The holidays, ready or not, are upon us. Tis the season to give, and give, and give. For me, this has always been stressful. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas, love watching the excitement in my kids faces as the big day approaches, love spending time with family, and most importantly, love the reason behind Christmas. But as a single mom there has always been worry and stress behind the smiles. It’s hard enough without buying gifts to make ends meet. So while I love the holidays (I even love Christmas Carols), it’s always been a bit of a financial stress.

This year most Americans share this stress, not just my fellow single moms. While Christmas has many of us stressed as we try to figure out how to be responsible while being festive and generous, this year many charities will also be stressing. For most non-profits the holidays are when they raise the most funds. But ever since this recession hit non-profits have seen huge dips in their supplies while demands for their services and help has gone up.

It’s this dilemma that inspired me to hold my Wines That Give Back Tasting. Wine is needed during the holidays, not just for the table but it also as gifts. So why not buy wine that will take a portion of it’s profits and give to the types of charities you would like to support anyways? A great example of this type of wine is Humanitas. Humanitas supports charities that address three main causes: homelessness, hunger, and literacy. But the great thing about Humanitas is that they give to charities in YOUR community. That’s right. If you are in Nebraska and you order Humanitas they will write a check to a charity in YOUR community, even if it’s only a few dollars. Ehlers Estate gives all its profit towards heart disease research, Cleavage Creek support Breast Cancer Research, and Clark-Claudon’s Cab Cares program goes towards charities that feed children.

Not every winery has a giving program in place, but on December 13 these wineries in addition to the previously mentioned wineries, will be supporting the charities of their choice via all orders taken at the December 13 event. Astrale e Terra, Clouds Rest, Inspire, Tin Barn, Peju, and Contessa de Carneros.

But we didn’t stop at wine. We have artists, jewelry makers and other vendors who will donate a portion of their profits from sales this day towards charity. We also will have a bake sale and split the profits from the bake sale between Napa and Sonoma Country food banks.

So come out on December 13 and plan to buy all your holiday wine, goodies, and gifts. By doing so you’ll give the best kind of gift there is to give ,the kind that gives twice.

December 13, 2009

2-6 p.m.

Rutherford Grange, Rutherford on the St Helena HWY

Price $15 per person

Contact: 707-254-5152 or email at info@smalllotsbigwines.com