Drink Up!
By David Setley
Veterans Day, the annual celebration honoring American veterans, falls on Nov. 11. The holiday, originally called Armistice Day, commemorated the temporary cessation of combat in World War I, which took place on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. After World War II, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day, which, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, honors all living and deceased American veterans. On this holiday, I remember my father, Bernard “Mick” Setley, who served honorably in World War II as a member of the United States Marine Corps. To all veterans, thank you for your selfless service to our country and our freedom.
Here are a few notable wine brands associated with veteran organizations: 7Cellars, Rombauer, and Fit Vines.
Legendary football player John Elway partnered with Rob Mondavi Jr., grandson of Robert Mondavi, to create 7Cellars in California. With every bottle sold, the company donates to nonprofit organizations. According to its website, 7Cellars has donated more than $250,000 to veterans’ organizations, including Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization providing disaster and crisis relief by pairing veterans with first responders, medical providers and disaster operations. Visit the Team Rubicon website to learn more about their mission and work with veterans.
John Elway’s 2021 Elway’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout wine. Winemakers Isadora Frias Huggins and Rob Mondavi Jr. crafted a wine that is bold yet elegant. In fact, cabernets like this one helped put Napa Valley on the world wine map. The blend is 95% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petite sirah, and 1% petit verdot, featuring grapes from 7Cellars vineyards in Vaca Valley, Oak Knoll, Rutherford, and the Russian River Valley. Look for flavors of dark cherries, blackberries, dark chocolate-covered coffee beans, vanilla, baking spices, candied almonds and toffee. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with braised short ribs, meatballs, beef stroganoff, rack of lamb or even chocolate cake.
Rombauer Vineyards has a long history of supporting military veterans, starting with founder Koerner Rombauer. Rombauer, who served in the California Air National Guard and was a commercial pilot, was a proud patriot and advocate for veterans’ charitable organizations. “It is important to my family to give back to our communities and champion organizations that make a difference,” said Reagan Blackwood, a third-generation member of the Rombauer family. “I am proud we have continued our tradition of philanthropic giving, not only in support of veterans and current service members like my brother, but to many worthy causes across the country.” In honor of Veterans Day, Rombauer Vineyards is donating $35,000 to several military veteran organizations, including the Gary Sinise Foundation, Warrior Rising, and Big Sky Bravery. The Gary Sinise Foundation supports defenders, veterans, first responders and their families through various outreach programs. Warrior Rising helps veterans succeed in business, and Big Sky Bravery supports active-duty special operation forces.
Consider trying Rombauer’s classic Carneros Chardonnay to support the winery’s veteran philanthropy. This Napa Valley staple exemplifies what has made California chardonnays world-famous, with aromas of ripe yellow peach, melon and chamomile framed by a freshly baked pie crust. The palate is bright, featuring flavors of nectarine, subtle spice, and lively acidity, leaving you ready for another sip.
Fit Vines, another popular wine brand, also supports veterans by donating 25% of the proceeds from its Red Zinfandel to the Navy SEAL Foundation. Zinfandel, one of California’s best grapes, is also one of my favorite varietals. Like all Fit Vine wines, the Red Zinfandel is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and produced using a proprietary process that reduces tannins, sugars, and histamines. Visit the Navy SEAL Foundation website to learn about programs for SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen, veterans, and their families, including educational scholarships, support to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life, medical and emotional support services, and more.
This Veterans Day, raise a glass to our American heroes and consider ways to support those who serve or have served our nation. If you have questions or comments, please visit me at the store or reach out at dsetley@passionvines.com. Cheers to our veterans and happy wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
