American Outdoor Grill appoints Merlot Marketing as Agency of Record

SACRAMENTO, CA – Merlot Marketing (Merlot) has been named Agency of Record for American Outdoor Grill (AOG), a division of R.H. Peterson and a leading manufacturer of premium outdoor cooking appliances. The partnership marks a new chapter in AOG’s brand evolution, focused on elevating awareness of its American-made craftsmanship, strengthening its competitive positioning, and deepening consumer and trade engagement across the outdoor-living market.

“As we continue to grow and expand our presence within the premium outdoor cooking space, partnering with Merlot Marketing was a strategic next step,” said Amy Bortz, Vice President of Marketing for R.H. Peterson. “Merlot’s proven expertise in the home and building products industry, along with their ability to capture both the heart and mind of the consumer, makes them the ideal partner to help share AOG’s story of craftsmanship, connection, and confidence.”

Rooted in a legacy of American craftsmanship, American Outdoor Grill represents the pride, precision, and reliability that today’s consumers value most. Each grill is built in the United States by skilled craftspeople, many of whom have spent decades with R.H. Peterson, passing down their expertise from one generation to the next. As a family-owned and managed company for more than 88 years, R.H. Peterson continues to foster a culture of integrity and care, where employees take pride in every detail and every grill reflects their shared commitment to quality, performance, and connection.

“American Outdoor Grill embodies everything we love about storytelling rooted in heritage and heart,” said Debi Hammond, CEO and Founder of Merlot Marketing. “Their brand is built on quality, dependability, and family – values that align perfectly with our own. Together, we’re excited to help AOG claim its rightful place as the everyday hero of outdoor entertaining.”

Through a comprehensive PR.0™ and Creative Services program, Merlot will develop and distribute Digitally Integrated News Releases (DiNRs), manage tradeshow media outreach, and provide ongoing creative consultation across AOG’s web, catalog, video, and tradeshow materials. These efforts will set the stage for AOG’s strongest showing yet at the 2026 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and connection.