Rolland turns wine into water

World-renowned winemaker and consultant Michel Rolland has partnered with international charity Wine to Water on a South African wine that will help provide thousands of Ethiopians access to clean water.

Bonne Nouvelle 2003, a Cabernet, Merlot and Pinotage blend from Stellenbosch, fittingly means “good news” in French.

US$20 from every bottle sold will go directly to Wine To Water to dig deep bore wells in the Dale region of Southern Ethiopia, where six out of 10 people lack access to clean water.

The project’s initial goal is to raise US$40,000 – enough to fund four wells, providing permanent water access for over 8,000 people.

Ethiopia is currently battling a water crisis, with millions struggling to survive every day due to drought and contaminated water.

California winery and importer Montesquieu Wines is facilitating the project by importing and distributing the wine in the US at no charge.

Owner Fonda Hopkins, who works separately with Michel Rolland and Wine to Water founder Doc Hendley on other projects, brought the pair together.

“Michel and Doc come from very different backgrounds, but both are so passionate about life and committed to excellence that the partnership was a natural fit,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to see some of the top players in the wine community step up to the plate to make such a difference,” said Hendley, whose charity has provided water to over 100,000 people in twelve countries, including Sudan, India, Cambodia, Uganda, Peru and Kenya.

Hendley is currently touring the States promoting his new book Wine to Water: A Bartender’s Quest to Bring Clean Water to the World, published by Penguin.

Michel Rolland is one of the most influential winemakers in the world, consulting for over 100 properties, including Angélus and Ausone in Bordeaux, Ornellaia in Tuscany and Harlan Estate in California.

Bonne Nouvelle is available at www.winetowaterstore.com for US$39.