Tau Kappa Epsilon and Artiste Winery & Gallery are proud to announce the launch of the TKE Founders Collection, the first official wine collection in the history of Tau Kappa Epsilon.
Created by TKE alumni for TKE alumni, the inaugural collection transforms fraternity heritage into a series of limited-edition collectible wines designed to celebrate Brotherhood, honor tradition, and create a lasting keepsake for generations of members to come.
For many alumni, the collection represents far more than a bottle of wine. It represents a moment in the history of the Fraternity.
“Fifty years from now there will only be one first release,” said Bion Rice, Owner and Winemaker of Artiste Winery. “Whether someone chooses to open the bottle, share it with Brothers, or simply display it in their office, this collection is about preserving a piece of TKE history.”
Rice and project consultant Kevin Sharpton both bring a deeply personal connection to the initiative. The two are alumni of the Gamma Lambda Chapter at San Diego State University and both served as Hegemon during their undergraduate years. Rice was an active member from 1989 through 1994, serving two years as Histor before being elected Hegemon in Fall 1992.
“This project comes from a genuine place,” said Rice. “Kevin and I experienced firsthand the friendships, mentorship, traditions, and lifelong bonds that make TKE special. We wanted to create something worthy of that legacy.”
The TKE Founders Collection will feature a series of limited-production Santa Barbara County wines offered in collectible bottle sets available through a dedicated TKE online platform. Select releases will include serialized numbering, commemorative bottlings, large-format collector editions, Conclave releases, and future philanthropic offerings supporting causes important to the TKE community.
The initiative is designed as more than a wine collection. It serves as the foundation of a broader national alumni engagement platform that will include storytelling campaigns, chapter participation initiatives, Conclave activations, ambassador programs, and future charitable partnerships.
“Our goal is to create something alumni are proud to own and proud to share,” said Donald E. Aldrich, Chief Executive Officer of Tau Kappa Epsilon. “The Founders Collection provides a new way for Brothers to celebrate their connection to TKE while supporting future engagement across our Fraternity.”
Initial quantities will be limited. Because there will never be another first release.
To learn more or join the waitlist, visit: https://www.artiste.com/tke-founders-collection-2026/
