ClimateHound Pack: Wanderlust Wine Co.
A love for the beautiful and diverse planet we share has guided Wanderlust Wine Co. from its beginnings in 2019, when Sammy Lam founded the Austin-based company as a way to travel the world through wine. His appreciation for the connection between a thriving climate and terrific wine has guided the growth of Wanderlust into the largest on-tap winery in existence, sourcing their offerings from partners locally and around the globe who share their commitment to sustainability.
By prioritizing reusable and recyclable kegs and containers over traditional bottles, Wanderlust reduces the waste and emissions associated with glass bottles. As the company prepares to expand this model in 2026 through a growing wholesale network, Lam knew that the time was right to take the next step forward: certifying as Carbon Neutral through ClimateHound.
“So many of our choices as a company have been motivated by our commitment to the planet, but I wanted to really understand the impact those choices were having on our carbon footprint,” says Lam. “ClimateHound’s platform empowered us to collect and assess our data quickly. From my first contact with ClimateHound, it took just three weeks to become certified as Carbon Neutral — and to get the insights that will help us stay on track to our sustainability goals as we grow our company.”
Lam was able to learn how Wanderlust’s choices at their three unique locations — including a speakeasy-style wine cave — are impacting the planet. The company has repurposed historic buildings and chosen second-hand décor that offers a festive backdrop for various events and stays true to Austin’s eclectic character. Wanderlust also minimizes waste in daily operations by serving most beverages in durable glassware and offering wine to-go in refillable and recyclable containers.
Wanderlust is carrying this same climate-focused approach into its new role as the official wine partner of the San Antonio Spurs and Austin FC. At the stadiums, wine will be served on tap, avoiding glass bottle waste. A refillable wine flask program allows attendees to purchase 375ml of wine in a reusable stainless steel vessel, refill it at the stadium, and bring the flasks back to any Wanderlust Wine location for discounted refills. It’s essentially a growler program for wine, and it’s setting a new standard for the industry. As a flag-bearer for Austin’s commitment to a circular and sustainable economy, Wanderlust has been recognized as a Platinum Austin Green Business Leader.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Wanderlust, an innovator in our own community,” says Palmer Fox, ClimateHound CEO. “From the unique wines and wine-based cocktails they offer on tap to the many sustainability events they host, Wanderlust proves that prioritizing the planet can drive creativity and excellence in every aspect of a food and beverage business.”