Be a Philanthropic Hedonist for Viticulture and Enology

Did you know that Washington wine industry is the second-largest premium wine producer in the country with over 650 wineries and over 350 grape growers – not to mention an industry that employs 19,000 full-time workers? Or that Oregon is now a world-class grape-growing state with 15 approved wine growing regions and over 300 wineries that combined produce wine from 72 grape varieties?

Think that’s all a good thing? Want to help to see it get even better?

Now’s your chance.

Between now and the end of December, the second annual Raise a Glass, Fund a Scholarship is on.

What is it, you ask?

It’s a fundraiser: Woodinville, Washingon’s 75-year-old Chateau Ste. Michelle teams up this year with 40+-year-old Dundee, Oregon’s Erath Winery – two fantastically philanthropic vineyards that in turn have teamed up with close to 200 restaurants in both states taking part. Dine at any one of these numerous restaurants and you’re helping the Viticulture and Enology Programs at Washington State University and the College of Agricultural Sciences Program at Oregon State University, as well as affiliated community colleges throughout the Northwest.

Exactly how are the funds raised, you ask? Well, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Erath wineries will donate $3 per case sold to these participating restaurants – up to a total of $50,000. (Last year a total of $40,000 was raised by Chateau Ste. Michelle and 123 restaurants. This year, the program is expanding to Washington’s neighboring state to the south.)

All money raised will go to fund scholarships, research, faculty and equipment.

So get out to one of these participating restaurants, order a glass (or bottle) from either of these two wineries, and feel good about imbibing some primo, philanthropic, regional Northwest vino while investing in the future of this fabulously hedonistic industry.

After all, you have close to 200 restaurants to choose from.

Very cool.