Importer Profile

Zev Rovine

Zev Rovine has revolutionized natural wine importing, growing his business to 30 states with an exceptional portfolio of 90 producers across seven countries. Known for his passion and meticulous curation, Rovine specializes in small-batch, organic wines with minimal intervention. By fostering deep relationships with winemakers and buyers, he has established himself as a trusted figure in the natural wine world, scaling his business while maintaining its artisanal ethos.

Featured Producers from Zev Rovine

Lammidia Davide E Marco
Lammidia - Abruzzo, Italy

Davide Gentile and Marco Giuliani, childhood friends from Abruzzo who lost touch after university, reunited with a shared passion for wine. Together, they embarked on a winemaking journey fueled by a deep appreciation for natural methods and bold experimentation. Unlike many, they eschewed formal wine education, agronomists, and oenologists, opting instead to learn through hands-on experience in vineyards and cellars. Their inaugural fermentation in 2010 was plagued by mishaps, prompting them to seek the intervention of an expert grandmother, known for her skill in dispelling the evil eye, to perform a ritual over their grapes. Miraculously, it proved successful, giving rise to Lammidia ("evil eye" in Abruzzese dialect), their venture into winemaking. - From Cream Wine

Explore Lammidia
Gabrio Bini Winemaker
Gabrio Bini - Sicily, Italy

Gabrio Bini's transformation from eccentric architect to eccentric winemaker finds its stage on the volcanic island of Pantelleria. Nestled amidst rugged terrain and renowned for its hot springs and capers, Pantelleria serves as the unconventional canvas for Bini's winemaking artistry. Employing 100% natural fermentation in clay amphorae, Bini embraces the island's native grapes—Pignatello, Catarratto, and Zibibbo—allowing extended skin contact to yield wines that reflect the untamed essence of their terroir. Each sip unveils a wild expression of Pantelleria, evolving dynamically with every moment in the glass.

Explore Gabrio Bini
Domaine De Loctavin Winemaker
Domaine de l'Octavin - Jura, France

Alice Bouvot proudly owns 5 hectares of vineyards in the Arbois region of the Jura. Beginning her domaine in 2005 with just 2 hectares, Alice gradually acquired small plots over the years, expanding her production. Some of our most cherished winery visits are with Alice and her delightful sons. Beyond her warmth, the vineyards themselves exude vibrancy. L’Octavin is now Demeter biodynamic certified, and Alice wholeheartedly conveys this ethos. Embracing a holistic approach, wild grasses, weeds, insects, and animals coexist harmoniously within their vines, creating a rich ecosystem that imparts deeper meaning to each glass of her wine.

Explore Domaine de l'Octavin

All Producers We've Stocked

Zev Rovine Portfolio

  • Chateau de Beru
  • Domaine de l`Ange Vin
  • Jean Pierre Robinot
  • Schmelzer
  • Frank Cornelissen
  • Lammidia
  • Meinklang

Feature Wines From Zev Rovine

 
Meinklang Roter Mulatschak Zweigelt, St. Laurent natural red wine Burgenland, Austria
 
zibbibo gabrio bini pantelleria sicily italy  natural orange wine
 
DĂŠferlante OrangĂŠe" VDF White  LES VIGNES D'OLIVIER natural Sparkling Wine Languedoc France
 
cigogne domaine de l octavin natural Rose wine Jura France

The Whole Story

Zev Rovine Profile

Zev Rovine has built a thriving natural wine importing business that spans 30 states and continues to grow at a rapid pace. Beginning as a waiter in New York City, Rovine's passion for wine was sparked by a sommelier course he earned through a sales challenge. His fascination with natural wine deepened through early influences like Kermit Lynch and experiences managing a wine bar in Utah. In 2009, Rovine launched his distribution business, initially selling small batches of imported wines. By 2011, he had established direct relationships with French producers and shifted to exclusively representing natural wines.

Rovine’s portfolio now includes 90 winemakers across seven countries, offering unique, small-batch wines made with certified organic grapes and minimal intervention. Known for his rigorous curation and hands-on approach, Rovine visits each winery annually to ensure quality and authenticity. Buyers and producers alike praise his dedication to the art of natural winemaking. Notable producers like Frank Cornelissen credit Rovine for expanding their reach in the U.S.

Expanding the business, Rovine established Sylvester Rovine Selections in California in 2016, growing his presence in a rapidly evolving wine market. With a staff of nine, strong relationships with producers, and an unwavering focus on natural wines, Rovine has scaled his company while staying true to the artisanal spirit of his portfolio.