Inspired by a friend diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a group of young California-based entrepreneurs set out to create a socially conscience wine brand dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations year round. Determined to make a difference, the co-founders came together to start OneHope Wine in 2007. Starting with just $10,000 in the bank, they purchased a small storage unit in Manhattan Beach and started selling wine out of their cars.
Delivering on their promise to support national causes, OneHope donates half of the profits from every bottle sold to causes ranging from childhood hunger and breast cancer to national deforestation and even the cause of your choice. To date the company has delivered more than one million meals to children, 2,000 mammograms to women without healthcare, and planted almost 40,000 trees in U.S. forests.
But it’s not just the causes they serve, it is also the cases served that have wine connoisseurs buzzing. In 2009 the budding brand teamed with Rob Mondavi Jr., of the Michael Mondavi winemaking family, and as you would expect the wine is outstanding. The partnership centers on custom blended varietals from Napa, Sonomoa and California’s Central Coast.
There’s a Sparkling Brut with aromas of green apple, nectarine and fresh baked bread. A case of which would equate to 25 meals for children. Or perhaps the strong black cherry flavor and oak barrel aging of OneHope’s Cabernet Sauvignon will make you smile. One thing’s for sure, the profits will bring needed therapy to a child with autism.
For those with a specific taste, and cause in mind we suggest the Chardonnay Reserve Santa Barbara County 2009. Hailing from vineyards of the Santa Maria Valley and as far South as the Sta Rita Hills, this expertly prepared Chardonnay is a harvest of apricot and apple fruit aromas. The acidity is nicely balanced with creamy oak and rich butter notes thanks to its partial fermentation in French oak barrels. Perfect for the summer months ahead it pairs well with shellfish, chicken and grilled vegetable dishes.
In addition to multiple 90+ point ratings, more than 100 medals have been awarded to wines from the OneHope portfolio. Quality wine that finishes with more than $1.4 million donated to date? We all can drink to that.