Send in your corks

Imagine: By drinking wine, you can help out an elderly American in need. Sounds pretty great, doesn't it? Well, for the second year in a row, Gallo Family Vineyards is helping raise awareness and funds for the Meals On Wheels Association of America’s hunger relief efforts with its Every Cork Counts campaign. Through Dec. 31, Americans across the country are invited to return their Gallo Family Vineyards corks by mail — and for each wine cork collected, the company will donate $5 to the Meals On Wheels Association of America, up to $30,000. Metro talked with Stephanie Gallo about this unique charity undertaking.


How much did the campaign raise last year? And why did you decide to do it?
Last year, Gallo Family Vineyards partnered with Meals On Wheels for the first time to launch the Every Cork Counts program, and we were able to raise a total of $25,000 for their senior hunger relief efforts. As a family-owned company, we know it’s important to find ways to give back to the community — and we strongly believe in the work Meals On Wheels does nationwide. This year we’re doubling our efforts and expanding the program with the goal of raising $50,000.

Why did Gallo Family Vineyards choose Meals On Wheels?
Meals On Wheels does incredible work year-round to help put an end to senior hunger. The local Senior Nutrition Programs serve 1,000,000 meals to seniors facing hunger each day. And there are still more people on waiting lists. We feel there is a great need to help raise awareness and funds to support these efforts. This program allows us to help our extended family and engage fans of our brand to get involved.

What inspired the campaign?
We wanted to find an easy way for our fans to participate in a charitable activity during the holidays. We made a national call to action to send in Gallo Family Vineyards branded corks from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 where each cork collected would donate $5 to Meals On Wheels. We have also launched a game on our Facebook page where our fans can raise funds electronically and support the program.

What will be done with the corks collected after consumers have mailed them back?
We keep them, count them and then update the Everycorkcounts.com website. After the program ends, we recycle most of them but we often get requests from fans for our spare corks so they can incorporate them into craft projects. We're happy to see them put to good use.

Traditionally, which of your products are best-sellers during the holiday season?
Our Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato has been incredibly popular this year, and it’s a great wine to bring as a hostess gift or have at the dinner table. Its versatile flavor profile complements both savory and sweet dishes, so it is one of my favorite wine varietals to enjoy during the holidays. And I’ll be sending in my Moscato corks!