Starting in 2018, Ken Wright Cellars launched a new charitable donation program, established to enable each of our team members an opportunity to select and support an organization with which they have a personal connection. Each quarter a different charitable organization will be featured. This quarter, we are featuring Zach Rhoads. Zach has selected the Carlton Volunteer Fire Department as this quarter’s featured charity. 15% of the sales of our 2017 Savoya Vineyard Pinot Noir will be donated back to Carlton Volunteer Fire Department!
Learn more about Carlton Fire District by visiting them on their Facebook page @CarltonFireDistrict Fire Station!
Why did Zach select Carlton Volunteer Fire District as this quarter’s designated charity?
It is April 21st 2021, I am sitting and enjoying a glass of our 2017 Savoya Pinot noir in the beautiful spring weather that has been given to us. Bud break has begun in the vineyard, and the Rhoads’ house cherry blossom tree is in full bloom. These annual milestones do not usually happen this early, which has me concerned that we might be in for a dry summer season.
Yesterday, we had a huge structural fire in our neighboring town of McMinnville which led to the evacuation of hundreds of people and closure of nearby businesses for the day. Despite a valiant effort from firefighters across the county, we did lose our local organic creamery. This fire has reminded me of the many wildfires that we have experienced throughout Oregon over the years and the devastating drought and wildfires sweeping through other wine growing regions around the world including California and Australia.
One wildfire that occurred last year was on Bald Peak in the Chahalem Mountains AVA. This fire created much stress for local wine makers. But, with the help of the Carlton department and other local volunteer departments, damage was as minimal as could be. Saving many vineyards, forest, and crop land.
Which brings me to my choice of charity, The Carlton Fire District. They are local volunteer fire department that is always up for the challenge in tackling fires and helping their community both locally and around the state. Mark Gould, our vineyard manager, is a Carlton volunteer firefighter and Ken Wright has been serving as the treasurer for the fire board for over 14 years. With that being said, Ken Wright Cellars and I would love your support of this non-profit and to say thank you for their service to their community and commitment to keeping us safe!
