Walla Walla-based winery, Vital Wines, is on a mission to make an impact. Winemaker Ashley Trout founded the non-profit winery with a dedicated mission of shining a light and showing compassion for every member of the wine industry. Since its launch in 2016, 100 percent of net profits have been donated to ensure vineyard and winery workers have access to healthcare, namely through the local SOS Health Services Clinic. More than $30,000 in proceeds have directly helped those without insurance—an issue that directly affects the wine industry—to receive medical care.
Now, every pour of Vital Wines is helping to fund an additional mission: a community health worker position dedicated to providing better healthcare access and resources for Spanish-speaking communities.
“Vineyard and winery workers are essential to our state’s $8 billion wine industry, but they often lack access to reliable, affordable healthcare and other important resources,” said Maddie Richards, Executive Director of Vital Wines. This position will help change that.
Dedicated to meeting vulnerable populations where they are, Vital Wines has sponsored the “Vital Wines Promotores de Salud” position in partnership with Providence St. Mary Foundation, another local nonprofit organization. Thanks to the help of a $30,000 grant from the Auction of Washington Wines, along with community donations and support from purchases, this position was made possible to make a difference.
Maria Remington, a bilingual Walla Walla educator and legacy volunteer in the community, has accepted the position and is looking forward to breaking down barriers. “This role gives me the opportunity to do what I love most—sharing information, education and resources that have the power to improve lives in my community and beyond,” she said. Along with helping to provide better access to healthcare, the full-time position is also dedicated to providing resources, including COVID-19 safety and vaccination information, to prevent illness before it happens.
You can visit and try Vital wines at their new volunteer-run tasting room in downtown Walla Walla or purchase online. If you’d like to make a donation to support the winery’s mission, you can do so through the Vital Wines website. Through the end of 2021, you can also give back by donating through the Valley Giving Guide. The Blue Mountain Community Foundation will match your donation to do even more good.
