At Sandbox Studios, we believe in backing game-changers—the innovators setting new standards in their industries. Today, we’re thrilled to announce our latest investment in female-founded Maker Wine, a bold brand redefining the wine experience – sip by sip, and can by can.
Why Maker Wine
Maker Wine isn’t your average canned wine company. Founded by three Stanford MBAs with a mission to bring transparency, quality, and artistry to a format once overlooked, Maker Wine is reshaping how consumers experience premium wine.
Their expertly crafted wines come from diverse, small-batch winemakers, each with a story, a vision, and a dedication to quality that matches our values at Sandbox Studios. Each Maker can isn’t just wine; it’s a testament to the craftsmanship and culture behind each vintage, brought to the table with a vibrant, modern twist.
In addition to growing their online business and expanding rapidly in wholesale with partners like NBA arenas, major hotel chains, and Albertsons / Safeway, Maker has just announced a partnership with United Airlines (check out Maker Wine cofounders on BloombergTV).
Innovation in Every Sip
Sandbox Studios’ decision to invest in Maker Wine stems from the brand’s commitment to excellence in every phase of production. From hand-picking small wineries to featuring a wide range of varietals, Maker offers a unique tasting journey that defies traditional barriers, making wine more accessible without sacrificing sophistication.
Each can showcases Maker Wine’s commitment to sustainable practices, transparency, and storytelling, providing consumers with a high-quality wine experience that’s as responsible as it is delicious.
Premiumization of Wine
Sandbox Studios’ GP Jackie Fast has been tracking wine for almost a decade having launched her own wine brand in the UK and has built conviction around the global trend towards premiumization. While total wine sales are declining, the premium-and-above segment grew by 6% last year according to International Wine and Spirits Research.
Sandbox Studios is not the only fund making singificant bets in wine premiumization as evidenced by Butterfly Equity’s acquisition of luxury wine company The Duckhorn Portfolio for $1.95bn earlier this month.
Sipping with Icons
Maker Wine’s commitment to crafting a new wine experience has attracted not only passionate winemakers but also some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports. With partnerships with The Chainsmokers and Odell Beckham Jr. and also backed by JayZ’s fund Marcy Ventures, Maker Wine is tapping into cultural tastemakers who share a passion for quality, innovation, and breaking boundaries.
The Chainsmokers, globally renowned for their genre-defying music and forward-thinking creativity, have invested and collaborated with Maker Wine supporting distribution through events and network. Their involvement brings fans a taste of their creativity in a format that’s fun, accessible, and reflective of the duo’s pioneering spirit. The Chainsmokers were instrumental in securing Maker’s new poolside placement at the Wynn Resort on the Las Vegas Strip, home of The Chainsmokers’ DJ residence at the Encore Beach Club.
Meanwhile, Odell Beckham Jr., celebrated both on and off the field, brings his own blend of charisma and vision to the Maker Wine family. Known for his finesse and flair, Odell’s investment in Maker Wines exemplifies the brand’s ambition to merge quality with authenticity. His involvement adds another layer to Maker’s commitment to connecting with diverse audiences who appreciate bold, innovative products.
By aligning with such influential figures, Maker Wine amplifies its mission to reshape the wine landscape – making premium, responsibly crafted wines accessible to a broader audience. These partnerships aren’t just about star power—they’re about connecting with fans and consumers in meaningful ways, creating experiences that resonate long after the last sip.
A Partnership Built on Shared Vision
For Sandbox Studios, this investment represents more than just financial backing. We see this as a partnership that celebrates innovation, nurtures storytelling, and expands boundaries. Maker Wine and Sandbox Studios share a vision—to amplify authentic voices and fuel groundbreaking ideas that shape the future of lifestyle brands.
Together, we are excited to help Maker Wine continue pushing the envelope, reaching wine enthusiasts in fresh, exciting ways and helping them expand their access to talent to launch exclusive collabs in the near future.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned as we raise a can to this new chapter. Expect exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes looks at Maker Wine’s collaborations with top winemakers, and more ways to celebrate life’s special moments with exceptional wines in a convenient, sustainable format.
We’re honored to embark on this journey with Maker Wine, supporting their mission to bring high-quality, responsibly sourced wine to enthusiasts everywhere.
Cheers to bold flavors, innovative formats, and the start of an inspiring partnership. Welcome to the Sandbox Maker Wine!