Here's To Your Health and Mine!

     When one discusses the topic of philanthropy, wine isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind.  Most people think that wine can give two things, (hopefully) a great drinking experience and, sometimes if you have too much, a headache.  But believe it or not, in recent years there has been an increase in wineries supporting a variety of important causes.  Some wineries and wine stories donate a portion of sales to various causes, while others release wines that specifically support individual charities.

     The first wine that I will profile is by Cline Cellars and is called Cashmere (www.clinecellars.com/lbbc).  This blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre is not only delicious, but has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for those with breast cancer.  Cline Cashmere supports an organization called Living Beyond Breast Cancer (livingbeyondbreastcancer.org).  LBBC is a national education and support organization for those with breast cancer and helps those to strive to live as long as possible with the best quality of life.  Since 2004, Cline has partnered with LBBC to fund programs such as a 24/7 survivor help line, educational workshops and conferences, and informational newsletters and publications, among others.  What a wonderful resource for those afflicted with this horrible illness!

     Second, I found One Hope Wine.  (www.onehopewine.com)  One Hope Wine originated in 2007 and, since its inception, has raised over $750,000 for various charity organizations.  One Hope donates 50% of its profits to the partner charities, including autism, breast cancer, and AIDS, just to name a few.  Simply put in your zip code on their web site and you can see where One Hope Wines can be found near you!  There are several varietals and their web site provides how much will go to the chosen charity and other charity of the consumer's choice!

     

     Third, the Staglin Family Vineyard has chosen Music Festival for Mental Health (IMHRO.org) as its main charity.  The Staglin's son was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1990.  At that time, they started a non-profit foundation to raise funds for mental health research.  The Music Festival for Health, which has raised over 135 million dollars for mental health research, brings together musicians, scientists, wineries and chefs to raise funds and awareness for the cause.  

     In addition, IMHRO joined with three other organizations to form Bring Change 2 Mind.  Their mission is to 'emerge as the world's most effective organization working to erase the stigma and discrimination around mental illness by creating targeted and powerful messaging'.  Find out more information at bringchange2mind.org.

     Finally, Garen Staglin joined with Congressman Patrick Kennedy in 2011 to co-chair the launch of One Mind For Research (1mind4research.org).  Its aim is to dramatically decrease the global burden of brain disorder disability in the next ten years.  

     Organizations such as Charitywines.com and Benefitwines.com partner charities with wines or celebrities with wines to benefit various causes.   For example, Charitywines.com has teamed up with sports figures to create wines that benefit a variety of charities. 

     These are just a few examples of the generosity of the wine community.  It demonstrates how people can come together for the benefit of others.  We proudly support these wineries and organizations and are happy to get the word out! 

Cheers!

Mary Jo

Word of the week:
Meritage - A US designated trademark referring to wines that are a blend of Bordeaux grapes. An example could be a wine made of a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Blended wines that meet the designation are not required to carry meritage on their label.