Co-owners of William Chris Vineyards, Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett, announced today the launch of the Wanderer Series Relief Project, featuring a new wine benefitting the Texas hospitality industry created in collaboration with Master Sommelier Craig Collins. The red blend features 95% Cinsault and 5% Mourvedre from the Texas High Plains, and is available now on WCV’s website, as well as from the following retailers in select locations starting this week: H-E-B, Kroger, Twin Liquors, Whole Foods Market, and several independent bottle shops throughout Texas. This wine, priced at $20, was created with a mission of supporting the incredible group of chefs, servers, somms, and bartenders that make up the Texas restaurant community, which has been critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All profits from the sales of this wine will go to the Southern Smoke Foundation with the goal of helping this group get back to doing what they love.
“Our industry, our country, and our world is hurting right now, emotionally, physically, and financially,” said Brundrett. “As a company, we’re fighting to stay afloat, and our brothers and sisters in the restaurant space have been some of the hardest hit. We thought, ‘What can we do to make things a little better for our restaurant partners, and give our fans who want to help an easy way to get involved?’ Buying a bottle of this wine for yourself and maybe a couple more for friends and family is a great way to give back to folks who desperately need our help, while enjoying some delicious 100% Texas-grown wine.”
Collins added, “Seeing how our friends and colleagues in the hospitality industry were being affected by this global pandemic compelled us to do anything we could to help. We had to find a way to give back to and support those in the restaurant business who have so often and enthusiastically supported us. Chris and I had been discussing a collaboration, and it made sense that the first release would go towards those who have stood behind us in the past. This Cinsault-based Texas red blend is intended to bring comfort during these uncertain, trying times, and proceeds will go back to those we love.” Of the wine itself, Collins remarked, “This is a playful red that jumps out of the glass with lifted aromatics of raspberry jam and violets. Cranberry and cherry notes are complemented by a savory spice on the palate. Served slightly chilled, this wine is perfect on its own and ideal with grilled meats – try it with Texas BBQ!”
Another remarkable aspect of the project is the abundance of generosity put forward by the industry partners involved. This project would not be possible without the support of Victory Wine Group, who is handling distribution of the wine; design shop Canales & Co. out of Austin, who created the label design; and Fortis Solutions Group, Berlin Glass, Lafitte Cork & Capsule, G3 and Oeneo-DIAM, who all generously donated the respective bottling materials for this project.
In addition to the release of the Wanderer Series Relief Project, WCV is finding every opportunity they can to keep their staff of 64 busy while the tasting room is closed. This has resulted in several new ways for fans to stay engaged with the William Chris experience and team, from weekly virtual tastings and daily online happy hours being hosted on Facebook, to curbside pick-up being offered on site at the winery. By supporting WCV during this time, fans can help ensure that the company will be stable and ready for the brighter days ahead. #WCVSTRONG.
Photo Credit: Madison Boudreaux
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