DECEMBER 22, 2011 ISSUE
Wine To Water Expands Selection
Left to right: Jessup Marion, Annie Marion, Doc Hendley, Scott Lucan, Kyle Lomax
Boone nonprofit Wine to Water now has five wines under its private label, which helps raise money for its water projects around the world.Local nonprofit Wine To Water, an organization focused on providing clean water to people in need around the world, recently launched five new wines under its private wine label. These new wines include a sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel. Each varietal is produced out of Mendocino County, Calif., where the nonprofit’s partnering winery is located.
The idea behind Wine To Water’s wine brand is to provide a sustainable method of growing awareness and funding for the charity’s projects and overall mission in fighting the world’s water crisis. Nearly 1 billion people in the world lack access to adequate water and sanitation, and every 15 seconds a child dies from water-related illnesses.
For every bottle sold, one dollar goes back to Wine to Water to help serve its mission. One dollar can support a person in desperate need with clean water for up to an entire year.
In late 2008, Jessup Marion was introduced to Wine To Water while working in the High Country as part of his new territory for a wholesale beverage company. During his first week of market visits he noticed a sign on a door that said “Wine To Water.” Not knowing what Wine To Water was, he was curious about the name and intrigued to learn more. Walking in that door was a true cold call that changed the way he did business as well as his overall outlook on life.
After walking in and introducing himself to Doc Hendley, founder of Wine To Water, the two connected right away. Hendley shared the story of Wine To Water, opening Jessup’s eyes to a crisis he knew nothing about.
Marion saw a way he could get involved through his work in the beverage industry. He started volunteering at Wine To Water events and wine tastings, pouring wine and freeing up time for Hendley to mingle with guests attending the events.
At that time Wine To Water incorporated various wines, purchased from various wholesalers, to sample during their events. After several months of volunteering, Marion proposed a private wine label, which would cut down on expenses for the organization but would also become a method of branding the organization to raise awareness and funding.
Support local retailers throughout the High Country that support Wine to Water. You can find Wine to Water wines at Peabody’s, Erick’s Cheese and Wine, Savory Thymes, Mellow Mushroom Blowing Rock and Boone, Paolucci’s and Harris Teeter.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
