A Corner of the Wine Industry Stands Up

Studio Beverage Group takes and stand

If I’m going to criticize the American wine industry for its tepid, if nearly non-existent, response to the massacre of Jews in Israel, then it’s incumbent upon me to highlight where elements of the industry do take a stand. Moreover, If I’m going to claim solidarity with the Jews in the wake of their babies, children, mothers, fathers, and grandparents being murdered, then it’s equally incumbent upon me to highlight how folks can help them.

Yesterday, Studio Beverage Group launched WineAid.Help For Israel. This effort is offering the opportunity to purchase Israeli wine where 100% of the profits are donated to Magen David Adom, the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross that helps bring much-needed emergency aid to the people of that country.

As you might imagine, there has been a good deal of need for these first responders. Magen David Adom is home to 33,000 paramedics, EMTS, first responders, and first-aid providers (volunteers and staff) and ensures they have the training, equipment, and medical supplies they need to treat all injured and ill people in Israel.

We know now that 1,500 people were killed in the 10/7 terrorist attack by Hamas. Moreover, 199 hostages were taken. All of this is likely to lead to Israel requiring more aid from those that can provide it.

Studio Beverage Group, a provider of eCommerce services and know-how for wine sellers, is one of only two wine-industry efforts to aid Jews in the wake of the killing of 1,500 people. The other, as I mentioned in a previous newsletter, is Southern Glazers.

In the five days since I published the newsletter calling out wine and in the 10 days since the actual attack, Studio Beverage Group and Southern Glazers remain the only two wine-related organizations that have shown solidarity with the people of Israel by taking action.

I see that emotions are heightened now. And I see there is reluctance among many to take a stand they feel may draw unwanted attention to them from certain quarters that question any need to be concerned with Jews. And I see that many look at Israel and don’t see people who deserve any aid. I see all this. And I clearly reject all these reasons for sitting still and being quiet.

But I also see the American wine industry. I see it with clear and open eyes. I see what it has chosen to support and what it has chosen not to support. Everyone sees this and remembers.

So, if you are among those who see the need and if you are among those who see the need to help in even the smallest ways, I recommend to you the efforts of Studio Beverage Group. I recommend you help spread the word about WINE.AID FOR ISRAEL. THANK YOU.