Two bottles of sparkling wine, one Brut Blanc and one Brut Rosé, each with elegant blue floral labels inspired by the French for Water motif and finished with classic cork tops.

Varietals:

Brut Blanc, Brut Rosé

Appellation:

Columbia Valley

Mission:

French for Water are crisp, sustainable, and low-sugar Washington wines crafted to bring that European ease into everyday moments. It’s not just wine. It’s a way of saying: life is good today. It’s a bottle of joy on your table, an extension of Danielle’s life philosophy and everything she’s built through Rustic Joyful Food. This isn’t just another wine launch. It’s a story of resilience, creativity, and grounded joy—because Danielle Kartes doesn’t just sell products. She tells stories. And now, she invites you to pour a glass and live yours.

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About the brand

French for Water: A Wine Born of Hope, Grit, and Joy

Danielle Kartes has never waited for the perfect moment—she’s always bloomed where she was planted. When she and her husband faced the heartbreaking closure of their restaurant 14 years ago, they could have walked away from the food world entirely. Instead, they chose to begin again. That’s when Rustic Joyful Food was born—not just a company, but a calling.

Starting with food styling and photography, Danielle began to share more than recipes. She shared hope. She taught people that life could be beautiful and rich—right now, with what you have. Her message struck a chord. What started locally soon became a national story. From Rachael Ray and Hallmark Home & Family to The Kelly Clarkson Show and Today, Danielle’s voice—full of warmth, joy, and tenacity—has inspired millions to savor life as it is and believe in what’s to come.

With 14 published books & cookbooks and a deeply loyal audience, Danielle had more to give. In 2023, she partnered with Evergreen Family Wines to bring her next vision to life: French for Water wine.

The name is symbolic. In Danielle’s world, water means ease, flow, necessity. In Europe, wine is just that—easy, light, unpretentious. It’s a part of daily life. Sipped at the beach, poured over long lunches in the garden, raised in celebration. Wine doesn’t have to be intimidating—it should be joyful and available to all.