Traveling Vineyard announced the release of 2018 Bella Mente, Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio, Italy, a special charity wine created to support the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA).
Since the inaugural release of the Bella Mente label in 2015, Traveling Vineyard has donated $1 from the sale of every bottle to ABTA—nearly $90,000—through its wine community of 5,000 independent Wine Guides in 38 states who market wine as part of their Traveling Vineyard home businesses.
Bella Mente, Italian for beautiful mind, was inspired by Ted Bohnert, husband of Wine Guide Lori Stryker, who was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme in 2014 and died 10 months later. During his battle, Bohnert volunteered to participate in as many phase-zero experimental clinical trials and research programs as he could, hoping his participation might help save others in the future. In 2015, Traveling Vineyard launched the Bella Mente label to carry on his fight.
“The reality is that brain tumors impact a wide number of people,” said Rick Libby, chief executive officer of Traveling Vineyard. “In our Wine Guide community, we have been deeply moved by stories about loved ones who have been newly diagnosed or who have passed away. With Bella Mente, we’re able to honor those within our community, and help fund the initiative to change the course of this devastating condition.”
Funds raised by the ABTA are allocated to research, patient education and support services. To date, the ABTA has invested more than $32 million in brain tumor research.
