The Northern California Wildfires of October 2017 affected people from all walks of life throughout our beautiful wine country. Sixteen of our own winery employees. Dozens of firefighters and first responders. A tasting room associate, a marketing manager, a bottling line supervisor. A gallery owner, a restaurant server, a graphic designer. Delivery drivers, winemakers and executives. These are some who lost everything or have been displaced on a long-term basis. Since the first day of the fires, we have been determined to help in a simple and direct way—by putting gift cards into their hands for basic necessities.

Although the fires are over, the wineries, hotels and restaurants are open, and the resilient landscape begins to recover, the disruption to lives will continue for months to come.  

Through your generous tax-deductible donations, we are able to continue to support fire victims in our community during the rebuilding process. New names come to us daily, and we continue to send gift cards daily—no paperwork, no red tape—to help ease the burden just a bit. Enjoying a bottle of Napa, Sonoma or Mendocino wine, visiting a winery or restaurant or spending a few days experiencing all wine country has to offer helps too!

Thank you for your support!

 The Vintage Wine Estates Family

The stunning experience of Napa and Sonoma is supported by an entire hospitality industry that calls wine country home. Despite losing everything in the Northern California fires, our employees, friends, colleagues and families have come together to help each other rebuild.

Without our people, there would be no wine. We are honored to support them as we rebuild from this disaster together — #winecountrystrong

All of us in the midwest are thinking of you and sending prayers for strength and perseverance. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of your neighbors. Love the gift card idea! - Kim Barnett

Praying for all those families and businesses affected by the awful California fires and thank you to Heart of the Vine Relief Fund. - Dianne Cameron

Country is very close to our hearts as there has been many family events and trips and social ties to the area. - Helynne Moore

We used to live in Vacaville and we were members of Viansa. I can't believe the devastation that I've seen and I am glad to donate where I know the money will go right to the victims. Prayers from Ohio! - Kelly Batt

Thanks Vintage Wine Estates for doing this. It's reassuring that our donations will go where it is needed. A toast to you! - Karen O'Brien

Beginning right after the fires, we distributed close to $50,000 in gift cards to employees, friends and neighbors who lost their homes or have been long-term displaced. We continue to answer requests daily from those in our community in need.

The effort needs you more than ever and we hope you will consider supporting families in need of basic assistance as they transition to new homes.

Virtually 100% of initial funds raised so far will be distributed by the end of 2017. Because rebuilding doesn't end there, we are continuing our campaign through 2018, with a portion of the purchase of our wines giving back at retail. Combined with your donations, Heart of the Vine will continue to assist those in need.

© 2017 Heart of the Vine is a 501( c )( 3 ) non-profit organization EIN 47-5039780 Sterling Foundation Management 12030 Sunrise Valley Dr., Suite 450 Reston, VA 20191