The chance meeting of neighbors Jennifer Kimpe and Jeanne-Marie Hebert sparked a friendship that would eventually transform into a venture reimagining a classic tradition. Discover how their style and vision redefined the vintage apéritif into a modern blend, uncovering the captivating story behind the bottle.
Startup culture remains a challenging frontier, but Jennifer Kimpe and Jeanne-Marie Hebert of Rue de Rêve Apéritifs are blazing a trail in the male-dominated alcohol industry. Their story, rooted in friendship and shared vision, radiates resilience and forward-thinking as they work to bring something entirely new to the US market: a modern take on European apéritifs infused with the vibrant flavors of California.
Kimpe and Herbert’s journey from long-time friends to co-founders of an apéritif brand is about crafting an experience that invites people to pause, savor, and enjoy life’s special moments.
“We always knew we wanted to do something together,” recalls Hebert, smiling as she reflects on their twenty-year friendship. “We’ve traveled together, raised our kids together, and after years of being in different industries, we realized there was another chapter ahead of us. Something that would let us bring all our passions together.”
That realization came into focus during the pandemic when a planned celebratory trip to Ireland fell through. Instead, Kimpe and Hebert found themselves on a scenic road trip along California’s stunning Highway 1. As they soaked in the coastal beauty, their conversations turned from the everyday to the extraordinary. “What would we do next?” they asked themselves. “What could we create that hadn’t been done before?”
That road trip birthed the concept of Rue de Rêve—a brand inspired by their love for French culture, travel, and a little-known European tradition called apéro, or apéritif. “We realized there was room in the US market for something fresh,” explains Kimpe. “The apéritif culture in the US was ripe for innovation, and we thought, why not create something lighter, brighter, and more approachable, using local ingredients?”
“We always knew we wanted to do something together,” recalls Hebert, smiling as she reflects on their twenty-year friendship. “We’ve traveled together, raised our kids together, and after years of being in different industries, we realized there was another chapter ahead of us. Something that would let us bring all our passions together.”
That realization came into focus during the pandemic when a planned celebratory trip to Ireland fell through. Instead, Kimpe and Hebert found themselves on a scenic road trip along California’s stunning Highway 1. As they soaked in the coastal beauty, their conversations turned from the everyday to the extraordinary. “What would we do next?” they asked themselves. “What could we create that hadn’t been done before?”
That road trip birthed the concept of Rue de Rêve—a brand inspired by their love for French culture, travel, and a little-known European tradition called apéro, or apéritif. “We realized there was room in the US market for something fresh,” explains Kimpe. “The apéritif culture in the US was ripe for innovation, and we thought, why not create something lighter, brighter, and more approachable, using local ingredients?”
Apéritifs, which have long been part of the dining culture in France, are typically enjoyed before a meal to rouse the appetite. But for Kimpe and Hebert, apéritifs were more than just pre-dinner drinks—they were a way to bring people together, to slow down and celebrate life in its simplest and most beautiful forms.
Thus, Rue de Rêve was born. The brand name, which means “Dream Street,” is a nod to their shared love of French culture and the scenic California coastline where their business idea was first conceived. “It represents our dream of creating a product that embodies beauty, connection, and savoring the moment,” says Hebert.
Their debut product, Rosé, a refreshing blend of Sonoma Coast rosé wine brightened with flavors like strawberry, rose hip, and mint, was just the beginning. Soon, they added the Blanc and Rouge varietals, each carefully crafted to reflect the bounty of California’s local ingredients. “We wanted to create something that reflected California’s easy-breezy lifestyle,” Kimpe adds. “Each of our apéritifs is a reflection of that light, approachable spirit.”
In lieu of crafting just a drink, Rue de Rêve strives to create an entire lifestyle around apéritifs. From the bright, playful packaging to the curated playlists and artisanal glassware that accompany each bottle, every detail is designed to evoke a sense of occasion.
We always say that apéritif isn’t just something you drink—it’s something you do… It’s about taking a moment out of your day to celebrate being with the people around you.
Whether it’s a spontaneous gathering or a planned dinner party, Rue de Rêve apéritifs are meant to elevate the experience.
Their partnerships reflect this philosophy. Recently, the company collaborated with Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company to create perfect pairings for its apéritifs. “We were amazed at how well our Rosé paired with Gouda, while the Blanc and Rouge varietals worked beautifully with Truffle Brie and Fennel Blue cheese,” Kimpe explains. “It really elevated the entire drinking experience.”
This attention to detail extends to the design ethos as well. “We want to create an environment where people can slow down, connect, and enjoy the moment,” Hebert explains. “Whether it’s elegant glassware, candles, or the perfect playlist, we’re advocating for those beautiful moments of connection.”
As with any entrepreneurial journey, Kimpe and Hebert faced challenges along the way. “But we stayed true to our vision and values, and that’s what guided us.”
Despite these hurdles, they found a strong network of support—especially from other women entrepreneurs. “The women we reached out to went above and beyond for us,” Hebert shares. “We were blown away by the generosity and encouragement we received. That’s something we want to pass on to other women founders—reach out, build your community, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” Their advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “Go for it. Get your hands dirty, stay true to your vision, and don’t be afraid to lean on your community,” Kimpe encourages.
As for innovating in a competitive market, what sets Rue de Rêve apart in an increasingly crowded industry is the founders’ dedication to quality and sustainability. Their apéritifs are crafted with organically grown grapes, and they prioritize local ingredients and sustainable practices at every stage of production. “Sustainability is always top of mind for us,” says Hebert. “We’re making intentional choices, from sourcing our ingredients to minimizing waste in production.”
Their dedication to creating a sustainable, high-quality product has paid off, with glowing reviews from both customers and industry professionals. “We’re really proud of the feedback we’ve received,” Kimpe says. “People love that our apéritifs are lighter, brighter, and more natural than anything else on the market.”
It’s not just the taste that makes Rue de Rêve stand out. Their vision for the brand extends far beyond the bottle. “We’re creating a lifestyle brand that goes beyond just what you’re drinking,” Hebert explains. “It’s about the whole experience—from the packaging to the music, the glassware, and the ambiance.”
For Kimpe and Hebert, Rue de Rêve isn’t just a business—it’s the culmination of years of friendship, shared passions, and dreaming big. From the scenic drives along Highway 1 to the long hours spent perfecting their formulas, every step of their journey reflects the values that they hold dear: beauty, connection, and the courage to chase your dreams.
Rue de Rêve isn’t just about apéritifs… It’s about indulging in your dreams, taking time to celebrate the small, beautiful moments in life.
As their brand grows, so too does their commitment to inspiring others. “We hope that through Rue de Rêve, we can encourage others to pause, reflect, and dream big—because dreams are where the magic happens,” Kimpe adds with a smile. From dreamers to dream makers, Rue de Rêve invites all of us to pause, sip, and savor the beauty and joy that can be found in even the smallest moments, welcoming you to embark on your own journey down “Dream Street.”
TrooRa Magazine
Social Media Credits:
@ruedereveaperitifs
@lindsaymeetsworld_
Sources:
https://marinlivingmagazine.com/summer-is-a-lot-more-refreshing-thanks-to-this-dreamy-aperitif-brand/https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/rue-de-reve-california-aperitifs/
Images by:
Founder Photos – Marc Pagani
Portfolio Photos (Bottles) – Makers and Allies
Cocktail Photos – Liza Gershman
Cocktail Development – Scott Beattie Cocktails, Healdsburg, CA
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