The 1 Wine opens direct-to-consumer sales online

By AI, Created 5:27 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – The 1 Wine, the California label founded by Sir Gary Sze Kong, is now selling directly to customers through its website in select cities. The move puts its award-winning wines, including bottles rated 92 points by James Suckling, closer to buyers without intermediaries.

Why it matters: - The 1 Wine’s direct-to-consumer launch gives the California brand a new sales channel and reduces reliance on intermediaries. - The move could widen access to the label’s wines for consumers in select cities and across the U.S. - The launch extends Sir Gary Sze Kong’s original goal of building a brand that breaks barriers.

What happened: - The 1 Wine is now available for direct purchase at the company’s website, with sales limited to select cities. - The online launch makes the label’s wines available directly to wine enthusiasts nationwide. - Sir Gary Sze Kong founded The 1 Wine in 2013. - The brand was founded after Kong became one of the first Chinese immigrants to establish vineyard ownership in California.

The details: - The 1 Wine describes itself as an award-winning California label. - The brand includes vintages that have received a 92-point rating from critic James Suckling. - Kong said the new platform will let The 1 Wine reach customers wherever they are. - The brand says the direct-to-consumer shift fits its founding vision. - Kong was later named Knight of Winery Excellence by the Chancellor Grand Master of the Monaco Chancery. - The honor granted Kong the title of “Sir.” - Kong is also the founder of Wasa Water in Wisconsin. - Kong previously served as president of the Sino-American Chamber of Commerce. - Kong founded the Global Hero Foundation, a nonprofit based in Flushing, New York.

Between the lines: - The direct sales push suggests The 1 Wine is trying to strengthen its brand identity while controlling the customer relationship more directly. - The founder’s background and awards are central to the brand’s story and likely part of its positioning in a crowded wine market.

What’s next: - The 1 Wine said the website will remain the main way to buy the label online. - The company did not disclose whether it plans to expand direct sales beyond the current select-city availability. - The brand’s Instagram account may be used for future updates and marketing.