"Cleavage Creek" news and stories

'Tis the season for giving -- so why not support wineries that do? Many release a socially conscious bottle every few vintages or so, but few are 100 percent about doing the right thing. Here are three California wineries with an altruistic bent -- and favorite bottles from each.

When Budge Brown's wife of 48 years died in 2005 of breast cancer, he vowed to not only raise funds for the cause but to make the process fun. Each Cleavage Creek Cellars bottle features a photo of a breast-cancer survivor. The wines are all estate-grown and debuted in 2007. Ten percent of gross wine sales fund breast-cancer research and support. So far donations have amounted to $70,800, including a $40,000 grant to the Bastyr University Integrated Oncology Research Clinic, which opened in February in Kenmore, Wash.

2007 Tracy Hills Secret Red ($18): Jammy, raspberry notes in this balanced wine make this a good pick for pairing with both sweet and savory foods.

2008 Secret White ($18): Whereas the red is deep and sultry, the white is bright, acidic and even more complex. A nose of gooseberries climaxes into notes of lemongrass and tropical fruits, with honey on the finish.