The GEMS sparkling wine collection honors Dubrow’s four children, some of whom are LGBTQ+, with her husband Dr. Terry Dubrow.
New York, NY — Family Equality announces the launch of GEMS, a collection of four sparkling wines, as part of their partnership with Heather Dubrow, entrepreneur, podcast host, author, and cast member of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County. The partnership is in collaboration with Equality Vines, the world’s first cause wine portfolio dedicated to equality for all, and the wines are carefully crafted by Rack & Riddle, the number one custom sparkling wine producer in the U.S.
The GEMS sparkling wine collection honors Dubrow’s four children, some of whom are LGBTQ+, with her husband Dr. Terry Dubrow. The Dubrows regularly speak out in support of the LGBTQ+ community and Heather is committed to using her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, rights, and acceptance.
“People tell me that my children are lucky to have me and Terry as parents – but truly we are the lucky ones,” said Dubrow. “We have learned and grown so much from them, but we are acutely aware that the support and privilege they are afforded is not the same for other families. I have made it my mission as a mother to not only protect and advocate for my children – but try and help as many other families as I can.”
The collection includes
- GEMS 2020 Russian River Valley Extra Brut (Diamond)
- GEMS 2021 Sonoma County Brut (Sapphire)
- GEMS 2022 Napa Valley Sparkling Rosé (Ruby)
- GEMS NV Sonoma County Blanc de Noirs (Emerald)
Diamond and Sapphire are $55 each. Ruby and Emerald bottles are $50 each. And a four-bottle variety pack gift set with one bottle of each is $175.
Tasting notes:
- GEMS 2020 Russian River Valley Extra Brut (Diamond)
This Blanc de Blancs captures the elegance of Chardonnay from the renowned Russian River Valley. It is a sparkling gem that unveils an intricate bouquet of zesty lime, sweet Meyer lemon, and luscious golden apples. The mid-palate is decadently enriched by the yeasty brioche flavors, a testament to its 44 months of aging. The experience culminates in a vibrant and crisp finish, graced by hints of citrus and pear. - GEMS 2021 Sonoma County Brut (Sapphire)
This distinctive and special blend delivers a symphony of aromatic delights, bringing together four Pinot varietals in perfect harmony. Equal parts Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc create a balanced and complex Brut blend. Aromas of rose water, cherry blossom, honeysuckle, and melon precede a bright and invigorating citrus palate. The well-balanced fusion of fruit and acidity lingers, revealing new depths with each sip.
- GEMS 2022 Napa Valley Sparkling Rosé (Ruby)
The Reserve Napa Valley Rosé enchants with aromas of delicate rose petals and fragrant strawberry jam. It is crafted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Napa Carneros region. Its rich and creamy mid-palate is rich with elegant fruit flavors, complemented by a refreshing lime citrus note from the Chardonnay and culminating in a sophisticated and lingering finish.
- GEMS NV Sonoma County Blanc de Noirs (Emerald)
This Reserve Blanc de Noirs beautifully showcases the harmonious flavors of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Radiant aromas of ripe raspberry, strawberry, and juicy nectarine are elevated by citrus zest and the toasty, biscuit notes developed over 36 months on the yeast. The wine’s balanced acidity and fruit meld seamlessly with a creamy mid-palate, leading to a complex and velvety smooth finish.
“While Heather has supported our work in many ways for a decade, the launch of GEMS is a particularly special partnership,” said Jaymes Black, Family Equality President & CEO. “It’s a culmination of over a year of planning and strategizing and is a true testament to Heather’s dedication to Family Equality’s work to protect and advocate for LGBTQ+ families across the country. She is truly the example of what it means to be a true and authentic ally.”
GEMS will be distributed by Equality Vines, co-founded by Matt Grove and Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court case, Obergefell v. Hodges – the case that legalized marriage equality across America – and Family Equality board member.
“My business partner Matt Grove and I founded Equality Vines to support equality organizations with premium wines, so this project was an easy yes for us,” said Obergefell. “It has been a joy to work with Heather on this project. Heather exemplifies the unconditional love of a parent, and her unwavering support of Family Equality speaks to her belief in social justice, especially justice for the LGBTQ+ community.”
The sparkling wines can be pre ordered at equalityvines.com/gems starting on June 3 with the first orders sent the week of June 10. 100% of the proceeds go to Family Equality.
“The collection honors my true gems – my four children,” said Dubrow. “They are shining, sparkly examples of my love. They are my heart and soul. And to be able to commemorate my beautiful children and raise crucial dollars for Family Equality – nothing could mean more to me.”
About Family Equality
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.
About Heather Dubrow
Heather Dubrow is a philanthropist and television personality best known for her role on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Orange County. She is deeply committed to equality and uses her platform to advocate for diverse causes.
About Equality Vines
Equality Vines is the world’s first cause wine portfolio dedicated to equality for all. Each bottle of wine supports a different equality cause, with a mission to advocate for love, equality, and family through exceptional wine.
About Rack & Riddle
Established in 2007 in Northern California by wine industry veterans Rebecca Faust and Bruce Lundquist, Rack & Riddle was founded with the mission to craft superior sparkling wines. Through years of steadfast dedication and thoughtful expansion, Rack & Riddle has become the #1 custom sparkling wine producer in the United States with 3.5 million cases of capacity.
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Press Contact
Tonya Agnew,
Vice President,
Communications & Marketing
(765) 490-4709 / tagnew@familyequality.org