Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. You can view past posts from the series here.
Disclosure: I received four bottles of wine to aid in the writing of this post. I may or may not have done a happy dance with the UPS man when they arrived. As per usual, all words and opinions expressed are my own.
Stacy Lill and her brother were the first of their family to go to college. When she graduated from University of Washington, she worked in corporate sales and marketing for 20 years. During that time, she was also heavily involved with philanthropy work through the Junior League.
As the wife of the owner of a top winery in Washington, DeLille Cellars, Stacy observed how charities would often ask for donations of wine. She would also throw client appreciation events with high end wines in the corporate world. She came up with the idea of creating a wine that gave back to the community. But she didn’t want it to be just another label at her husband’s winery that donated proceeds to charity. She wanted to create her own brand.
Stacy researched what it would take to create her wine that would also give back. She learned that 72% of wine is purchased by women and that the most popular wine women bought was chardonnay. From her research, she decided to create wine for women that also helped women. Working with so many causes over the years, Stacy chose to support education because she felt it is the foundation for everything. If she could provide education to young women who might not otherwise have the chance to go to college, what could they do?
O Wines was established in 2006 with a mission to fund college scholarships for low income, capable young women so they can achieve their greatest potential through education. Each purchase helps send young women to college through the O Wines Opportunity for Success Scholarship program.
Since the introduction of the wines to the Pacific Northwest in 2008 followed by a nationwide launch in 2013, more than $300,000 has been raised to support 52 college scholarships. Beginning in 2013 each scholarship is $20,000 given in $5,000 increments annually over 4 years. Most of the scholarship recipients are the first members of their families to attend college.
Over the phone, Stacy told me about Angel, the first recipient in the scholarship program. Angel had a very tough life and, like many of the scholarship recipients, had low income but high potential. Angel graduated with academic and leadership honors and is getting her master’s degree.
As for the wine, I can tell you it’s quite good. I’m a red wine drinker. I tend to prefer a nice full-bodied, dry wine. The red varietal didn’t disappoint. Stacy shared with me that her goal was to not only create a wine that gives back but that also has a flavor profile. I’d say she accomplished this goal. The wine is also quite affordable at $12 – $16 per bottle.
More on the red and white varietals:
O Wines Chardonnay
- O Wines 2011 Columbia Valley Chardonnay is a fresh and lively, lightly oaked style; its aromas of pear and baking spice pair well with grilled fish and mango salsa, and kale salad
O Wines Red Wine
- O Wines 2010 Columbia Valley Red Blend is a delicious Washington fruit forward blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah; its aromas and flavors of blueberry jam, baking spice, cocoa and cherry, pair well with pizza, grilled burgers, or meat and veggie skewers
O Wines can be purchased at www.owines.com. You can also request O Wines wherever you purchase your wine.
Are you a wine drinker? Red or white?
I am totally reviewing this wine too for Crystal and MOAM and truly love that O Wine give back in the form of college scholarships. Truly great message and definitely a reason to buy more of their wine around here, too 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted..The Stars And Stripes Edition – GLOSSYBOX June 2014
A great excuse to buy wine, Janine. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Ladies Toilet
This is SO cool! I love wine (prefer red blends – so this sounds like perfection!!!) and I love it that they fund scholarships for women! I wanted to review this wine, but alas, was not one of the chosen few, so… I guess I’ll just have to buy a bottle myself! 🙂 Sounds like Stacy is pretty awesome!
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Stacy is awesome. I love talking with people who are passionate about their work. You’ll love the wine too!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Taking the jump
I’m usually a red wine drinker, but lately I’ve been enjoying some great white wines this summer! I think it’s so cool that O Wines raises money for scholarships!
Ginny Marie recently posted..Parks and Recreation {Spin Cycle}
I’m not one for white wine, but my friend had it and loved it. And you can’t beat the purpose behind the wine!
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I’m a white wine drinker and adore O Wines! I love that they give back and produce an exceptional product. Awesome piece, Jennifer!
Crystal recently posted..Can cake cure writer’s block?
Thanks, Crystal, for your kinds words and for connecting me to O Wines!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Fort Edgecomb
That is SO AMAZING!!! I absolutely love that so much has been raised for such an important need in helping women reach their full potential through scholarships!! Brilliant. Now…
Will they ever make a sweet wine? I’m a sweet gal. 😉
Chris Carter recently posted..The Best Marriage Resources for Newlyweds and Seasoned Spouses.
Why does that not surprise me, Chris. Of course you’re a sweet gal! 🙂
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Jennifer,
Thank you for blogging about O Wines and bringing greater visibility to this brand and cause! I really enjoyed chatting with you earlier this week. Also, thank you to your readers who have made such wonderful comments. Thank you all for your interest and support of this brand. Cheers!
Cheers to you, Stacy! It was such a pleasure to connect and hear more about the story of O Wines.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Shake the World and Provide Life-Saving Water in Ethiopia
oOo that’s such a wonderful charity!!! As someone who received scholarship money for college you are really grateful to those who devote their energy to this because it makes a world of difference in your life and your perception of society. 🙂 Love me some red wine girl!! Have a great weekend Jennifer! -Iva
awesomelyoz recently posted..Nothing but Alpha Waves
That’s awesome to hear, Iva. I’m with you on the red wine. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Building Virginia (in Maine)
Stacey sounds awesome! What good thinking.
I’m not a wine drinker but I’m a big fan of quality products that give back.
Tamara recently posted..Well, Happy Birthday To Me! Love, Cassidy.
Also a good hostess gift, right? Love gifts that give back.
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As a Women’s Studies gal, you know that I deeply appreciate any and all initiatives that strive to empower disadvantaged women and help them reach their full potential. You’re telling me I can help do that by drinking wine??? Sign me up! In all seriousness, I love innovative ideas like that—ones that aim to change the world in unexpected and yet totally logical ways.
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It’s a win in so many ways, Katie. Love O Wines!
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What a wonderful charity! I love seeing scholarship opportunities for deserving students because college is expensive and I like to see hard work rewarded. I will happily share this! As far as wines go, I drink both, but I especially love red.
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Thanks for sharing, Michelle. I love that women are receiving an education through O Wines. Such a life-changer.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: O is for Opportunity
Wait a minute here…you are telling me that I can drink wine AND be giving back to the community…and it’s affordable?! I am so happy, I almost cried! WHERE HAS O WINES BEEN MY WHOLE LIFE?!?!?! Well, they are here now. That’s what’s important. I’m going to seek out our O Wines at my store. This is awesome. –Lisa
The Dose of Reality recently posted..Would You Rather: Wedding Food Poisoning Or Honeymoon Food Poisoning?
That’s exactly how I felt, Lisa! Be sure to ask for O Wines at your local store if they don’t sell it yet. They’ll order it for you. Yay!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: O is for Opportunity
Delicious wine that gives back? Win-win! I used to be all about the whites, but I gained a newfound appreciate for reds in Argentina.
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Love red wines from Argentina. Yum!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: O is for Opportunity