Wine Raises Awareness
Winery Teams with Surfrider to Preserve Beaches
Many beaches have been forced to close or post hazard warnings due to toxic run-off from new development flooding into coastal waters. In an attempt to keep all of the nation’s coastlines “barefoot friendly,” Barefoot Wine is teaming up with the Surfrider Foundation to “rescue, renew, and restore” 25 beaches this summer, using volunteers from the affected vicinities. The winery also plans to donate $5,000 to each of four Surfrider Foundation campaigns aimed at preserving beaches nationwide; one of these campaigns is the one that aims to protect the irreplaceable Gaviota Coastline from being developed.
The Gaviota Coast, a rare undeveloped Southern California coastline, faces an increasing threat of urban and residential development. If these projects proceed, environmentalists argue, the result may be dramatic loss of native biodiversity, and a general decline in the health of its ecosystems.
Visitors to the Barefoot Wine Web site have the opportunity to cast their vote daily for one of the four Surfrider projects they wish to receive an additional $5,000.
Everyone is encouraged to vote daily through Saturday, August 15. On that day, the Beach Rescue Project will host a beach cleanup, starting at Leadbetter Beach at 10 a.m. The organization plans to reward participants with a celebration from 5 8 p.m. at The Endless Summer Bar and Cafe, where live music, food, and Barefoot Wine will be featured. To reserve a spot at the celebration, participants must RSVP on the Barefoot Wine Web site before the event date. Volunteers are asked to dress in the proper protective clothing and bring sunscreen and water, just in case organizers are unable to supply everyone.
