While we generally avoid political topics at GLR, I am a staunch advocate of increased gun control in this country and perplexed by its partisan nature. However, I’ll focus on the positive by highlighting some of our favorite wine country folks who are taking action.
Kelly and Noah Dorrance, proprietors of BloodRoot Wines and Reeve Wines in Healdsburg, CA, have announced the second annual Wine Country Unites initiative. This event, uniting wineries, restaurants, and businesses to raise funds and awareness for gun violence prevention, will be held on June 7th, coinciding with National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
BloodRoot and Reeve Wines
Both operate under a collaborative model with skilled vintners, emphasizing meticulous, hands-on, “small-batch” winemaking. Their wines are rich in flavor and reflect the unique characteristics of local vineyards. With a focus on sustainability and quality, they have earned a reputation for elegant, expressive wines true to their region and terroir.
Other local wineries will be participating, too, pouring their current vintages and donating $10 from each bottle sold. The goal is to raise $150,000 for the GIFFORDS Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, an organization dedicated to saving lives through policy changes, cultural shifts, and community support.
Wine Country Unites was inspired by 9-year-old Evelyn Dieckhaus, a victim of the deadly Covenant School shooting in Nashville last year. Kelly Dorrance, Evelyn’s aunt, founded the initiative as a way to channel her grief into action.
“The outpouring of support from our fellow vintners, restaurants, and small business owners in this tireless fight is a testament to the power of our industry to drive change,” said Kelly Dorrance. “Together we can change the arc of history and make our country a safer place.”
The inaugural event in 2023 brought together 116 businesses and raised over $125,000.
The Ramble Music Festival
This year’s Wine Country Unites aims for an even greater impact, alongside The Ramble music festival hosted by BloodRoot Wines, which will donate all proceeds to GIFFORDS. Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords praised the community activism, stating, “Even when progress can feel too slow at the government level, there’s so much we as individuals can do to make a difference.”
If you live in the Bay Area or plan on traveling there around June 7th, you can enjoy great wines and support a worthy cause against the beautiful backdrop of Healdsburg, CA. For those unfamiliar with Healdsburg, it’s a charming town in the heart of Sonoma County, renowned for its fantastic restaurants—including the acclaimed Michelin 3-star SingleThread—and the popular Healdsburg Hotel, among other great spots.
I recently sampled BloodRoot wines and was thoroughly impressed. Stay tuned for my coverage and tasting notes.
