A Toast to the Original Pizza Wine Innovators

Domino’s is stepping into new territory with its latest announcement: a limited-edition red wine blend. But let’s be clear: Pizza Wine, a brand founded in RI by a team that includes Pizza Marvin's co-owners, was doing it first. While Pizza Hut once dabbled in a basil-infused tomato wine, it was Pizza Wine that truly set the gold standard for pizza-and-wine pairings. Long before corporate chains caught on, Pizza Wine was perfecting the art of pairing pies with the perfect pour. Now, as Domino’s teams up with Yellow Tail to release a pizza-pairing red, it’s time to raise a glass to the true pioneers of this movement: Pizza Wine.

Pizza Wine's signature sip wasn’t born from a marketing strategy; it stemmed from a genuine love of wine, free from the intimidation that often surrounds it. Co-founded by Elizabeth McDonnell (formerly of Providence’s beloved Fortnight Wine Bar), Pizza Wine is a collaboration with Pizza Marvin’s Rob Andreozzi and Jesse Hedberg, and Alaina Andreozzi. Their vision? To make wine as fun and approachable as pizza: no swirling, sniffing, or sommelier jargon required.

“People love wine but often feel too intimidated to choose it over beer,” McDonnell explains. “We wanted to break down that barrier and create a wine that feels natural, easy, and, most importantly, delicious with pizza.”

And so, Pizza Wine was born, a lightly carbonated red crafted from Chancellor grapes sourced from New York's Lake Erie viticultural region. Light, bubbly, and refreshing, with just the right amount of acidity, it perfectly complements every crispy, cheesy bite. “People who are newer to drinking wine have really responded to Pizza Wine. It’s been an entry point into wine for them,” says McDonnell. “Reviews have also been strong from industry people, who may be more skeptical of canned wine. We’ve seen positive feedback across the board.”

While Domino’s is only now tapping into the wine trend, Pizza Marvin, a James Beard-nominated restaurant, has been elevating the pizza experience for years. Launching first at Pizza Marvin, Pizza Wine has become a New England sensation, making waves last summer from Nantucket to Newport and cementing itself as the drink of the season. 

Looking ahead to 2025, even bigger events and collaborations are in the works. “Summer is an especially great time to be getting into Pizza Wine. Think parties on the beach, backyard pizza parties, and more,” McDonnell adds. “We had some fun pop-ups last summer on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Newport, and you can expect similar energy this year, with new locations added.”

The key difference between Pizza Marvin and mass-market chains is integrity, and this ethos follows through into Pizza Wine. While others follow trends, Pizza Wine leads with craftsmanship. “We had a moment where we could have cut corners, made something ‘just okay’ that would sell anyway,” McDonnell says, “but that’s not who we are. Pizza Wine is made for wine lovers by wine lovers, without the fuss.” For the latest updates and offerings, visit itspizzawine.com or follow @its.pizzawine.