[Pollinator] Drinking wine to protect hummingbirds

Mon May 8 20:42:46 PDT 2006

Hi, All,

There may be an idea here that others can use for fundraising.

Ross Hawkins
The Hummingbird Society

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HUMMINGBIRD SOCIETY TO BE SPONSORED BY CLOS LaCHANCE WINERY

Winery will produce a special wine annually to benefit 

Hummingbirds Threatened with Extinction

Newark, DE-May 8, 2006 - The next time you enjoy a glass of wine, you could be saving a hummingbird that is threatened with extinction.

The Hummingbird Society, a nonprofit organization devoted solely to hummingbirds, announced today it has joined with Clos LaChance Winery in a new plan to support the Society's preservation and conservation efforts of hummingbirds throughout the Americas.  www.clos.com and www.hummingbirdsociety.org

Clos LaChance Winery has signed on as a Corporate Level Sponsor of the Hummingbird Society.  In addition to annual sponsorship, Clos LaChance will produce a special blend each vintage, supporting the hummingbird preservation efforts of the Society.  These limited production wines will be named after the individual hummingbirds on the Threatened Hummingbirds List.

The first "Threatened Species" Release will debut this fall, focusing on the preservation of the Juan Fernández Firecrown Hummingbird Series wine. The wine will be a unique Bordeaux blend from the Winery's Estate vineyard in San Martin, CA. 

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these wines will go directly to the Hummingbird Society to fight the potential extinction of this beautiful bird. The Critically Endangered Juan Fernández Firecrown, found only in Chile on Robinson Crusoe Island, is on the verge of becoming the first hummingbird since the 1800's to go extinct. For this project the Hummingbird Society has partnered with two other nonprofit groups, American Bird Conservancy and the Juan Fernández Islands Conservancy. Today, there are 28 species of hummingbirds considered at risk of extinction by BirdLife International. One in three of these birds is ranked Critically Endangered, with an estimated 50% chance of being extinct within the next ten years. 

The Hummingbird Society, founded in 1996, works to protect hummingbirds, particularly those threatened with extinction.  Through its newsletter and web site it also works to educate the public about hummingbirds and the risks they face. Scientific research and wildlife art are also supported.   

"We are very grateful that Clos LaChance Winery shares our passion to preserve and protect hummingbirds through their sponsorship and release of the first ever wine bottled on behalf of these birds," said Dr. H. Ross Hawkins, Founder and Executive Director of the Hummingbird Society. "These efforts by the winery will significantly help our cause to save every hummingbird that is at risk of extinction."

Hummingbirds have been a part of the Clos LaChance lore since the winery's inception in 1992. Vintners Bill and Brenda Murphy chose the hummingbird as the symbol for the winery due to its territorial nature and ability to chase away other grape-eating creatures from the vineyards.  

"Since the beginning, hummingbirds have been more than just our winery symbol.  They have inspired us to produce quality wines from the vineyards they protect," said Bill Murphy, Co-Founder and CEO of Clos LaChance Winery. "Now, with this donation and release of the Juan Fernández Firecrown Hummingbird Series wine, we're able to return the favor and hopefully inspire wine lovers to join the cause to protect these beautiful birds," he added. 

The Juan Fernández Firecrown "Threatened Hummingbird" red Bordeaux Blend Wine is expected to be released in the Fall of 2006. Price will be $25 per bottle. Fifteen percent (15%) of sales of each bottle will be donated to the Hummingbird Society for preservation of the Juan Fernández Firecrown. Clos LaChance Winery hopes to raise approximately $25,000 through this first wine of the Series. This wine will be extremely limited (500-600 cases); reservations for the Juan Fernández Firecrown wine can be made by email to savethehummingbird at clos.com or by going to www.clos.com/savethehummingbird for more information. 

In January 2006, Clos LaChance Winery released the first wines under their new "Hummingbird Series" label. Each wine is named for a true species of hummingbird that displays characteristics similar to the wine varietal's style.  The majority of the fruit for the Hummingbird Series is sourced from the Clos LaChance Estate Vineyard - where the hummingbirds roam amongst the gardens and the vines.  Wines under the Hummingbird Series distinction include Buff-Bellied Zinfandel, Ruby-Throated Cabernet Sauvignon, Violet-Crowned Merlot, Black-Chinned Syrah, Pink-Throated Brilliant Rosé, and Glittering-Throated Emerald Chardonnay. 

About The Hummingbird Society
The Mission of the Hummingbird Society is to promote the understanding and conservation of hummingbirds. In pursuing its mission, The Hummingbird Society will: 

·                   Develop, implement, and/or support activities to protect hummingbirds, particularly those threatened with extinction

·                   Develop and implement educational programs to promote greater public understanding and appreciation of hummingbirds-their characteristics and the risks they face

·                   Support wildlife art as a means of stimulating awareness and appreciation of hummingbirds and wildlife in general

·                   Support scientific research as a means of expanding the breadth and depth of knowledge about hummingbirds

·                   Seek opportunities to collaborate with organizations, individuals, and agencies that will enhance the achievement of its mission

About Clos LaChance Winery
Clos LaChance (www.clos.com) is a family-owned winery located in San Martin, California, 30 minutes south of San Jose and 45 minutes north of the Monterey Peninsula. Owners Bill and Brenda Murphy strive to provide customers with high quality, stylistically consistent wines that are varietally distinct. Clos LaChance takes its name from the small fenced-in area encompassing a vineyard (Clos) and from co-owner Brenda Murphy's maiden name. 

The Clos LaChance Winery features a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, estate vineyards and hospitality center. For further information, please visit www.clos.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:    

The Hummingbird Society

Dr. H. Ross Hawkins

office:  (302) 369-3699 

cell:     (302) 584-4170

rhawkins at hummingbirdsociety.org

Clos LaChance Wines 

Cheryl Murphy Durzy

(408) 686-1050, ext 101, cheryl at clos.com

Benson Marketing Group

Sean Carroll (707) 254-1167

carroll at bensonmarketing.com
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