With all that has happened recently in Southeast Asia and East Africa, many of us are thinking about how we can help be it with money, time or a donation of good to help survivors get their lives back together.
Even in the wine world, wineries are hosting events to raise money and one of my favorite wineries on Long Island even produced a wine to benefit a 9/11 non-profit organization.
Recently, however, I stumbled upon what can only be considered the ultimate in wine world charity, Humanitas Wines.
They don’t just donate a portion of profits or host an event every now and again…all of Humanitas Wines’ profits go to charity. Yes, you read that right, every cent of profit goes to charity.
Specifically, the profits are donated to address three primary issues — hunger, affordable housing and illiteracy. Humanitas has chosen America’s Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity and Reading is Fundamental as their primary charities.
The other really cool thing is that instead of donating to the national chapters, they donate in the communities where the wine is sold.
In all fairness, I shouldn’t say "they"…because the winery’s sole employee is Judd Wallenbrock. A 24-year veteren of the wine business, Judd spent the ten years leading up to his founding of Humanitas as an executive for two major wineries in California.
Why did he make this move? He puts it best himself — "My passion is in the enjoyment of wine, my expertise is in building strong wine brands, and my heart is in philanthropy."
Three have come together..and the results are beautiful — a Chardonnay, a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Judd told me he always tries to over-deliver with the wines, each of which sell for $15. I’ll probably open the other two bottles tonight…but the Cabernet Sauvignon was uncorked last night.
Eyes: It’s deep purple in the glass (no, not the band) and shimmers in the light. Looks great in the glass though not as heavy as some California Cabernets.
Nose: Fills my nose with just-picked blueberries with hints of what reminds me of sipping hot chocolate in front of a roaring fireplace fireplace.
Tongue:Super smooth and supple tannins frame more fresh juiciness with dark chocolate. Not a "big" Cali Cab at all, but nicely nuanced and delicious.
Price: $15 at your local wine shop (expect wider distribution in coming months) or but it directly from the winery.
Overall: I loved the idea of this wine long before I even opened it…and I wasn’t disappointed at all. Even if you don’t like California Cabernet, I bet you like this one.
Drinking a glass of wine is always about more than just the wine itself…so any time you take a delicious wine and wrap it up in a great cause, how can you go wrong?
This Cab is charming, fun and supremely drinkable. I can’t wait to try the Merlot and Chardonnay.
As Humantias’ tagline says: "Enjoy Humanitas… Drink Charitably!"