Traveling Vineyard is proud to announce the release of 2018 Bella Mente, Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio, Italy, the latest vintage of a special charity wine created to support the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). According to the ABTA, approximately 700,000 adults and children are living with a brain tumor and nearly 80,000 adults and children will be diagnosed this year.
Supporting Beautiful Minds
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 our 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 a personal story from within our Wine Guide community. Wine Guide Lori Stryker’s husband, Ted Bohnert, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, or GBM, in 2014. Within 10 months he tragically succumbed to the disease.
During his battle, however, Bohnert volunteered to participate in as many phase-zero experimental clinical trials and research programs as he could. Although he knew his involvement would not benefit him, Lori said, it was his hope that his participation could help save others in the future. In 2015, Traveling Vineyard launched the Bella Mente label to carry on his fight.
Partnering with the American Brain Tumor Association
“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.”
In our Wine Guide community, we have been deeply moved by stories about loved ones (affected by brain tumors) … with Bella Mente, we’re able to honor those and help fund change.
Rick Libby
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.
“We’re grateful for another successful harvest of Traveling Vineyard’s Bella Mente,” said Ralph DeVitto, president and chief executive officer of the American Brain Tumor Association. “As a Charitable Shopping partner of the American Brain Tumor Association, Traveling Vineyard has helped to support brain tumor research and patient programs by graciously donating nearly $90,000 during our four-year partnership.”
Traveling Vineyard has helped to support brain tumor research and patient programs by graciously donating nearly $90,000 during our four-year partnership.
Ralph DeVitto, President & CEO of ABTA
2018 Bella Mente, Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio, Italy, is a 100 percent Pinot Grigio derived from the attributes of northern Italian terroir for a fruit-driven, clean, crisp white wine with aromas of white flowers, melon, and mineral. The 2018 Bella Mente retails for $16.99 and is available through Wine Guides nationwide.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association was the first national patient advocacy organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing support and education programs for patients, caregivers and their loved ones. For more information, visit abta.org or call 800-886-ABTA (2282).
