BAREFOOT WINE STEPS UP TO SAVE SANTA BARBARA’S SHORES
California Winery Awards the Santa Barbara Chapter of Surfrider Foundation $10,000 Towards “Save Gaviota Coast” Campaign
MODESTO, Calif. (August 17, 2009) – As part of the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project, a national initiative to keep America’s beaches “barefoot-friendly” through beach cleanups, supporting awareness campaigns and encouraging positive change, the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is receiving $10,000 to help fund their campaign to preserve the Gaviota shoreline.
In an effort to raise awareness about ongoing campaigns to protect our coastlines, and in celebration of Surfrider Foundation’s 25th anniversary, Barefoot Wine committed $25,000 to support four local beach-specific campaigns in 2009 including: Saving Gaviota (California), Challenging Beach Management Permitting Practices: Stop Harmful Beach Fill Projects (Florida), Clearing the Path/Beach Access (Hawaii), and Sinking the Breakwater/Restore the Shore (California). All four campaigns received $5,000 and people were invited to cast their vote online and determine which campaign could double their financial support. The friendly competition garnered nearly 20,000 votes this summer and determined that the Surfrider Foundation’s Santa Barbara Chapter would take home the $10,000 donation.
“The Gaviota Coast, rich in vital natural resources, is the last undeveloped stretch of coastline in southern California,” said Matt McClain of the Surfrider Foundation. “The donation that Barefoot Wine is providing will help the Santa Barbara Chapter lead efforts to preserve and protect the area for generations to come.”
Barefoot, the most awarded wine under $151, is an active supporter of various non-profit organizations and has worked with Surfrider Foundation for over 15 years. Since its inauguration in 2007, the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project has donated $450,000 to Surfrider Foundation in support of its mission to improve coastal water quality, promote free and open beach access, preserve coastal ecosystems and protect public beaches around the world.
“Through the Beach Rescue Project, we are trying to change the way people think about and respect our shores,” said Jeremy Soine of Barefoot Wine. “We raise our glass to the tireless efforts the Santa Barbara chapter. Their determination is proof that these issues are important to all of us.”
1 Us Wine Competitions, 2008
Contact
Hunter Public Relations
Marieke Bianchi, mbianchi@hunterpr.com
Christine Reardon, creardon@hunterpr.com
212-679-6600
Barefoot’s award-winning California wines are attractively priced and can be found in bottles bearing the fun, iconic footprint label. Barefoot’s still wine portfolio ($7 for 750-ml bottles, $12 for 1.5-liter bottles) includes ten unique offerings: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, Moscato, NEW Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Zinfandel. Barefoot also offers five delicious sparkling wines: Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvée, Extra Dry, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and White Zinfandel. Barefoot Bubbly is the most awarded Sparkling Wine under $20 in the US and retail for $10. For more information about Barefoot Wine, visit www.barefootwine.com.
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches. Now in its 25th year, the Surfrider Foundation has grown from a small group of dedicated surfers in Malibu, California to a global movement made up of over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information visit us at www.surfrider.org
