As one of the world's leading producers of wine made from organically grown grapes, Bonterra is partnering with Growing Power, an organization focused on providing communities with healthy foods, to raise awareness and funds for urban farming. The partnership begins with an online fundraising campaign where Bonterra will donate $20,000 to local urban farming organizations in as many as 10 cities with the goal of turning this investment into $100,000 during organic harvest month.

To kick-off its year-long partnership, Bonterra and Growing Power are joining forces to promote urban farming in communities across the country via the Campaign for Urban Farming. Wine lovers and urban farming fans can help their local farms fund critical projects by donating to the four-week fundraising campaign, powered by Global Giving (www.globalgiving.org). $20,000 in prizes will be awarded to the local community farms that raise the most dollars and also engage the most individual donors.

"At Bonterra, we believe people everywhere should have access to sustainable, healthy, and true food. It's why since 1987 we have been crafting award-winning wines from organic grapes," said John Tichenor, Bonterra brand director. "We're proud to partner with Growing Power as our goal is to not only raise funds for these urban farming organizations, but to also help engage people across the country in the urban farming movement so these local groups can grow and produce more food for their communities."

The success of both Bonterra and Growing Power is linked to the power of true, organic soil. Bonterra is committed to organic farming and is a great partner to share Growing Power's message of bringing healthy food to all communities. Bonterra, which literally means "good earth" uses only organic practices in growing its grapes - no synthetic pesticides or chemicals are used in its farming. Similarly, Growing Power, who's dedicated to creating a food-secure community, focuses on composting, the soil, and natural farming practices. Both Bonterra and Growing Power share the belief in bringing the true nature of food.

"A take-away message that we are hoping people leave the conference with is the idea that it takes more than farmers to get Good Food to the table," said Will Allen, founder and CEO of Growing Power.

"It takes a commitment from all types of organizations and businesses. Bonterra is a wonderful example of a corporation that is not only committed to building our Good Food Revolution, but is backing it with financial support. We are proud to partner with Bonterra, and our other corporate partners who share similar philosophies."

The Campaign for Urban Farming recognized the participating farm organizations at the Growing Power National-International Urban & Small Farm Conference on September 10, 2010 where representatives from each of the selected organizations were in attendance. Hosted by Growing Power and Will Allen, the conference taught attendees how to plan, develop and grow small farms in urban and rural areas. Sustainable agriculture is a surging trend in the U.S. and both Bonterra and Growing Power aim to further expand this movement. Statistics show that 84% of Americans want access to fresher, safer foods, which is the ultimate goal of the urban farming initiative. Bonterra and Growing Power's Campaign for Urban Farming takes place September 10, 2010 through October 10, 2010. To donate, visit www.bonterra.com.

About Bonterra Wines:
Bonterra Wines are produced in Mendocino County, California, and made with certified organic grapes. The Bonterra portfolio has many varietals including: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Rosé, Syrah and Viognier. Brown-Forman Corporation is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Bonterra and Fetzer Wines, Jack Daniel's, Canadian Mist, Southern Comfort, and Finlandia Vodka. For more information visit www.bonterra.com.

About Growing Power:
Growing Power was started in Milwaukee, WI in 1993 by Will Allen - a 2008 winner of a MacArthur "Genius Award" who has long worked to produce and deliver healthy food to low-income urban populations. It is a national nonprofit organization and land trust supporting people from diverse backgrounds, and the environments in which they live, by helping to provide equal access to healthy, high-quality, safe and affordable food for people in all communities. Growing Power implements this mission by providing hands-on training, on-the-ground demonstration, outreach and technical assistance through the development of Community Food Systems that help people grow, process, market and distribute food in a sustainable manner.

Participating Urban Farming Organizations:
Brooklyn Rescue Mission Inc (NYC)
Feed Denver (Denver, CO)
Breaking New Grounds (Louisville, KY)
Seven Harvest Inc (Forrest City, AR)
Women's Environmental Institute (Little Earth, MN)
Growing Power (Milwaukee, WI)
Growing Power Chicago Project Office (Chicago, IL)
People's Grocery (Oakland, CA)

Everything in balance. Drink responsibly. © 2010 Bonterra Vineyards, Mendocino Co., CA

Bonterra Vineyards

Bonterra Vineyards

As one of the largest growers of organic grapes in the United States, Bonterra Vineyards has long believed that organic grapes simply make better tasting wines. From its home in Northern California’s Mendocino County Bonterra produces a full array of award-winning wines from vineyards that have been certified as organic, with some vineyards also carrying a biodynamic certification from the Demeter Association.

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