Riunite Brings Lambrusco to the Bar as a Participating Brand Sponsor of the 2026 Speed Rack Competition Series

Riunite, the iconic Italian Lambrusco brand, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 2026 Speed Rack high-speed bartending competition. As wine continues to play a more prominent role in modern mixology, Riunite is deepening its commitment to the bartending community by championing innovative cocktail culture and expanding its footprint behind the bar. Through this partnership, Riunite brings its vibrant Lambrusco and zero-proof offerings to one of the industry's most dynamic competitive stages, reinforcing wine's growing role as a versatile and creative cocktail ingredient.

Founded by industry veterans Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix, Speed Rack—now in its 14th season—spotlights top female-identifying bartenders nationwide while raising critical funds for breast cancer education, prevention, and research. Since its launch, the competition has raised more than $1.85 million, with a goal of surpassing $2 million during Season 14. Riunite's involvement underscores its investment in the evolving mixology landscape, where effervescent, fruit-forward wines like Lambrusco are increasingly embraced for their balance, complexity, and ability to elevate classic and contemporary cocktails.

At each competition event, attendees will be able to sample Riunite Lambrusco, Riunite Zero, and Maschio Prosecco, including in signature cocktails such as the Paloma di Modena and Riunite Spritz.

"Riunite Lambrusco brings an irresistible effervescence and bright fruit flavors to spritzes, making it a bartender's secret weapon for instant refreshment. Its lively bubbles and subtle sweetness perfectly harmonize with bitters and citrus, creating a balanced sip that guests can't resist," said Jacques Bezuidenhout, industry specialist at Liquid Productions.

The high-energy, ticketed competition tests speed, precision, and cocktail mastery as bartenders race to execute classic cocktails under pressure—judged on accuracy, taste, and presentation. Regional winners advance to the National Finals, held during Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. Each event supports leading breast cancer organizations, including The Pink Agenda, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, METAvivor, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Season 14 regional competition dates:

• Denver, CO — February 9, 2026 | Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom
• Chicago, IL — February 23, 2026 | Thalia Hall
• New York City, NY — March 9, 2026 | Melrose Ballroom
• Washington, DC — March 16, 2026 | Howard Theatre
• Boston, MA — March 30, 2026 | Royale
• Seattle, WA — April 19, 2026 | Pacific Place Mall (kicking off Seattle Cocktail Week)
• Finals — New Orleans, LA — July 19, 2026 | Republic NOLA

Tickets for each competition and additional information are available on the Speed Rack website.