Wine for a Cause

Sometimes it seems that everyone and their brother is after a free case of wine. Every charitable cause known to mankind has hit us up for a donation at one time or another. It's just one of the things I've come to expect and accept about being in this industry. But I must admit it gets a bit old after a while, especially when budgets are tight and the financial pressure is on.

Mothers Against the Cruelty of Moths. Concerned Citizens in the Fight Against Hickeys. Or my favorite, Snowboarders in Search of a Future. Just kidding of course, but honestly, we could give away every last drop of the stuff to worthy causes if we were so inclined. And that's just the wine. At one point our cash donations were the equivalent of an entire employee!  So for the last few years, we've tried hard to limit our charitable donations to local causes, schools and our support of US SAILING. But, another one recently pulled at our heart strings -The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

My sister was afflicted with MS several years ago. So, I have witnessed first hand how debilitating and unexpected this disease can be. And currently, there's no cause and no cure.

A couple of months ago, I was approached by the Northern California MS chapter about getting involved in their largest fundraising event, Bike MS: Waves to Wine Ride 2008. This annual event attracts cycling enthusiasts from all over the world in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis. This year, over 1700 cyclists cruised the scenic roads of wine country, winding past our winery to the finish line at Lake Sonoma. We provided boatloads of wine and pledged $1 a bottle for Fumé Blanc sales in the tasting room. While it doesn't come close to the $1.3 million dollars they raised, it felt good to support something that directly hits home with my family.

Next year, I hope to get off my duff and form our own team in honor of my sister. No more excuses, it's time to just do it!