Being a responsible consumer has a new layer of importance. The money we give to companies goes into more significant things than we may realize. Companies with money often make political contributions which goes into candidates' campaigns, then candidates win (or lose), agendas are pushed, the legislation is written, laws are changed, and you are influenced. Being mindful of who you are supporting, whether you realize it or not, is something everyone should do. It is essential to follow your money and make sure you, as the consumer, are making responsible decisions.

Donations by the Numbers

On June 4, 2020, AAWE (American Association of Wine Economists) posted an infographic to its Twitter account, highlighting the U.S. wine industry's involvement in the 2020 presidential campaigns. It showed how the industry has overwhelming support for Trump, with the dollar amount they donate. On June 5, AAWE's account posted the top 20 contributors to PACs, hybrid PACs, and Trump's campaign. Donations to the 2020 Trump campaign totaled $606,131.

In comparison, Bernie Sanders received $71,567 and Biden only $10,000. Although Trump's support within the wine industry looks large, it is not a good representation of everyone. Many people were glad to see this data released because they recognized the influence campaign donations could have. Especially in the light of the Capitol's attacks and every other attack Trump has made on democracy in America. The wine industry must hold its counterparts accountable for their role in the United States' trajectory and the attacks they are ultimately supported by donating to Donald Trump. (https://www.wine-economics.org/data/) 

The top donor to the Trump Campaign is Marvin R. Shanken, the chairman of M. Shanken Communications which publishes the well known magazine “Wine Spectator.” Marvin donated a whopping $185,800 to Donald Trump. The top five contributors along with Marvin were John Jordan, CEO of California-based winery Jordan Winery ($75,600); Roger K. Bower, proprietor of California-based Westerly Wines ($55,400); Grace Evansted, proprietor of Oregon-based Domaine Serene Vineyards & Winery ($50,000); and finally Sheldon Stein president of Texas-based Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits ($25,400). I am giving you this list so that you can use your money responsibly. Although numerous others donated, it is important for me to provide you with the top offenders' names.

Why you Should Care

One of the reasons AAWE's Twitter post was popular is that millennial shoppers care a lot about the companies they are buying from. Almost one-half of millennials (47 percent) believe that CEOs are responsible for speaking up about society's important issues. Compared to only 28 percent of Boomers and Gen Xers feeling the same way. (https://www.webershandwick.com/news/millennial-demand-for-ceo-activism-surges/) It matters a lot more to Millennials now because the political climate in the United States is heightened. There are many important issues to everyday folk, so there is much more awareness and a dire need to hold people accountable. Also, there is a much larger push on social media, more activism opportunities, and if people aren't doing their part in making change, it becomes more noticeable. The growing importance of politics is holding larger companies more accountable and making the decisions consumers make more important. 

Now that I have given you these names and dollar amounts and told you why it is important, you may be wondering what now? Before making purchases anywhere, doing background research is important, knowing the company and its values. One easy way to check out a business is to check their websites or social media. Instagram is a good place because many accounts may have published statements in light of so many social justice movements. If you find or don't find a statement regarding issues that are important to you, that could indicate if that is who you want to give your money to.

Along with worrying about company views, think about the people who run and own the business you support. It is important to uplift people who are often at a disadvantage due to systematic issues. Try supporting women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Think about who you are giving your money to and uplifting those businesses that need support. I cannot stress enough how beneficial it will be to look at companies' websites, see the message they put out there, the people who run it, and do your research. 

McBride Sisters

I would like to send you off with at least one idea of where you can start your responsible wine consumption. I want to highlight the story of a fabulous black and women-owned wine company named McBride Sisters. Based in California, the McBride sisters grew up on opposite sides of the world in two different wine regions. When they met in 2005, they bonded over wine and ultimately created a business. They have many wine collections, one named "Black Girl Magic" and the other "She Can." 

The McBride Sisters created a fund in 2019 called the "SHE CAN Professional Development Fund." At the time, the fund aimed to close the gender and race pay gap in the wine industry and promote women's professional advancement. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly destructive towards black-owned businesses. 41% of black-owned businesses have had to close their doors compared to only 17% of white-owned businesses. Because of those staggering statistics, the McBride sisters are responding by investing money into groups who will uplift communities, no longer limiting their funds to just winemakers. The fund will now go towards black women who own small businesses and have a vision for what they need to begin thriving again. Donations to this fund will go directly to black-owned businesses in need of help in their entrepreneurship. (https://www.mcbridesisters.com/Our-Story/SHE-CAN)