Vodka is typically made from distilling potatoes, but almost any organic materials can be used. A Long Island, New York, vodka startup has proved this with its grape-based vodka. Rocavaka combines a unique Spanish wine country flavor with hard rock’s edginess.
Rocavaka was founded by Bobby and Darlene Fallas. Bobby realized he wanted to capture the flavor of Spanish Tempranillo grapes in his product. The company says the vodka is distilled five times in copper stills, giving it a strong taste profile.
The Business Download spoke with Darlene Fallas, who described the company’s journey into a prominent beverage business in the United States. Operations began in June 2021 after Bobby connected with a distiller in Madrid.
“It’s been an amazing journey, a two-and-a-half-year learning process,” Darlene said via video call.
She took us through how the brand has grown, collaborating with music legends like Dee Snider, the lead singer of rock band Twisted Sister, and actor Joe Gannascoli, best known for his role as Vito in HBO’s hit drama “The Sopranos.” These brand ambassadors have given the vodka a strong standing in the entertainment world. Top athletes, like boxing legend Lennox Lewis, are also brand ambassadors.
Photo Courtesy Rocavaka
Darlene explained that because the vodka is distilled in Spain and imported to the U.S., the company’s sustainability options are very limited. However, she said it is a vegan, gluten-free product.
Rocavaka has won several awards in a short period:
- The 2023 Double Gold SIP Awards
- The 2023 Gold WSWA Award
- The 2023 Gold New York International Spirits Award
- The 2023 Gold USA Spirits Ratings Award
- The 2023 Silver Bartender Spirits Awards Award
- The 2023 Silver San Francisco World Spirits Competition Award
- The 2023 Silver San Diego Spirits Festival Award
- The 2023 Bronze SIP Packaging Award
“This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team in consistently delivering a product that truly is a distinctive vodka focused on value and quality,” Darlene said in a statement upon winning the Gold at the USA Spirits Rating Competition in 2023. “We are grateful to our consumers for their unwavering support.”
The brand has been part of a few major rock music events in the U.S. and Sweden, including ones hosted by iHeartRadio, and was also an event sponsor for the NFL Alumni Super Bowl Party in 2022. Each bottle is distinct, with some brand ambassadors getting custom bottles with their likeness on them.
Photo Courtesy Rocavaka
Rocavaka was an official sponsor of The Donut Ride. This Manhattan cycling event collects funds for cyclists with visual impairments and donates them to InTandem, a nonprofit that promotes tandem cycling.
A 27-mile excursion stops at donut shops across the five boroughs. All the rides for the visually impaired are free.
The company recently launched a line of canned cocktails in three flavors: Rocalada (pineapple, roasted coconut, white pepper), Rocaberry (strawberry, lime, peppermint), and Rocabilly (bitter orange, dry ginger, cinnamon). The products are sold mainly in New York but also have a presence in Florida, New Jersey, California, and Nevada.
