Wines with a purpose

Winemakers and other wine professionals are a generous lot. We have frequently written of a long list of winemakers and winery owners from those in our own enological "neighborhood" to the group in California and Oregon, those along the East Coast, from the Old World appellations of Europe and the New World ones of South America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Rarely does a reasonable request get turned down. Emails and phone calls requesting participation in a myriad of charitable causes are almost always returned, and when it is something they personally have a stake in, they really step up. It makes us proud to be affiliated with them and to work in an industry that is so giving.

Many of my fondest memories from my time in the California wine business are of pouring at some of the truly historical charity events. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair, the Boys and Girls Clubs fundraiser held at MacMurray Ranch - also in Sonoma - were great to be involved in. The Rhone Rangers fundraiser for the Hospice du Rhone, and our own Hospice Wine Taste here in North Idaho are just a few of the events that receive massive donations from wineries and others in the wine industry to support the events, which include in most every case all of the tasting wines.

As we have gotten to know our own industry better, we have learned of wineries and winery owners who go even further. Who make wine where all or a portion of the proceeds from every bottle are earmarked for a specific charity. It is our intention to highlight all the good work our industry does on a more regular basis. We are starting today with three wines that specifically have some of the revenue from them dedicated to the support of some very worthy charities.

Pro golfer Ernie Els from South Africa is one of the most well liked and respected golfers worldwide. He is very charitable. His Big Easy Red, a blend from South African and Bordeaux varietals, historically has been one of our most popular wines in our shop. While Ernie donates to charities worldwide, the profits from the Big Easy all go to an array of children's charities.

We recently tried the wines from 10 Span. The name is an ode to the California condor whose wingspan is 10 feet. The proceeds from the sale of 10 Span wines which include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet are donated to the Ventana Wildlife Fund and its efforts to reintroduce the condor to the wild. The wines are compellingly priced at $10, and, as made by John Clark, are delicious.

Appellation Wine Company produces great wines under a variety of brands and labels. They are also notable for owning a winery in Malibu, California, Rosenthal Malibu Wine Estates, not well known as an appellation. Their Surfrider Hang Ten Red is a lovely blend with vibrant fruit framed by good structure. A portion of the proceeds of each bottle of Surfrider goes to charities that support and help preserve the beauty of our oceans and the wildlife that dwell in them.

As wine consumers and wine professionals, we appreciate and enjoy the wines we select for the flavors and aromatics, how they pair with our meals and how our guests react when they try something new we introduce to them. Wines like these - and others we will write about in the future, give you a chance to support worthy causes while savoring each glass.

Check with your favorite wine professional, or come by the shop to sample these and learn about other wines with a purpose.

If there is a topic you would like to read about, or if you have questions on wine, you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com, or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner (with his wife Mary Lancaster) of the dinner party, a wine and tabletop decor shop by Costco in Coeur d'Alene. George has also worked as a judge in many wine competitions, and his articles are published around the country. You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles and other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.