Giving Back During Tough Times

Rebecca Germolus on Jun 3, 2020

Even with their tasting rooms shuttered, wineries along the Wine Road found ways of giving back during tough times—tough for them and those around them.

Wine Purchases Translate to Needed Donations

Even before the shelter in place order, winery tasting rooms were told they needed to close their doors. A few days later, we were all told to stay home unless we worked in an essential service. Wineries classify as essential services, so even though you weren’t allow to visit them, you could still get wine.

Once closed to the public, wineries started giving shipping discounts and other offers. Most wineries also offered touchless curbside pick up (and still do!) This allowed wine lovers to keep their cellars stocked—a much appreciated aspect of staying sane, and a reminder that the acronym for shelter in place is SIP.

Giving Back During Tough Times

With the closure of businesses and the furloughing of many workers, our local food bank saw a dramatic increase in demand. Many nimble-minded vintners quickly figured out ways to contribute, even as their own businesses were impacted.

One example: Papapietro Perry Winery donated $2 to the Redwood Empire Food Bank for every bottle of wine purchased. On May 18th, co-owner Renae Perry presented the Redwood Empire Food Bank with a check for $6,000. A big thank you to everyone who made that happen!

Renae Perry, co-owner of Papapietro Perry Winery, holds a $6000 check for the Redwood Empire Food Bank. A donation from wine sales.

You Give, You Get

Wine Road has been a big supporter of the Redwood Empire Food Bank for many years, donating a dollar for every event ticket sold. But in the past six months, the Wine Road has had to refund tickets for two major events, significantly reducing their donations to this food bank that’s so vital to our community.

Tough situations call for fresh approaches. The Wine Road came up with a way to allow wine lovers to donate to the Redwood Empire Food Bank directly. Donations can be in any amount that works for you. Here is a link to the donation page on Eventbrite.

Wine Road and Redwood Empire Food Bank logos with "Help Us, Help Our Community."

Along with knowing their donations are feeding folks who need it most, donors who give $100 or more will also receive a beautiful picnic blanket, wine country coffee table book, and a custom Wine Road face mask. This thank you from the Wine Road is heartfelt, and will help you stay connected to everyone in Wine Country until you can return.

Image of open cans of food with words" Way to Give" back across the cans.

Parting Thoughts

To help you stay connected and find out the latest updates from the Wine Road, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Sign up for their monthly newsletter. And, check the Wine Road’s Event page for special happenings and offerings.

This too shall pass, and one day visiting your favorite wineries along the Wine Road will happen again.

Happy Sipping!

@thewineroad
#alongthewineroad
#thewineroad
#redwoodempirefoodbank
#givingback

Posted by Rebecca Germolus

Rebecca Germolus, co-owner of Maximum Value Marketing, loves Sonoma County and playing along the Wine Road. Rebecca daily immerses herself in wine country by providing cost-effective marketing and writing solutions to wineries and restaurants.

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