6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY July 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com 831 There is one activity most wineries have in common, besides the obvious. There is also a feature shared by galas, altruistic activities and other gatherings. It can be seen in the bottle for bid at a silent auction, the wine pouring freely at a fundraising event, the gift presented to a nonprofit volunteer. Winemakers are constantly approached by charitable groups. And— selectively—they are happy to give. “Scheid does so much. Silvestri— they do so much,” observes Dawn Galante, owner of the Dawn’s Dream label, starting to tick off what would be a long list. “I don’t know a winery in this community that doesn’t care for others.” Surveys are consistent in reporting that more than 95 percent of winemakers contribute to charities, educational institutions, arts organizations and other groups, with bottles of wine overwhelmingly the most common form of donation. “We all have a talent to give,” says David Baird, winemaker for Folktale Winery. “I have the opportunity to make wines and give back to the community in a way that’s important to me.” Recently, Baird and Galante added a new approach. This year Baird released the second vintage of his Common Thread label. For Galante, 2024 marks the first of her Dare to Dream line. What sets both apart are their purpose. The wines are specifically designated for charity. Dare to Dream is an extension of the “Dream a Little Dream of Me” wall at the Dawn’s Dream tasting room in Carmel. Each year, the wall features a different nonprofit partner, with information and ways for guests to donate. Last year it was Jacob’s Heart, an organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer. For 2024, the winery has teamed up with Community Human Services, which provides mental health, substance abuse and homeless services. For each bottle of the Dare to Dream Zinfandel sold, $5 will go to Community Human Services, in addition to the amount donated from the wall. Common Thread features four single varietals and a blend named “Three Strands”—Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier. Echoing the common thread is the fact that Baird and both of his sons have a single palmar crease on their left hands, a feature consistent with Down Syndrome. Baird’s older son, Colin, has Down Syndrome. Three Strands is also a reference to his son’s DNA. “It’s a special bond I share with my two sons,” Baird says of his Common Thread label, which he makes with the full support of Folktale. “I wanted a brand I would be passionate about and would have meaning.” His goal with Common Thread is that 10 percent—measured through sales and donations of wine—will go to support organizations aiding the special needs community, both children and adults. The idea of creating wines with a purpose is not new. Other winemakers have adopted the approach. Indeed, Galante launched Dawn’s Dream with giving in mind. And for several years, the winery’s Frances Jane—named after one of Galante’s granddaughters—has sent a portion of receipts to animal-related causes. But there is a sense of deep purpose behind Dare to Dream and the charity wall. “I like to say ‘helping women and children reach for the stars,’” Galante says. “Using terms like ‘at risk’ stigmatizes the individuals.” The purpose goes beyond money. Both Galante and Baird say that the true goal is spreading the message. The staff at Dawn’s Dream receive instruction on the nonprofit and its goals so they can engage with guests who express interest. Baird speaks about those with special needs as he introduces his Common Thread wines. “Some of the phrases, like ‘give back,’ sound elitist,” Galante notes. “My criteria is that I work with people in our community.” Common Thread wines can be found at Folktale Winery, 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. 293-7500, folktalewinery.com. Dare to Dream wines can be found at Dawn’s Dream, 7th and San Carlos, Carmel. 659-2649, dawnsdreamwinery.com. Good Stuff Two new Monterey County wine labels are dedicated to supporting local charities. By Dave Faries David Baird of Folktale Winery and Dawn Galante of Dawn’s Dream Winery say winemaking is an opportunity to raise awareness about the various causes they are passionate about. Both have created wine labels that support charities. “We all have a talent to give.” TAlES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS
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