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Have you heard the one concerning the African elephant, squirrel monkey, giraffe, flamingo, white rhino, and anteater that stroll right into a bar? A wild time was had by all.
Ba-dum, bump.
However on this case, premium wine is the inspiration of the festivities, and at any time when a love of animals and keenness for wine intersect, Rancho Rossa Vineyards at all times appears to be on the coronary heart of the story.
This vineyard situated about 50 miles southeast of Tucson has been supporting animal welfare and rescue applications since they planted their first vines in 2002. Because the twentieth anniversary of this historic second in Arizona viticultural historical past attracts close to, they’ve launched a particular wine that pays tribute to 6 of the greater than 250 animals that reside at Tucson’s Reid Park Zoo. And in collaboration with Rescued Hearts Cellars, their sister non-profit group, Rancho Rossa Vineyards shall be donating 100% of the earnings from bottle gross sales to the zoo.
The “Wine of the Wild” is a Bordeaux-style purple mix constituted of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes that had been grown onsite on the vineyard’s 24-acre property within the Elgin-Sonoita wine area. Every of the greater than 1,500 bottles produced options one in all six animals that decision our native zoo dwelling, with a corresponding shade and artistic design on the label to make it distinctive.
In evaluating the kinds of wine that will be an appropriate match for his or her philanthropy, the vineyard’s proprietor Breanna Hamilton knew instantly that a few of the 5 grape varietals that outline the enduring Bordeaux area would must be in these bottles.
“We actually love Bordeaux wines and we develop Bordeaux grapes, and it’s the type of wine that our followers love essentially the most,” stated Hamilton. “We mix Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot yearly, generally including different Bordeaux varietals like Petit Verdot and Malbec, and our purpose is at all times to supply good, well-rounded blends.”
The six animals that made the reduce for the Wine of Wild sequence are the African elephant, squirrel monkey, giraffe, flamingo, white rhino, and anteater. Although many people have bought all six bottles within the sequence as a collector’s set—I imply, wouldn’t you?—the one which’s offered essentially the most to this point is the African elephant.
“Everybody loves huge animals, particularly youngsters who suppose they’re out of this world,” she stated. “Elephants are huge, cool, enjoyable, and humorous, with nice personalities.”
Whereas the elephant at present leads gross sales, Hamilton’s private favourite is the rhino which represents the one at Reid Park Zoo who she refers to as “an enormous pet canine.”
“Right here you’ve got this big scary animal that enjoys being rubbed and simply desires to be cherished,” she stated.
Hamilton’s winemaker husband Chris reportedly relates finest to the squirrel monkey, testimony that didn’t shock her as a result of “he’s a bit of little bit of a monkey himself,” she revealed.
Wine of the Wild bottles are $25 every and might be bought on the Rancho Rossa Vineyards tasting room at 201 Cattle Ranch Lane in Elgin. They can be ordered on-line at RanchoRossa.com/store.
Samples of the wine shall be poured at ZOOcson as properly, a night gala at Reid Park Zoo on Friday, Oct. 8, that includes delicacies from native eating places, samples of native wine, beer, and spirits, auctions, animal ambassador displays, and reside music. Tickets might be bought at ReidParkZoo.org/occasion.
As I take my very own stroll on the wild aspect, I believe my Wine of the Wild alternative could be the anteater. Ants can smash a yard get together, and I’ve a fame to uphold.
Contact Matt Russell, whose day job is CEO of Russell Public Communications, at mrussell@russellpublic.com. Russell can also be the writer of OnTheMenuLive.com in addition to the host of the Friday Weekend Watch phase on the “Buckmaster Present” on KVOI 1030 AM.
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