By Fran Endicott Miller

America’s ultra-popular premium wine brand Josh Cellars announced the launch of its third edition wine with a purpose. This year’s offering is the 2019 Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon, of which a portion of the proceeds will benefit firefighter charitable organizations nationwide, a community close to the brand's heart; Josh Cellars founder Joseph Carr created the wine as a tribute to his father Josh, a Berlin, NY volunteer firefighter.

For every bottle of Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon sold, $1 is donated to the National Volunteer Firefighter Council (NVFC), the only organization created solely to support volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, and rescue personnel. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Proceeds will also benefit additional local firefighter charities including CalFire Benevolent Foundation, Boston Fire Department Relief Fund, the FDNY Foundation and the Professional Firefighters Association of South Florida. In all, Josh Cellars is committing more than $250,000 in donations to benefit thousands of firefighters across the country.

“Growing up, our home was across the street from the firehouse and my dad Josh was a volunteer firefighter,” explained Carr. “I learned from a very young age that firefighters are true heroes, and I’m honored to be able to make such a significant donation to these heroes, recognizing not only their service, but also their selflessness.”

Josh Cellars founder Joseph Carr

Carr and the Josh Cellars brand consistently support causes and communities that were important to Josh Carr – from military and veteran organizations, to out-of-work restaurant workers and healthcare providers. Over the past three years, Josh Cellars has donated more than $780,000 to charity groups across the country, through direct donations and proceeds from the annual release of the Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon. This year’s donation to firefighter organizations will bring the brand’s total charitable contributions from the time of its founding to more than $1 million.

“The National Volunteer Fire Council relies on donations from individuals and companies like Josh Cellars to help us provide support and resources for the volunteer firefighters who serve their communities every day,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “We thank Josh Cellars for their continued commitment to those who answer the call and risk everything to protect their communities.”

In addition to the donations from this year’s limited-edition wine, Josh Cellars will also express thanks at select firehouses by hosting lunches for these local heroes with chefs Barbara Lynch in Boston and JJ Johnson in New York. 

Sourced from prestigious vineyards in California’s Lodi region, Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon (MSRP $19.99) is a premium, full-bodied selection with rich flavors of blueberry and blackberry, layered with notes of espresso and toasted vanilla. This wine pairs well with summer grilling favorites, including meats like brisket with sweet barbecue sauces or rubs, and sides like potato salad with bacon.

Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon is available at retailers nationwide. Visit www.joshcellars.com/store-locator/ to find this wine at local stores.

Photos courtesy of Josh Cellars