Modesto wine columnist: This vineyard contributes to charity with each bottle bought

Russ Winton
Updated ·2 min read

The first vintage of Lucy Rose of Pinot Noir was 2005. The Pisoni Family Vineyards have contributed $1 from every bottle sold to advancing research into the cure for breast cancer. At the close of 2022, Lucy wines donated over $200,000 to charitable causes. The first vintage of Lucy’s white wine, Pico Blanco was 2022. It’s a blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc and $1 from each bottle sold goes to ocean conservation run by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This year the Pisoni Family Vineyards will release Lucy’s first red wine, a 2022 Gamay Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands. And $1 from every bottle sold will support the local Big Sur firefighters. Look for Lucy’s pink, white and red wines in your local market and enjoy the wines knowing you are helping these charitable causes. Cheers to you and the Pisoni Family Vineyards!

Portuguese Festival

Experience the Portuguese culture while supporting a great cause. All proceeds benefit the Carlos Vieira Foundation’s Race for Autism campaign which helps Central California families who have autistic children. The festival will be held in Turlock at the Stanislaus County Fairground on April 22. Parking and admission are free, gates open at 9 a.m. with a parade starting at 10 a.m. The family friendly event will showcase traditional Portuguese dancing, music, folklore, a wine and cheese tasting, cultural exhibits, carnival rides, plenty of Portuguese food and craft vendors. Saturday also will feature performances by Jorge Ferreira, Alex Ferrari and the Portuguese Kids on the 51FIFTY Stage.

Come back Sunday, April 23, for a traditional bloodless bullfight. Gates open at 2 p.m. for the carnival, bar and food booths. The bullfight starts at 4 p.m. and will be followed by live music. Tickets to the bullfight are $15 and can be purchased on Saturday or at the gate Sunday. Cheers to the Carlos Vieira Foundation! For more information visit carlosvieirafoundation.org.

SF Chronicle Wine Competition deals

The Best of Class Merlot went to the McManis Family Vineyards and a Double Gold Medal went to their Zinfandel. Five Gold medals were awarded to their Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2020 Cabernet Red Blend. Yep, McManis wines rock.

Are you just not sure about buying a box wine? Give the Bota Box Nighthawk Rich a try. It took a Best of Class medal and their Pinot Grigio won a Gold. Or consider the Black Box Pinot Noir, a Best of Class winner. A Double Gold medal went to their Shiraz. The Black Box Pinot Grigio and a Dry Rose also took home Golds. Both brands are under $20 for the equivalent of four bottles. The wine stays fresh, you can forget the corkscrew and it is easy to recycle. Yes!

Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.