Good wine for a good cause. Photo credit: One Hope Wine
If you are new around here, you may not know that I’m a veteran. It’s true. I served in the Air Force from ’94-98. I even signed up on the 5th of July. So, I guess it’s safe to assume that I’m pretty patriotic. When it comes to causes related to veterans or anything related to the military, I’m right there, front and center. Without our troops, I wouldn’t have the freedom to write this blog nor tweet my random thoughts. And Twitter is what brings you my Wino Wednesday for this week.
From Twitter, I found out about Klout when it first started. I was one of the early adopters and have maintained a reasonable score ever since. It’s not spectacular by any means, but it did afford me to get the BEST PERK EVER – wine. As an avid wino myself, I could think of nothing more spectacular than free wine (plus about $4 in shipping) unless, of course, there is a cause attached.
My first ever Klout perk was for a $25 gift card to One Hope Wine. Co-created with esteemed wine maker Robert Mondavi, Jr., One Hope Wine donates half of proceeds from every bottle purchased through their website. To date, they have donated over $400,000 to partner charities through their One Hope Foundation. They have specific causes for different wines:
- Chardonnay – Breast Cancer
- Merlot – Aids Awareness
- Cabernet – Autism
- Sauvignon Blanc – Environment
- Pinot Noir – Children’s Hospitals
- Zinfandel – Our Troops
What are the chances that my favorite wine, zinfandel, is attached to one of my favorite causes of all time, our troops. It’s a match made in heaven. It’s also a wine made in heaven. Well, not really, but it might as well be. While drinking this zin, I had a hard time deciding whether it tasted amazing or I just felt amazing because I was able to contribute part of the money to supporting our troops and another portion to the Wounded Warrior Project. Honestly, I think it’s a bit of both.
While I admit to not being a huge Mondavi fan, this wine has definitely turned my ear. Or palette, I guess. It was so smooth with just the right oak to berry to chocolate ratio. I wholeheartedly recommend it based on taste alone. But with this wine, you have the lovely opportunity to appreciate it based on both your taste and your passions.
The zin isn’t the only One Hope Wine I’ve had the privilege to taste. Late last week, I attended at VIP event at the Houston office of Excalibur Almaz. They had a wide selection of wines including the One Hope Chardonnay and Merlot. Being a red wine leaning wino, I had the Merlot. I must remind you that I find Merlot vile for the most part, but any port in a storm, right? Well, I was shocked that it was extremely good. Even served at room temperature it was smooth with light tannins and a rich cherry bouquet. So, even though I hate Merlot, I loved this one and will be purchasing a few bottles for my wine fridge.
Long story short, I no longer dislike Mondavi wines, I found a Merlot that I will drink in bulk and I was able to contribute to the troops. All thanks to Twitter and Klout.
Take a few minutes to peruse the One Hope Wine site. I think these wines would make lovely holiday gifts. Don’t be surprised if this is what some of you get from me this year…
I got the Pinot Noir from One Hope and it was just okay.
I’ve got a bottle of the Chardonnay from them too that someone gave to me that I’m going to try soon.
Jessica recently posted..Where I’m From
Hey Sean.
First time reader, first time commenter.
I was never in the military, but my dad was an Army Surgeon for two years when I was 5 and 6. I am a total admirer though and appreciate all of the great charitable causes out there. Thanks for your service. Also, because of my dad, I am able to continue my membership with USAA for my insurance and financial needs. Great company.
As for Klout, I hear there are decent perks. Glad you found some awesome ones. For me, it’s a company that really knows no details about me that is unsuccessfully trying to predict data about me. For example, I post reviews about five beers made by Clown Shoes Brewery and I am a shoe guy. I ran with that b/c I think it’s hilarious and continue to promote my new found skill set.
And it’s totally awesome that you are setting your own bar and not reaching for unreasonable anymore!
Anyway, might need to try some Mondavi wines.
Nice to meet you on your blog.
Hey Rob! Thanks for stopping by! I haven’t done anything with Klout since that wine perk. But I drank it pretty damn fast!