‘Tis the season of giving, so it makes sense to give a gift that does just that. When buying or gifting varietals this holiday season, consider wines that pay it forward.
Several well-known California wine brands feature particular labels for which purchase proceeds are donated to various causes for the greater good, from cancer research to climate initiatives. When selecting your holiday dinner wines, consider these, and take satisfaction in knowing that your purchase makes a positive difference.
Cheers to Supporting Cancer Research
The Heritage collection gift set is a win-win where giving is concerned, with partial proceeds benefiting the V Foundation.
(Courtesy of Far Niente)
Buy a bottle of Bricoleur Vineyards’ Isla Rose Brut Rosé and support cancer research. The Windsor, California winery’s cofounder and COO Sarah Hanson Citron is a young mom who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The Hanson Family is donating for $5 for every bottle and $60 for every case sold of the acclaimed rosy sparkler to the V Foundation for cancer research. // 7394 Starr Rd (Windsor), bricoleurvineyards.com
In honor of its long-standing partnership with the V Foundation, Napa’s Far Niente winery donates a portion of the proceeds from its Heritage collection to the foundation. The exceptional collection includes three pillars of the Far Niente brand: the captivating 2020 Far Niente Estate Bottled Chardonnay, elegant 2019 Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger Cabernet Sauvignon, and decadent late harvest blend 2015 Dolce Napa Valley. // Far Niente ,1350 Acacia Drive (Oakville), farniente.com
J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines’ Carol's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to the late Carol Waldorf Lohr, wife of winery founder Jerry Lohr and mother to the three Lohr siblings who now run the brand. Proceeds from every bottle of 2021 Carol’s Cabernet Sauvignon benefit National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. programs as a part of J. Lohr’s Touching Lives initiative. Additionally, behind every bottle of Carol's Cabernet is a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. From vine to bottle, J. Lohr employs eco-friendly practices, ensuring that each step of the winemaking process respects the land and supports the local communities. // J. Lohr, 6169 Airport Rd (Paso Robles) and 1000 Lenzen Ave. (San Jose), jlohr.com
Grapes Against Global Warming
Lail Vineyards, an American representative for the global initiative Porto Protocol, donates 10 percent of proceeds from its 2022 Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc to climate action organizations.
(Fran Miller)
At Napa Valley’s Lail Vineyards, purchase of the 2022 Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc helps combat climate change. Ten percent of the sale of this wine, made by world renowned winemaker Philippe Melka, is donated to organizations fighting global warming. Past recipients include Cool Effect, The Porto Protocol, and Climeworks. Lail’s proprietor, Robin Lail, whose great grand uncle was Napa Valley winemaking pioneer Gustave Niebaum, is the inspiration for the philanthropic endeavor. In February 2019, Lail was appointed U.S. Representative to the Porto Protocol, a global initiative asking companies to demonstrate leadership on climate action by sharing best practices. // Lail Vineyards (Rutherford), lailvineyards.com
Vino for Veterans
Through it's Frank for a Cause initiative, Frank Family Vineyards gives 20 percent of proceeds from its Napa cab to K9s for Warriors, which provides service dogs to veterans.
(Courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards)
From Sonoma County’s Benovia Winery, the 2021 Liberation Pinot Noir benefits veterans’ organizations, with $10 from each purchase donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation which honors and supports defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families. Originally created to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, this is the third vintage of the highly sought-after Liberation, whose luscious aromas of boysenberry, Santa Rosa plum, and black cherry yield to concentrated cranberry and black fruit notes on the palate. // Benovia Winery, 3339 Hartman Rd. (Santa Rosa), benoviawinery.com
Each year, Frank Family commits to contributing to the well-being of the Napa Valley community and beyond through Frank for a Cause. Twenty percent of proceeds from Frank Family’s 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and their Frank for a Cause gift packages is donated to K9s for Warriors, helping provide a new “leash” on life to both veterans suffering from service-related trauma and to shelter dogs. The winery team is also proud to sponsor their very own four-legged hero, who will eventually be an important element behind a veteran’s road to recovery. The sponsorship provides a puppy with the veterinary care, equipment, and training needed to become a life-saving tool for veterans healing from service-connected traumas. // Frank Family Vineyards, 1091 Larkmead Ln. (Calistoga), frankfamilyvineyards.com
