Local nonprofit donates half of wine sales to charities

Hope Wine, a nonprofit company based in Newport Beach, realized its goal to contribute half of its 2007 profits to charities they had partnered with across the country.

The group donated more than $10,000 in cash and $20,000 in wine at year end. Eight friends and under-30 business partners formed the group in June to help spread awareness and raise funds for the various charities they support.

Each of Hope Wine’s varietals benefits a specific cause. The Chardonnay supports breast cancer and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Merlot promotes AIDS awareness and benefits AIDS/Lifecycle, and the Cabernet Sauvignon benefits autism and ACT TODAY!

Hope Wine is sold at such retail stores as Whole Foods and Costco and is served in local restaurants, wine bars and hotels statewide.

“Our goal is to provide the average wine drinker a great wine at a great value that helps toward a great cause,” founder Jake Kloberdanz wrote.

The company aims to increase its level of giving this year by donating more than $100,000 to its designated charities by the end of the year.

— Sue Thoensen