Proceeds from the 2018 Russian River Pinot Noir support Lambda Legal to help defend the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV
Guerneville, CA — November 16, 2020 — In celebration of the fifth anniversary of marriage equality in the United States, Equality Vines, the world’s first cause wine portfolio, has released the five-year anniversary edition of The Decision Pinot Noir. Bottled in conjunction with Russian River Vineyards, proceeds from this 2018 Russian River Pinot Noir will be donated to Lambda Legal. Lambda Legal is the U.S.’s oldest and largest legal organization defending the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV.
“Lambda Legal is thrilled to partner with Jim Obergefell and Equality Vines on the release of The Decision, honoring the fifth anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, which made marriage equality the law of the land,” said Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal. “We continue to celebrate this historic decision and march on in the fight for equal protections in the workplace, people with HIV, LGBTQ youth, and justice for transgender people.”
Equality Vines was cofounded by Jim Obergefell, who, along more than 30 people from four states, brought the 2015 Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges to demand the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. On June 26, 2015, the Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, legalizing marriage for same-sex couples throughout the land.
“Lambda Legal has done much to advance the fight for LGBTQ+ equality in the courts, including being co-counsel on Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case that brought marriage equality to the United States,” said Jim. “Our nation was founded on the principles of ‘We the People’ and ‘Equal Justice Under Law’, and Lambda Legal helps ensure that those principles include the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV. We’re thrilled to support the vital work Lambda Legal does in the courts to help create legal and lived equality for a marginalized community.”
In the words of Russian River Vineyards winemaker Giovanni Balistreri, “This wine is perfumy and floral, teeing up hints of red raspberry while offering classic Pinot charm. With flavors that are juicy, inviting, surprisingly fresh and flowing, there are notes of clementine, tangerine, Cara Cara orange, red grapefruit and kumquat. Beneath lurks a savory vibe that speaks of fennel, tarragon and basil. The wonderfully persistent acid ties it all together into one classy package that pairs well with food.”
About Equality Vines
Equality Vines is the world’s first cause wine portfolio dedicated to equality for all people. For every bottle of wine sold, Equality Vines makes a donation to an organization dedicated to the fight for equality, with each line of wine supporting a different equality cause. The Love Wins line of wines supports LGBTQ organizations, the Suffrage Series supports women’s rights, and the Wines Without Borders Series supports immigration equality and causes. Future series will support other equality causes. The portfolio is inspired by Dr. Marilyn Shultz, the aunt of Equality Vines co-founder Matt Grove, who in 1971 led the class action sexual discrimination lawsuit against NBC and its affiliates that ultimately re-shaped the company. Equality Vines’ first wine, Love Wins Cuvee, honors Equality Vines Co-Founder Jim Obergefell and his late husband John Arthur, for their legal fight that ended with the 2015 landmark Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges, bringing marriage equality to the entire United States. For more information visit. http://www.equalityvines.com or call 707-604-5795.
