Pray Tell Wines: Philadelphia's Return to Roots

Pray Tell Wines is the exciting project of Tom Caruso, a Philadelphia native who, after years of honing his craft in California and Oregon, has brought his natural winemaking vision back to his hometown. Founded in 2017, the winery initially operated out of Oregon's Willamette Valley but has recently (in 2024) made a significant move to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, setting up shop in the very building where his family's business once operated. This move represents a deep personal connection and a unique approach to urban winemaking.

While now based in Philadelphia, Pray Tell still sources its meticulously farmed grapes from some of Oregon's most esteemed vineyards in the Willamette Valley (including Eola-Amity Hills and Yamhill-Carlton AVAs) and Washington's Rocks District. Tom collaborates closely with growers who practice organic and/or biodynamic viticulture, believing that healthy, vibrant fruit is the cornerstone of exceptional wine. He focuses on a diverse range of varietals, including Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Dolcetto, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

In the cellar, Tom Caruso's philosophy is driven by earnest curiosity and a commitment to minimal intervention. He embraces spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and avoids rigid recipes, instead following his instincts and the nuances of each vintage. His wines are characterized by no chemical additions or additives, with only a very small amount of sulfur dioxide used, if at all. Pray Tell wines are typically unfined and unfiltered, allowing for pure expression of the fruit and terroir. Tom also personally designs the distinctive labels, often cutting and pasting pieces of paper to create unique artwork, reflecting the handmade nature of his wines.

Pray Tell Wines are celebrated for their honesty, freshness, and their ability to transcend preconceived notions about wine. They represent a unique fusion of West Coast fruit and a personal, artisanal touch in an unexpected urban setting, offering an inviting and thought-provoking experience to those seeking authentic natural wines.

Two people at a wine event standing at a table with five bottles of wine, corks, colorful cards, and an empty wine glass, in a spacious industrial-style venue with exposed brick walls and high windows.

    • Pray Tell Wines Official Shop: They offer direct sales from their website. They are licensed to ship to a wide range of US states (AK, AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MN, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY).

    • Skurnik Wines & Spirits: (US Importer/Distributor): They are a major distributor for Pray Tell Wines in key US markets. Their portfolio page often lists the wines they distribute.

    Notable Retailers/Distributors by Region

    United States (Primary Market):

    • Pray Tell Wines Official Shop (as above, for direct sales to many US states).

    • Skurnik Wines & Spirits (as above, check their site for specific retailers they supply in NY, NJ, CT, OH, KY, IN, PA, among others).

    • Saratoga Wine Exchange (Online US retailer, ships to various states):

    • MYSA Natural Wine (US-based online natural wine store, ships across the US):

      • Search for "Pray Tell Wines" on their website.

    • Empire State of Wine (New York, NY):

    • Noble Root Wine & Spirits (Online US retailer, ships to various states):

    • Pennsylvania (Local to Winery): Many natural wine bars and shops in Philadelphia will carry Pray Tell Wines, especially since the winery has relocated there. Inquire directly with local shops.

    • Oregon: While the winery has moved, some retailers in Oregon may still carry older vintages or continue to source new releases.

    • Many independent, natural wine-focused shops across major US cities (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Portland, Seattle). These shops are good places to inquire.

    International (Limited, Outside US):

    • Les Caves de Pyrène (UK Importer/Distributor): This is a major importer of natural wines, and they list Pray Tell among their producers. Check their website for retailers they supply in the UK.

    • Le Caveau (Ireland Importer/Distributor): They also list Pray Tell. Check their website for retailers in Ireland.

    • Luiten Importeur van kwaliteitswijnen (Netherlands Importer/Distributor): Listed as carrying Pray Tell.

    • CellarHand (Australia Importer/Distributor): Listed as carrying Pray Tell.

    • Federal Merchants and Co. (New Zealand Importer/Distributor): Listed as carrying Pray Tell.

    • Vinetiq (Europe, multiple countries):

    • Wine Pro ApS (Denmark):