By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief
(AP Photo/Jorge Cruz)
I've never been to Haiti. I don't know anyone in Haiti either. I actually don't think that I even know anyone with family or friends in Haiti. But, like so many, my heart goes out to the people of Haiti in this time of tremendous tragedy and distress.
Places like the Red Cross are organizing aid for the island nation, of course, but I've been thinking for a few days about how I, with the rest of the New York wine community, can do my part to help. I still may try to organize a tasting event at a local winery, but in the meantime, here is an easy way for New York wineries and wine lovers to help -- the Palate Press Wine Auction.
In a nutshell, the folks at Palate Press are inviting wine lovers to donate bottles from their cellars for an online auction, with all of the proceeds going to help the people of Haiti. I'll be donating something myself, but I thought that this is an opportunity for New York wineries and all of their fans to help the cause. The wines will be auctioned off by the case, so I thought I'd help the New York wine community put together at least a couple cases of wine for the effort.
If you are a winery, wine shop or wine lover interested in donating a bottle or more to be auctioned off by Palate Press, please either leave a comment on this post or send me an email with your donation.
I'm going to wait until early next week to let the auction organizers what we have from the New York community, so let me know as soon as possible.
Peconic Bay Winery will gladly donate one case of 2007 La Barrique Chardonnay, and one case of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Posted by: jim | January 15, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Heron Hill Winery is delighted to donate a case of 2006 Ingle Vineyard Riesling to the Palate Press Wine Auction to help Haiti. A big thanks to NYCR and Palate Press for coordinating efforts.
Posted by: KittyOliver | January 15, 2010 at 11:32 AM
Greetins Len and thanks for assisting fund raising for the people of Haiti. Sheldrake Point Vineyard will donnate a case of 2008 Gewurztraminer (Jefferson Cup winner).
Bob Madill
Posted by: Bob Madill | January 15, 2010 at 11:59 AM
Shinn Estate Vineyards will donate a Magnum of 2005 Nine Barrels Reserve and a case of 2006 Nine Barrels Reserve.
Posted by: David Page | January 15, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Zugibe Vineyards would like to donate a case of 2007 Riesling. Thank you for the opportunity!
Posted by: Brendan Zugibe | January 15, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Raphael will donate a double mag of 2002 First Label Merlot and a 6-liter bottle of our 2007 First Label Merlot. Thank you for telling us about this and for helping to put this together.
Posted by: R. Olsen-Harbich | January 15, 2010 at 06:13 PM
Glenora will donate a case of 2002 Brut Sparkling Wine and Knapp will donate a mixed case 6 bottles Riesling/6 bottles of Chardonnay.
Thanks for providing an opportunity to help!
Gene Pierce
Posted by: Gene Pierce | January 16, 2010 at 12:11 PM
Fox Run will donate a mixed case of the winemakers' favorite whites, reds and fortifieds.
Posted by: Peter Bell | January 16, 2010 at 02:36 PM
Wolffer Estate Vineyard will donate a case of the Fatalis Fatum 2006 Red Blend. Thanks for coordinating this and for the opportunity to help!
Posted by: Peggy Lauber | January 18, 2010 at 10:02 AM
McGregor Vineyard will donate a case of 2007 Cabernet Franc Reserve...thanks for coordinating this!
John McGregor
Posted by: John McGregor | January 18, 2010 at 02:34 PM
The Medolla Family will donate one case of its 2003 Merlot to the Palate press wine auction.
Posted by: John Medolla | January 18, 2010 at 07:00 PM
As someone who knows a lot of Haitians, I appreciate the effort that you are putting together for the auction. It was/is a disaster that we will have to help them with for a long time. as a member of the Heron Hill family, we are happy to have donated a case of wine to help! thanks for the coordination efforts. Tambi
Posted by: Tambi schweizer | January 21, 2010 at 11:15 AM