May 2011

Raising Hope for Malawi

by Eric

The 2011 GAIA (Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance) Garden Party was held in San Anselmo at the exquisite estate of the Becker family. Rob Becker, world famous playwright of ‘Defending the Caveman’ and his wife were the gracious hosts of 100+ people from around the Bay Area all gathered to raise money for the orphans of the AIDS epidemic in Malawi, Africa.

The setting was spectacular. A gorgeous home surrounded by a beautiful garden enveloped in a luscious tree scape was decked out with a marquee, delicious Hors d’œuvres from Paradise Foods and a lively African band, not to mention a rainbow of stunning African fabrics decorating tables, fashioned into skirts donned by the volunteers and pulled tightly around shoulders for warmth.

The scene was incredible, but the beauty of the event were the guests. KQED’s forum, radio host Michael Krasny emceed the auction for GAIA where various packages were sold off, ranging from scholarships for Nurses, a year’s food supply for orphans, to Mosquito nets for new-borns and bicycle ambulances to transport ill patients. It was heart-warming and so inspiring to see how much people were willing to raise their hand and numbers to give to this incredible cause. There was not a dry eye in the audience by the end of the auction as everyone showed their true kindness and generosity to this country so in need.

We were so delighted to be apart of an event where we could showcase our Fairtrade and BWI (Biodiversity and Wine Initiative) wines. Not to mention 6 out of 8 wines poured were rated 90+ points!

The wines served for the evening were Partnership Vineyard Shiraz and De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc. We provided a tasting of De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay, De Grendel Rose, Ridgeback Viognier, Raka Biography Shiraz, Raka Quinary and Diemersfontein Pinotage.

We showcase our South African Wines at so many events around the Bay Area, but it is afternoons like these, that really make us proud to be apart of. People supporting life-saving services to others in need with a particular emphasis on Africa’s most vulnerable citizens: women and children.

In honor of GAIA, we are extending our donation of 10% from all proceeds from wine sales until the end of the month. If you would like to purchase wines from our retail store to not only enjoy but also to support this cause, use promocode GAIA at check out.

Michael Krasny hosting the GAIA Auction

Bicycle Ambulance

Eric Matkovich from Cape Ardor

Kara van Niekerk pouring South African Wines

A delightful joke for all you Imbibers.. happy Tuesday!

by Cape Ardor

A preacher was completing a temperance sermon: with great expression he said, “If I had all the beer in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river.”

With even greater emphasis, he said, “And if I had all the wine in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river.”

And then, finally, he said, “And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river.” He sat down.

The song leader then stood very cautiously and announced with a pleasant smile, “For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365: ‘Shall We Gather At the River.’”