Goodwill Wine

Written by Ian Robertson on 26th March 2011

To most wine aficionados, the term ‘charity wine’ probably does not inspire a great deal of confidence. In truth, the model for most charity wine organisations is probably best summed up as buy juice that is as cheap as possible, spend your budget on a customised label and rely pretty much solely on the charity aspect in order to move product. That’s all well and good of course, and I am sure plenty of good things have been achieved with proceeds from fundraising of this type, but at the end of the day wouldn’t it be better if you could crack open the wine and drink something pretty darn good to go with the knowledge that your choice is assisting worthy causes?

Enter – Goodwill Wine.

But first, there needs to be a catalyst for this story. And unfortunately, the story does begin hardship. The Victorian bushfires had a cataclysmic impact on many lives, and for Ali Rees & David Laity, it took away everything they owned.

The key element of this story though, is their utmost determination to take the generosity that they received in their time of need and ensure that it was paid forward in a way that could be maintained and grown over a sustained period. This meant taking the funds so generously donated through the Red Cross Bushfire appeal, and turning it into Goodwill Wine. And the simple creed of Goodwill – source quality, ensure 50% of the profit goes to a designated charity or not for profit organisation selected by the buyer. Simple in idea, but as many would attest, difficult in one simple way – sourcing quality.

If the prime focus of this story was that out of a time of great loss came a determination to help others, then it is a great story. But the key element here is that they have taken a real insight into obtaining great parcels of wine at extraordinary price points and breaking most of the established norms in doing so in the ‘charity wine’ space. Goodwill have realised that however noble the intention of any charitable venture, without quality product it is unlikely to succeed.

By and large from my tasting experience, Goodwill Wine has largely succeeded in the aim. In fact, the quality of the wine at the prices they are asking is universally impressive. (and in the Coonawarra Merlot, incredibly so.) All wines tasted spoke of their region, were clean and fresh and good examples of their style.

Ali may have moved on, but there is a determination from David to grow Goodwill and continue to focus on quality. Charity may begin at home, but Goodwill have shown that spreading it around a little bit can be rewarding personally and also for the keen wine buyer! As I write this, the original $15,000 received to start Goodwill has been paid forward to various charitable causes in only the space of a bit over a year of trading.

So, if you are keen to alter your own prejudice on the term ‘charity wine’ – why not stop by Goodwill Wine?

Goodwill Wine Website.

Wine Without Wank reviews Goodwill Wine.