It’s fall… which means it’s time for Corks for Kids, our annual fundraiser to support the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. We’re closing in on $1 million in total funds raised over the years! Thank you for all of your support.

Of course, this year, we simply cannot hold our big winemaker tasting event. So, we are bringing the winemakers to you!

Here’s how it will work.

We have lined up three top winemakers from California and Oregon. On three successive Thursdays, they will each host a virtual tasting. You can buy a ticket for one, two or all three. Your ticket gets you access to the tasting. 100% of your ticket sale goes to the Children’s Hospital.

For the tasting, we have selected a group of wines. You can purchase as many of them as you like. Perhaps you have a “clean” social circle you can invite over? I’m pricing the wines at a very low markup to try and lower the threshold to enjoy the tasting.

Tickets are $20 each, or $50 for all three. You can reserve yours by reply to this email. Because Corks for Kids is a 501c3, we will then contact you to secure a credit card to process.

If you want the full tasting notes for any of the wines, just let me know. I will also be emailing the full descriptions out another time.

Oh… almost forgot, if possible, please order the wines you want for the tasting when you reserve your tickets. We’ve not done this before, so securing inventory is a bit tricky. We want to make sure we have enough wine for everyone!

Okay… ready? Here’s the lineup!

St. Innocent Winery

Owner / Winemaker Mark Vlossak

Thursday, October 29th, 6:30-7:30 pm

• Chardonnay Freedom Hill Vineyard 2017 – Sale $29.99 – 91 pts Wine Enthusiast
• Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard 2015 – Sale $31.99 – 94 pts Vinous
• Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard 2016 – Sale $36.49 – 93 pts Vinous
• Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard 2016 – Sale $47.99 – 94 pts Vinous

Hartford Family Winery

Winemaker Jeff Stewart

Thursday, November 5th, 6:30-7:30 pm

• Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2018 – Sale $19.99 – 92 pts Wine Spectator
• Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018 – Sale $27.99 – 95 pts Jeb Dunnuck
• Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2018 – Sale $24.99 – 92 pts Wine Spectator
• Four Hearts Vineyard Chardonnay 2018 – Sale $41.99 – 95 pts Jeb Dunnuck
• Seascape Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 – Sale $54.99 – 96+ pts Jeb Dunnuck

Atelier Melka

Winemaker Maayan Koschitzky

Maayan is director of winemaking for Atelier Melka, yes that Philippe Melka. Chances are you had or at least heard of some of the many wines that Atelier Melka produces, Screaming Eagle, Dalle Vale, Vineyard 29, and of course Melka Estates, just to name a few. These are some of the most sought after and highest rated wines in the world. Maayan is the man behind those wines, with his hands on the fruit, in the vats, racking barrels, really making wine. Miguel Luna brings his expertise from the vineyard. He’s a partner in Silverado Farming Company, one of Napa’s most prestigious vineyard management companies. They own and farm many of the best vineyards in Napa, their Rockstar list of clients includes Lail, Dana Estates, Mole Hill, Stags Leap Wine Company, Accedo Cellars, yep more 100 point wines…

Thursday, November 12th, 6:30-7:30 pm

• 2018 La Pelle Sav Blanc, Napa - Sale $39.99 – NR / 2016 was 95 pts Jeb Dunnuck
• 2018 Royal Princess Chardonnay - Sale $22.99 - 94 pts Jeb Dunnuck
• 2018 Royal Price Napa Cabernet - Sale $31.99 - 93 pts Jeb Dunnuck
• 2016 OnQ Cadence Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville - Sale $62.99
• 2018 La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa - Sale $65.99