Winemakers Do Good

Filed in archive Wine News on April 19, 2006

The idea of the wealthy wine merchant who's vast empire includes acre upon acre of rolling hills that he views as he sips his wine on his balcony, feet up, body relaxed is in many ways a myth.

Yes, many winemakers are wealthy, but they didn't get that way by propping their feet up and not working. Winemaking is like many other agricultural methods; it requires sweat equity.

Here's a story about some winemakers who have done more than just make wine. They are trying to make a difference in people's lives, the same people that have helped them become successful.

From Cultivating grapes and philanthropy: Brian Talley's commitment to his family farming operation goes beyond building structures, growing grapes and making wine. His focus extends to the people who he says make it all possible -- the workers that tend the fields, prune the vines and pick the grapes.

In December 2004, Brian Talley and his wife, Johnine, established The Fund for Vineyard and Farm Workers, an endowment fund that provides grants to nonprofit organizations that benefit farmworkers in San Luis Obispo County.
Brian Talley sees the fund as "a great way to bring the winemaking community around a charity that is so fundamental to our business."

Johnine Talley's interest in philanthropy includes experience on the founding board of directors for the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, the organization that will hold and allocate the funds to selected organizations focused on health care and education.

The first two grants will be made next month to the after-school program at the Boys and Girls Club of Oceano and to La Clinica de Tolosa in Paso Robles, a service that provides dental care to low-income people.