Fred Franzia, co-founder of Bronco Wine Company, was an innovator, and anyone who likes to drink a budget has him to thank.
In 2002, Franzia resurrected the Napa wine Charles Shaw, affectionately known as "Two Buck Chuck," which was sold exclusively at Trader Joes for just $1.99 a bottle.
Franzia passed away early Tuesday morning "at his home in California with family by his side," according to a letter sent to Bronco employees, per Wine Spectator.
The letter Bronco sent to employees also said, "Fred had the vision of creating high-quality wines at a value for wine consumers, including Charles Shaw," which was "built on a belief that wine should be enjoyed and consumed on every American table."
When Franzia was once asked how he could sell a bottle of wine for less than the cost of a bottle of water, he replied, "They're overcharging for the water. Don't you get it?"
The letter noted that over the year, more than 1 billion bottles of Two Buck Chuck have been sold.
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