Help Willamette Valley Vineyards Combat Hunger this Holiday Season

Give back to your community this holiday season when you join Willamette Valley Vineyards in collecting items for local food banks through the annual Willamette Cares Food Share program. In return, you’ll earn a card for a two-for-one seasonal wine tasting to gift to a friend.

Willamette Cares Food Share is part of a region-wide effort to combat hunger. Support our neighbors in need by donating non-perishable food items at the Estate in the Salem Hills, Tualatin Estate Vineyard, McMinnville Tasting Room, or our Vancouver, Lake Oswego and Happy Valley Tasting Room & Restaurant locations. Donations can also be made at Willamette Wineworks in Folsom, California.

Look for the collection barrels at participating tasting rooms through December 31st. Donations will be distributed to local food banks to help support families in need after the holidays. 

The Turner Fire District will also have two metal barrels in our Estate Tasting Room for their toy drive. 

“The Willamette Cares Food Share started in 2014 as a way for the wine industry to come together on a philanthropic project,” said Emily Nelson, Associate Director for the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. “We knew that many wineries were already engaged in supporting their local food banks, so we wanted to unify the efforts and help promote at the regional level.” 

What to donate

This year, guests who donate six or more items will receive a two-for-one-tasting flight certificate to gift to a friend.

Examples of most-needed items include:

• Non-perishable food items for food baskets. Please check the expiration dates.
• New personal care & toiletry products.
• Laundry and kitchen cleaning supplies.
• Blankets and towels.
• New toys for children ages 1 month to 13 years old (especially 10- to 13-year-olds).
• School supplies.
• Direct cash or check donations can be made to Turner Fire Volunteer Association at 7605 3rd St. SE, Turner, OR 97392.

Community impact

Supporting charitable organizations not only allows us to support the community but also gives our guests and Owners a chance to make a difference too, Estate General Manager Spence Fogarty said.

“We find that we have a lot of members and guests who want to help out,” he said, adding that guests often feel a sense of pride knowing they can help those in need through their favorite winery. 

“Supporting the community has always been a defining element in the Willamette Valley wine region,” Emily said.

To find out more about the program click here.