to keep our OTS label!

Shawn Bruno displaying the document signed by then Governor George W. Bush allowing the making of raisin wine

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"Other than Standard" Raisin Wine

Our award winning unique specialty will remind you of an Australian tawny Port-style wine. The color, weight, and feel of it are all close to tawny and the flavors are only one off with a lean toward raisins over other dried fruit. Not at all heavy the wine is balanced and flavorful with a hint of molasses. It has good length and finishes clean. Sip it as a cordial after dinner or as a great companion with pasta dishes. Serve at room temperature.

2007 - Texas Reserve Champion, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition

2007- Bronze Medalist, National Women's Wine Competition,

Napa  Valley, CA

©2001 Bruno & George