San Gorgonio Mountain Raisins

2016

Taste the difference of vine-dried raisins.

San Gorgonio Mountain Raisins, founded by Winston Alford-Hamburg and James Hunt, brought a unique raisin experience to life. By using Red Flame Seedless grapes, specially cultivated for vine-drying, the raisins were left to dry directly on the vine for five weeks. This careful process concentrated their natural sweetness and preserved their velvety texture, setting them apart from traditional raisins. With their natural tannins intact, they delivered a flavor profile that paid homage to the art of fine viticulture.

A healthy indulgence.

San Gorgonio Mountain Raisins were more than just a snack; they embodied a true culinary experience. The careful drying of entire grape clusters directly on the vine gave each raisin a rich, concentrated flavor that delighted the palate. Unlike traditional raisins, which often lose their complexity during processing, these vine-dried clusters retained their natural sugars and a velvety texture, creating a snack that was both indulgent and healthful.

Beyond their inherent sweetness, the clusters offered an unexpected decorative quality, bringing rustic charm to every table they graced. The product’s versatility was one of its greatest strengths. San Gorgonio Mountain Raisins could be enjoyed in a multitude of ways: as a stand-alone snack that paired well with nuts and cheeses, as an elegant topping for salads where their sweetness balanced savory flavors, or as a garnish for desserts, adding a hint of nature's sweetness with a touch of visual flair.

Their intact tannins contributed a subtle complexity, making them an excellent companion to dishes that called for a nuanced flavor profile. Packed with fiber and natural fructose, they provided a nutritious alternative to processed sweets, offering consumers a way to indulge without compromising on health. Each branch of raisins told the story of a traditional craft, offering not just flavor, but a beautiful expression of natural, hand-grown origins that brought elegance and authenticity to any dining experience.

Say hello to gourmet quality.

San Gorgonio Mountain Raisins tapped into an untapped market for on-the-vine dried raisins, showcasing the artistry of hand-grown produce. The drying process allowed the grapes’ natural tannins to develop fully, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile that celebrated the essence of traditional winemaking. This approach spoke to the trend of environmentally responsible, perfectly imperfect food products that resonated with those seeking authenticity in their culinary choices.

Designed with elegance and care.

The brand’s visual identity was just as thoughtful as the product itself. Designed by the skilled Milan-based graphic designer Fabio Satriano, the logo embodied the rustic yet refined nature of San Gorgonio Mountain Raisins. His work added a layer of sophistication to the brand, highlighting its artisanal quality. The design elements combined traditional craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic, making the raisins not just a product, but a statement of taste and style.

A legacy of flavor and quality.

Though San Gorgonio Mountain Raisins no longer operates, its legacy continues through the passion it inspired for fine, vine-dried raisins. By celebrating the natural beauty of grapes dried on the vine and their unparalleled taste, the brand left a lasting impression on those who experienced its elegance and quality.