Wines for Humanity: Pairs Best With Charity

New Lenox resident Rosie Badalamente didn’t know much about wine when she signed on to market the product, but over five years she’s become a local expert on the subject while doing good for the community.

Badalamente became Wines for Humanity’s first adviser five years ago after an interest of her's led to a part-time career. She was invited to visit a tasting but had no interest in getting involved until seeing how much fun the couples had there.

“This is a product that couples can enjoy together,” she said. “It’s funny to see the guys bring a case of beer or a six-pack, but by the end of the night they say the wine is unbelievable. I’ve converted another one!”

Wines for Humanity was started in Elk Grove Village by Anton Steinhart, who previously worked in the wine sales industry but wanted to personalize the business more while combining it with another passion of his: fighting homelessness.

With every bottle selected, Wines for Humanity donates as much as 12 percent of its earnings to a charity. The preferred charity is PADS in Lake County, which serves families facing homelessness, and other charities may be selected. In five years, the business has raised nearly $1.1 million for charities, including $230,000 for PADS.

“I want to help make a difference,” Badalamente said of the business’ mission. “It can really make an impact locally.”

A freight broker by day and wine specialist by night, Badalamente keeps busy, often working two wine tastings every week. At the tastings, she gives an hour-and-a-half presentation that covers an array of topics including geography (what’s the difference between north and south Italian wine?), food pairings, recipes (cupcakes, anyone?) and more. She brings seven bottles to a tasting and can cater to specific themes. She’s also presented at larger parties and seven-course dinners.

“I’m not just here to be a bartender for you,” she said. “My goal is to keep everyone engaged. Whether you’re someone new to the world of wine or you’re the person who’s been going to tastings for 30 years and been to Napa Valley five times, I want them to say they’ve learned something.”

Badalamente is continuously working to promote the business and her tastings. She was invited to work the village’s Wine & Jazz Fest last year but had a schedule conflict. She hopes she can become a vendor this year, as well as one at the French Market.

“I said put me next to the cheese guy!”

She’s got plenty of tips to teach people, and she’ll be sharing some on Patch with her new Local Voices blog. In the meantime, she says, “The only way you’re going to learn is to get out there and try it.”

Visit the Wines for Humanity website for more information or to book a tasting.