2nd Annual Canned Food Drive

It always helps to give to those in need during the holidays, but what happens after the season of giving? Food shelters often undergo a shortage of canned goods which is why Ponte Winery wants to help fill the shelves of our local shelters in the New Year–and we need everyone’s help.

Starting January 1, 2010 Ponte Winery is offering guests who bring in 5 or more canned food items 10% off in the Tasting Room and 5% off at the Smokehouse Restaurant as a “thank you” for your donation. Ponte Wine Club Members will receive 30% off in the Tasting Room and 15% off at the Smokehouse. The discount offered in the Tasting Room is available for wine tasting, wine and any items in the Marketplace. By making Ponte Winery a drop-off site, everybody wins: guests can enjoy wine tasting, do a little shopping and have a great meal all the while helping a family in need have a good meal of their own.

The annual charity event, which started in January 2009, was only intended to be a month-long event until the measure of its success was discovered. In its first year we were able to supply over six truck loads of canned, non-perishable food items to three local food pantries.

“We were amazed at the amount of donations we received last year,” said Tasting Room Manager Lauren Todd. “Even after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, guests still came in with their cans wanting to help and give back.”

Ponte Winery would love to achieve an even greater amount of this generosity in 2010. Now is the perfect time to clean out your over-filled pantries because the winery is accepting it all–canned fruit and vegetables, soups and tuna fish, cereals and oatmeal, crackers and cookies (because everyone deserves a little something sweet). Drop-offs can be made 7 days a week, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm in the Ponte Winery Tasting Room. For more information visit www.pontewinery.com or call (951) 694-8855.

By Lindsey Dick