Ripple was a discount, lightly carbonated, flavored fortified wine produced by E & J Gallo Winery. Ernest Gallo, during a period of expanding his winemaking business into new markets, introduced the brand when a 1959 change to wine regulations allowed mild carbonation in table wine. Ripple was widely popular during the 1970s due to its sweet flavor.
Ripple was made from the cheapest grapes available, Thompson Seedless, and was described as a "groundbreaking beverage", as it contained half the carbonation of Coca-Cola and double the alcohol of beer, and the low price made it attractive to college students and other underaged drinkers.
Ripple was often referred to on the TV series Sanford & Son as it was Fred Sanford's alcoholic beverage of choice.
Mentioned on the TV series Supernatural, season 3, episode 8
Mentioned in the film The Wood.
Mentioned on the Richard Pryor film Which Way Is Up?.
Jordy Virrill in the Stephen King anthology film Creepshow drinks it.