Eat, Drink for a Cause

December 2009

By Wine Press Staff

Dundee’s Erath Winery is partnering with Oregon and Washington restaurants to support the second annual “Raise a Glass, Fund a Scholarship” program to benefit viticulture and enology programs at Oregon State University. In Washington, Erath will join Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery of Woodinville and Washington restaurants in supporting Washington State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Nearly 200 restaurants in Washington and Oregon are participating in the program, which runs now through the end of December 2009.

“It is extremely rewarding to have our local Northwest restaurant communities help us support the future growers and winemakers of the Pacific Northwest,” said Ste. Michelle Wine Estates President Ted Baseler. “These local viticulture and enology programs are critical for the Northwest wine industry to continue to produce world-class, internationally renowned wines.”

Erath and Chateau Ste. Michelle wineries will donate $3 per case sold to participating restaurants—up to $50,000—to help fund the two schools, plus affiliated community colleges throughout the Northwest. The money raised will fund scholarships, research, faculty and equipment.

Last year, Chateau Ste. Michelle kicked off the inaugural program in which a portion of wine sales was contributed to the WSU viticulture and enology program. A total of 123 restaurants joined the effort, raising $40,000. Organizers hope to increase that number this year with the expansion into Oregon.

The list of participating restaurants is available on www.erath.com .