On The Fundraiser Trail

One of the greatest rewards I have experienced as member of the small number of those who have earned the MW designation has been the ability to use my love of wine for the benefit of so many who are less fortunate in life. Both personally, through the shop, with the help of my generous business partners and our own non-profit Grapes For Good, I have participated in thousands of non-profit events. Sometimes it has been as small as a donation of a decanter or set of wine glasses, or a sale of wine at cost, sometimes as involved as donating or hosting a tasting or event to raise funds. Indeed, we are approached daily, sometimes several times a day, for requests to help with one or another charity. We would love to do them all, and as part of our core belief and as a member of our local community, we do everything we can. But unfortunately we have to decline more often than not, and hope for understanding from all as we do have to run our business and hold to our budgets. If we honored them all, or even a fraction, we would would quickly become a charity case ourselves! The list of those we helped is long and has included dozens of local schools, hospitals, and the arts - a partial listing is below, but there have been many more. If you have a cause, you believe in, please feel free to submit it for consideration - all we ask is that you are also be understanding when we have to defer. Meanwhile this week there were a few fun and worthy events, including a fantastic dinner of rare and eclectic wines and guest speaker Antonio Galoni from the Wine Advocate at Il Cappriccio, and the heart warming Canine Companions for Independence. And coming soon on November 21st, our own Annual Champagne tasting! Click for details. A list of the terrific wines from Il Cappriccio are below. 

 

Stuzzichini M isti

(Assorted Hot & Cold Appetizers Butler Style)
Movia Puro Rosato Undisgorged 2002
Cash Bar

I Primi

Cuore di Carciofi Ripieni

(Stuffed Center Cut Artichokes)
M ovia Lunar (Ribolla Gialla) 2007

La Pasta

Trofiette al Ragu di Anatra al Vino Rosso

(Fresh Trofiette Pasta with Duck Ragu & Fresh Tomato)
Bartolo M ascarello Barolo 1999

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 2003

I l Pesce

Rosetta di Salmone Selvatico allo Zafferano e Semi di Papaveri

(Rose Shaped Salmon in Saffron Sauce)
Gravner Ribolla Gialla Amphora 2003

Entrée

Coppetta di Feletto di Bue Ripieno ai Quattro Formaggi con Speck

(Filet Mignon Stuffed with Four Cheeses, Walnuts & Speck)
Soldera Case Basse Brunello di M ontalcino Riserva 2002

Poggio di Sotto “I l Decennale” 2001

I nsalata

Nido di Parmiggiano con I nsalatine di Campo

(Mixed Field Salad in Parmiggiano Basket)

Gli Dolce

Cannoli alle M andorle

(Almond Tuille Cannolli)
Guiseppe Quintarelli Amabile del Cere 1990

Canine Companions for Independance

Gil Saint Bernards

The Matheny School and Educational Center

The Midland School

The Children's Home of Easton

The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House

Delbarton School

Oak Knoll School

Somerset hills Education Foundation

Susan G Komen Foundation

Someset Medical Center

The Willowwod Foundation

The Morristown Soup Kitchen

Pingry School

Far Hills Country Day School

Acorn Montesorri

William Annin School

Warren Hospital Foundation

Hunterdon Medical Center

Hunterdon Art Musem

Integrity House

Friend of the Shelter

Overlook Hospital

Special Olympics

Saint John's on the Mountain

VNA

The Arc of Somerset and Hunterdon

The Hemophilia Foundationof NJ

The Growing Stage

Orpheus Orchestra

North Hampton Community College

Mansion in May

Westmont Montessori

The Bernards Ski Team

The Tewksbury Education Foundation

Visual Art Center of NJ

Somerset County YMCA

The Summit Speach School

Somerset Hills Little League

Somerset Art Association

Resource Center for Women

PONJ

Mylestone Equine

NJ Youth Coir