Collaboration with Vital Wines, Valdemar Estates, and Seven Hills Vineyards produces both a gorgeous wine and continued support for vineyard and winery workers in the region
WALLA WALLA, WA (March 6, 2023) – Vital Wines—the 501c(3) non-profit winery that directs its net profits to improving the equity in access to healthcare for vineyard workers and their families—is launching a new Guest Winemaker Program with the release of its 2022 Vital x Valdemar Estates Rosé. Blending the winemaking, grape growing, and philanthropic efforts of three dynamic women in Washington wine, this crisp, bright Rosé raises a fitting toast to the celebration of Women’s History Month.
Made by Devyani Isabel Gupta, talented head winemaker and viticulturist at Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, this Rosé marks the first in a collaborative new series of wines offered by the nonprofit winery founded by Ashley Trout in 2016. A blend of 80 percent Mourvèdre and 20 percent Syrah, fruit for this vintage is donated by Seven Hills Vineyard which is managed by Sadie Drury—another female force in the Northwest wine scene and Chair of the Washington State Wine Commission.
The Vital Wines Guest Winemaker Program offers a creative new channel for notable wine producers to lend their time, artistry, and notoriety to support the mission and impact of the purpose-driven, nonprofit winery. In addition to this inaugural Rosé—now available to Vital Wine Club members in advance of the March 24 public release—upcoming wines in this series will showcase collaborations with Canvasback, Gramercy Cellars, Rasa Vineyards, Reininger, The Walls, Walla Walla Vintners, and others.
“This new program showcases not only the extraordinary talent of our friends and colleagues, but also their compassion and commitment to taking good care of the people in our industry and our communities,” said Ashley Trout, founding president and head winemaker at Vital Wines. “With Devyani and Sadie joining forces to create the first release of the series, this Rosé also celebrates the positive impact and growing influence of women in Washington wine.”
Guest Winemaker wines are offered in addition to Vital’s existing lineup of varietals—each available for early purchase to wine club members, online, or at the downtown Walla Walla tasting room. Net proceeds from each bottle support a variety of regional organizations and health initiatives aimed at honoring, including, and improving the lives of vineyard workers and their families.
ABOUT VITAL WINES
Vital Wines is a community-driven, 501c(3), non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the equity in access to health care for vineyard workers and their families through education, advocacy, and direct services. Driven entirely by a community of donors and volunteers, Vital produces award-winning wines with purpose, dedicating its net profits to programs and organizations that support vineyard and winery workers—including SOS Health Services of Walla Walla, a free, bilingual healthcare clinic [NOTE: Currently by appointment only due to COVID-19] located in the Walla Walla Valley. Through wine sales, direct donations, events, and special programs, our collective efforts aim to raise awareness, provide critical resources, and create a sense of belonging for our vineyard and winery colleagues and friends. Supporters can learn more at www.vitalwinery.com or visit the donate page to make a tax-deductible contribution
