Kally is the answer when seeking a non-alcoholic beverage

There’s one thing Portola Valley residents Katie and Scott Mitic want to make clear about Kally — it’s a grape-based beverage not a non-alcoholic wine.

“It’s sourced from early-picked tart grapes that are low in sugar and high in acid,” explains Scott.

Adds Katie: “We’re excited to be involved in something new, specifically great tasting wine alternatives.”

This is a new career path for both who’ve worked separately in a number of executive positions. They relocated to the Peninsula from San Francisco in 2014, wanting to more open space for their two young boys. This is the first time they’ve collaborated professionally.

“It’s super fun,” says Katie “Having started a lot of businesses , trust in your partners is really important — and we have that. We also happen to have complimentary skills.

Adds Scott: “For me, it’s the seamless blending . We blend our passions for health and wellness and food and beverage”

Chatting with the couple in their kitchen while sipping a number of Kally flavors, I learn that at the heart of every Kally beverage is the Verjus, made from California chardonnay grapes harvested very early and picked when they have the right balance of acid and sugar.

The grapes for Kally Verjus come in at 12 brix — less than half the sweetness of grapes picked to make wine. However, the pH of Kally Verjus is almost the same as wine — which makes it easy to confuse verjus for an alcoholic beverage. And as of this year, every new release is made with 100% organic ingredients which is incredibly rare in the non-alcoholic space.

While just a over a year old, Kally can be found on the menu of restaurants around the country — and locally at Flea Street, Selby’s and Village Pub. It can be purchased at Robert’s, Bianchini’s, the Willows market and K&L. Find out more online.

What’s next: Look for Sitch which they describe as “bitter done right.”

Photo by Irene Searles (c) 2024