Raise a Glass to Help Fire-Ravaged California Wine Country

Photo courtesy of Winemakers & Sommeliers for California Wildfire Relief

When bad things happen, the hospitality industry always seems to step up.

Initiatives like #Chefs4Houston and #Chefs4PuertoRico have helped raise much-needed funds for those in areas recovering from this season’s hurricanes. And now, winemakers and sommeliers are working together to support relief efforts in fire-ravaged California wine country.

Winemakers and Sommeliers for California Wildfire Relief (WSCWR), an organization started by Walnut Street Cafe’s Patrick Cappiello and his industry colleagues Pax Mahle and Sara Morgenstern, is hosting events across the country.

Here in Philly, they’re teaming up with Philly Wine Week and Drexel University to raise funds for CA Wine Strong, Redwood Credit Union North Bay Fire Relief, and Napa Valley Community Foundation to help area residents and businesses affected by the wildfires.

WSCWR’s fourth such event will take place at Drexel’s Academic Bistro on the sixth floor of 101 North 33rd Street on Wednesday, November 8th, with a selection of California wines and small bites from local chefs on offer. Cappiello and other wine professionals will be on hand to chat with guests about what they’re drinking, too.

Tickets are $50, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the foundations supporting those in need, and you can get them here.

And the folks at Philly Wine Week are working on their own initiative, pulling together events for Philly Wine Week Presents: Clink to California, a week-long fundraiser that will begin on November 6th and end on November 12th.

Check the Philly Wine Week website for information on dinners, happy hours, and by-the-glass specials as they’re announced. You can also check social media under the hashtag #PhillyLovesCali for updates on events.

Winemakers and Sommeliers for California Wildfire Relief [Official]
Philly Wine Week [Official]
Academic Bistro [Official]