Longball Cellars: Boston Red Sox 2008
The Boston Red Sox became the first team to undergo a sophomore Charity Wines launch with Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz.

Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox with Charity Wines
Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox with Charity Wines

Kevin Youkilis chose his wine name first. Toward the end of 2007, all athletes were asked to pick their favorite varietal. In under an hour, Youk’s agent Joe Bick responded: “I think we’ve got it! How about SauvignYoouuk Blanc!”

Kevin Youkilis, SauvignYoouuk Blanc wine
Kevin Youkilis, SauvignYoouuk Blanc
Kevin Youkilis, SauvignYoouuk Blanc wine label back
Charity: Hits for Kids

Jason Varitek and his “Captain’s Cabernet” was titled as an honor for his BoSox Captain role. Proceeds support Pitching In For Kids, as Tim Wakefield’s CaberKnuckle did the year before.

Jason Varitek, Captain's Cabernet wine
Jason Varitek, Captain's Cabernet
Jason Varitek, Captain's Cabernet wine label back
Charity: Pitching In For Kids

David Ortiz wanted something different. Papi Noir had been the first choice, but the varietal was too expensive and would not allow all three labels to be priced similarly. So Ortiz set his mind on a Cabernet/Merlot mix. A Bordeaux was scratched because legally, the wine had to be produced in France. A Meritage was the next choice, until Charity Wines learned they would be required to license the trademark from The Meritage Association. So “Vintage Papi” it became, tagged simply as “Papi’s Blend.” It was for this initiative that the David Ortiz Children’s Fund was created.

David Ortiz, Vintage Papi wine
David Ortiz, Vintage Papi
David Ortiz, Vintage Papi wine back label
Charity: David Ortiz Children's Fund

On May 15, 2008 at the EMC Club at Fenway Park, the wines were launched with Boston Red Sox field reporter Hazel Mae of NESN as emcee.

Hazel Mae, Maerlot wine
Hazel Mae, Maerlot
Hazel Mae with Maerlot wine
Hazel Mae, Boston Red Sox Reporter
2008 Boston Red Sox, Charity Wines Launch Party Invitation
2008 Boston Red Sox, Charity Wines Launch Party Invitation
2008 Boston Red Sox Wine
2008 Boston Red Sox Wines

View the 2008 Boston Red Sox Charity Wines Photo Album featuring Boston Red Sox player Charity Wines including David Ortiz with Vintage Papi supporting the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, Kevin Youkilis with Sauvignyoouuk Blanc supporting Hits for Kids, & Jason Varitek with Captain’s Cabernet supporting Pitching In For Kids.

Vinted and bottled by: Charity Wines with Clos LaChance Vineyards, Healdsburg, California.
Marketing by: Charity Hop Sports Marketing.
Artwork by: Jonathan Banchick Illustrations.
Package Design by: Image Juice Creative Co.

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