Most of you probably already know that Diana and I have been growing grapes and making wines for 26 years in the Sierra Foothills of California. After our last trip to Tippitonia in 2000 with our family of four (Diana, Katie, Molly and I), cousin Kay Eichert and niece Erica Hudgeons, the same feelings surfaced as did when Diana and I first visited in 1986. This special place, as humble as it is, represents a door to the past and a treasure for the future. Imagine how incredible Tipitto will seem in a hundred years and beyond. Time, of course, doesn't stand still and the use of Tipittonia may need to change somewhat with the times too. Thus the need for the Falxa family to take an active and responsible part now and in the future.

So, having drunk more than a few bottles of Basque wine, I felt I could create a similar wine from our many varieties that we grow in the mountain foothills of the Sierra. And the 2003 vintage was perfect from which to persue that goal. With the blending of our estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a wee bit of Grenache, I think I've captured what might help one reminisce the wonderful memories of the French Basque country around Saint Jean Pied du Port and Banca.

But, said I, we could raise money with this wine and finally be the catalyst to start that Falxa Family Trust we've talked about for so long. So Diana and I want to give our support by donating more than the entire profits of the sale of this exclusive wine as the inaugural funding of the Trust. And our challenge to you is to match our donation through the purchase of this wine.

This 2003 Tippitonia Basque Heritage Red should retail for $15 by the bottle with appropriate case discounts. Diana and I will donate everything received above $5 per bottle for all the wine that is purchased by you and your friends. Let say you all purchased a total of 200 cases at $15 per bottle - that would raise $24,000 to fund the Trust. Not too shabby.

But I know that eventhough it's a great cause, everyone wants a deal so let's say that family gets the wine for 33.3% (wholesale) by the case which makes a bottle only $10 - we can still raise $12,000 if you purchase 200 cases. And you all get to enjoy a nice red wine whose label is that beautiful picture of Tippitonia (top photo) with dinner, show off your family roots to your friends and just have a good time all the way around.

Now how in heaven's name are you going to purchase/sell 200 or more cases of wine? First, for those of you who drink and do so responsibly, drink up; make this your everyday wine (do not put this away for special occasions). Second, pass this enewsletter on to all your extended family and encourage everyone to get onboard. Third, invite your friends over for dinner, serve the wine and talk to them about how they can suppor the cause. Fourth, give the wine as gifts, business and pleasure. Fifth but not last (because with a little creativity you can come up with additional ideas), think of offering this wine to your church, organization, club, etc. as a joint fundraiser; afterall you get the wine for 33.3% discount which leaves the opportunity for another group to raise funds by selling the wine at or near retail for a double good cause.

How do you buy some of this wine? Simple - call us at 800-245-9166, fax your order to 530-620-6838 or email brian@fitzpatrickwinery.com and we'll ship the wine via UPS at cost. Another way to make this work even better, especially for the California and Nevada families, is to coordinate picking up a quantity of cases to have as inventory for your area like Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Bakersfield, etc. and save all that shipping. Let's put our heads together to work out some possibilities.

The holidays are a perfect time to spread good cheer with business contacts, friends and family so don't miss this opportunity to kick off this family fundraiser. Opportunity knocks and the next step is up to you.

Sincerely,