All year long, farm workers labor in Central Coast fields and vineyards, turning the soil, tending crops, and harvesting the produce that sustains us. They have helped create the bounty in which we all share, and to demonstrate our collective gratitude, a group of area wine producers has come together to say thank you.
On July 26, Talley Vineyards hosts the third annual Mano Tinta Wine Release Party, a combination fiesta/fundraiser for organizations serving the needs of local farm workers. The party kicks off at noon and features live music, Mexican-style snacks, and a chance to taste, as well as purchase, the 2006 Mano Tinta Red Wine.
One hundred percent of the money raised through ticket and wine sales, as well as cash donations, goes directly to The Fund for Vineyard and Farm Workers, an endowment established in 2004 by Brian and Johnine Talley. With a 10-year goal of $1 million, the Talleys have rallied friends and fellow vintners to raise more than $110,000, from which they have distributed grants to deserving service groups.
“The Talleys are an old farming family and they wanted to give back to the community,” explained Anna Eisengart, marketing and events Manager at Talley Vineyards. “They felt it was time to do something to support local agriculture.
“The money raised goes to organizations utilized by farm workers and their families,” she added, “including Clinica de Tolosa, the Literacy Council, Children’s Health Initiative, and the Boys and Girls Club of Oceano.”
Just after the Talleys established their endowment, Leslie Mead, winemaker for Talley Vineyards, conceived the idea of bottling a wine expressly for the purpose of fundraising. The program was dubbed Mano Tinta, Spanish for “dyed hand” and a direct reference to the red grape pigments that stain the skin during winemaking activities.
“Leslie has led the charge to get donated fruit,” Eisengart said. “She called the vendors to ask for glass, cork, and labels, and it’s amazing how totally generous everyone has been, how people have jumped on board.
“Caliber Wine Pak donated the glass,” she continued, “TAPP Technologies printed the labels, and Ramondin actually gave us custom capsules. We got corks from M.A. Silva and their rep even helped us bottle the wine!
“There’s a lot of generosity in the wine community,” added Eisengart, an Arroyo Grande native, “and we’ve been able to turn it into a profit for an incredible cause.”
In 2004 and 2005, Mead blended Mano Tinta from diverse Syrah lots and bottled 500 cases of each vintage. In 2005, as a program bonus, she also included a few magnums of Talley Vineyards Pinot Noir.
This year’s wine, the 2006 Mano Tinta Red Wine, is a robust blend of 35 percent Syrah, 32 percent Tempranillo, 19 percent Petite Sirah, and 14 percent Cabernet Franc. Rich and full-bodied, it pairs perfectly with sharp cheeses and flavorful winter stews, as well as the grilled meats and marinated veggies of summer.
Mead crafted the wine from grapes donated by Wolff Vineyards, Ranchita Canyon, Laetitia Vineyards, and Talley Vineyards. Since the roster of donors varies from year to year, so does each vintage, a fact reflected in the wine’s changing label.
“Leslie blends whatever fruit she gets and makes it work,” Eisengart said with a laugh.
“It’s a project that evolves, so we felt the label should, too.
“We wanted to get the revolving artist competition off the ground,” she continued, “and this year, a majority of submissions [for the label art] came from Hancock College. The winner was Candace Kinkade, a Nipomo artist who really showed a passion for the cause.”
The Mano Tinta wines have proven remarkably successful in retail outlets and enjoy placement all over the Central Coast. Diners can sip the current vintage at eateries like Gardens of Avila, Villa Creek in Paso Robles, and American Flatbread in Los Alamos.
According to Eisengart, the next step in the fundraising effort is to encourage people to take the lead in their own counties.
“We want to expand the program at all levels, all over the state,” she said. “It takes continuous effort to keep it going and it’s all about getting other people involved.”
Locals who’d like to thank area farm workers, while enjoying an afternoon of wine and food, are invited to attend the Mano Tinta Wine Release Party on the last Saturday in July.
“I call it a fiesta of good will,” Eisengart smiled. “It’s a fun time for a serious cause, and it’ll be a blast. It always is.”
INFOBOX: Hands on
The Mano Tinta Wine Release Party takes place July 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at Talley Vineyards, 3031 Lopez Drive. A $20 donation includes wine tasting, food, and a commemorative glass, and all proceeds benefit The Fund for Vineyard and Farm Workers.
Get tickets online at www.talleyvineyards.com; by calling 489-0446, Ext. 30; or at the door. Mano Tinta wines may be purchased anytime at the Talley Vineyards tasting room or online, and cash donations to the fund are gratefully accepted year round.
K. Reka Badger works with her hands. Toast her at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Jul 17-24, 2008.