(This column appeared in the 1/21 issue of Dan’s Papers)
Drink Charitably This Winter
With the recent devastation in Southeast Asia and East Africa, the ideas of charity and giving to those less fortunate have jumped to the forefront of most of our minds.
While some wineries host fundraising events or give a portion of wine sales proceeds to various causes, Judd Wallenbrock, founder and proprietor of Humanitas Wine Company in Napa, has taken wine “giving” to a whole new plateau, donating all of Humanitas’ profits to charity. Yes, you read that right, every last dollar is donated.
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 unique thing is that instead of donating to the national chapters, they donate in the communities where the wine is sold.
A 24-year veteran of the wine California business, including stints at prestigious Robert Mondavi and De Loach wineries, Wallenbrock founded Humanitas because, “My passion is in the enjoyment of wine, my expertise is in building strong wine brands, and my heart is in philanthropy.”
The three come together in a portfolio of small-production, hand-crafted wines that are nothing short of delicious. “I always try to over-deliver with my wines,” said Wallenbrock “Over-deliver” only tells part of the story. At $15 per bottle, these are great value pours that will make any wine drinker feel good on many levels.
The Humanitas 2003 Monterey County Cabernet Sauvignon is super smooth and filled with just-picked blueberries and hints of hot chocolate. It’s not your typical, “big” California Cabernet, but that’s all right. This is a great drinking wine that is great for food. 1200 cases produced.
Expectedly, Humantias’ 2001 Edna Valley Chardonnay isn’t your typical California Chardonnay either. Overflowing with pineapples and honey, it’s imminently drinkable and dodges the flabby oak the region is sometimes known for. If you like Long Island’s better Chardonnays, you’ll probably like this one, too. Crisp and refreshing, it’s a delectable seafood foil. 996 cases produced.
Wallenbrock described the Humanitas 2003 Monterey County Merlot as, “Not your average Merlot. So many are light, innocuous and boring. This one definitely has a style that makes a statement!” He’s right. At 15 bucks, this is a great value California Merlot – one of the best I’ve tasted. It’s rich with blackberries, smoke and black pepper.
Wallenbrock has just started distribution in the Metro area, but Humanitas wines are currently available in Manhattan at Ambassador Wines (1020 2nd Ave, http://www.ambassadorwines.com/), 67 Wine and Liquor (129 Columbus Ave, www.67wine.com) and Grand Harvest Wines (107 E 42nd St). If you can’t find them in your local shop, ask for them.
For more information or to contact Humantias Wines directly, visit http://www.humanitaswines.com/. As their slogan says, “Drink Charitably.”
Lenn Thompson is a contributing writer for Dan’s North Fork. Email him at lenn@lenndevours.com