Fires have once again ravaged California’s rural agricultural regions, leaving the most vulnerable in those communities without access to basic resources ranging from gas money to shelter. In response, California’s wine industry has rallied under the umbrella of #CAWineStrong to raise awareness and funds to support those in need.
“Though many of our member wineries and growers are at risk of loss from these fires, our focus right now is on the broader community in which we live,” says Kim Stemler, who runs the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association and is one of the industry leaders behind the #CAWineStrong effort. “Many people are looking for ways to help, so we’re asking them to donate to regional community foundations, which can more quickly and directly benefit locals than national charities.”
Information about the campaign is online at CAWineStrong.com, including links to each region’s community funds. Graphic indicators help website visitors to easily recognize which regions have been directly impacted by fire and to what degree.
Questions about the campaign or how to get involved can be directed to cawinestrong@gmail.com.
California wine industry leaders have formed a support network to provide immediate assistance and long-term aid to victims of the fires impacting Northern California. The CAWineStrong Network includes: Alexander Valley Winegrowers, Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association, Amador Vintners Association, Calaveras Valley Winegrape Alliance, Clarksburg Wine Growers & Vintners Association, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, El Dorado Winery Association, Lake County Winery Association, Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Lodi District Grape Growers Association, Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association, Madera Wine Trail, Mendocino Wine Co, Mendocino Winegrowers Inc., Napa Valley Vintners, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance, Placer County Wine Trail, Russian River Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association, San Luis Obispo Wine Country, Sonoma County Winegrowers, Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers, Temecula Valley Winegrowers, West Sonoma Coast Vintners, Wine Road Sonoma County, and Wineries of Santa Clara Valley.