PASO ROBLES, CA (May 9, 2008) -- The Far Out Wineries of Paso Robles raised $16,960.27 to benefit the Paso Robles chapter of the Wellness Community, a cancer support network by hosting an event over President’s Day weekend. Special “Passports” were available for $20 to $25. “Passport” holders received complimentary wine tasting and a unique VIP activity at each of the sixteen Far Out Wineries. A huge  portion of visitors who came to the wineries without a passport ended up buying one when they found out about the Far Out Wineries partnership with the Wellness Community. One hundred percent of the “Passport” fees plus five percent of the wineries’ weekend net sales went directly to the Wellness Community.

 “I am honored to see this kind of support for a local charity organization. It’s heartwarming to be a part of an event that will directly benefit our community,” said Justin Baldwin, co-proprietor of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. Baldwin and his wife, Deborah, are founding member of both the Far Out Wineries and the Central Coast branch of the Wellness Community located in Paso Robles. Deborah Baldwin added, “Justin and I are elated that the Far Out Wineries was so generous and successful in generating this substantial contribution to the Wellness Community”.

All sixteen-member wineries participated in the “Passport” weekend event to help raise money and awareness for the Wellness Community of the Central Coast. More than 200 “Passports” were sold. In addition to complimentary wine tasting, all of the wineries featured a special activity such as food and wine pairings, barrel samples, library tasting, discounts on wine purchases, or facility tours. “The Far-Out Wineries are a unique and eclectic group of winemakers who are also dedicated to giving back to the community where they live and do business. We are all dedicated to making great wine and making our community the best it can be. It was great to see so many people out having a good time, knowing they were helping to raise money for a great cause,” said Monica Villicana, co-proprietor of Villicana WineryThe Far Out Wineries are located in the north-west corner of the Paso Robles AVA – off the beaten path, and worth the drive. They are an eclectic group of premium wineries that are off the beaten path but well worth a few scenic twists and turns. The members of the group were once chefs, photographers, investment bankers, far out hippies, actors, international financiers, studio drummers, wine importers, engineers, developers and even an attorney. Now, they are all winemakers with a mutually shared passion for the wide spectrum of flavors arising from vineyards planted in the gnarly limestone hills west of Paso Robles. More information about the Far Out Wineries as well as links to the individual winery websites is available at www.faroutwineries.com. All of these websites include updates on future events as well as information on the visiting the area and purchasing wine.

The Wellness Community is dedicated to help people with cancer and their loved ones enhance their health and well-being by providing a professional program of emotional support, education, and hope. The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura is part of an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing free support, education and hope to men and women affected by cancer. Through participation in professionally led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise programs, and mind/body connection classes, people affected by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope, regardless of the stage of their disease. The first Wellness Community opened in Santa Monica, California, in 1982 and we opened our doors in 1991. Today, there are 22 Wellness Communities across the United States, five in development, 28 satellites, two centers abroad in Tokyo and Tel Aviv, and a community online – The Virtual Wellness Community. Cancer patients who participate in their fight for recovery, along with their healthcare team, will improve the quality of their lives and may enhance the possibility of their recover” -- Harold H. Benjamin, Ph.D., founder of The Wellness Community

For more information on the Wellness Community please visit www.twcvv.org.