Today is a day requiring reflection, consideration, and mindful sincerity. As our country nears 200,000 deaths from COVID-19, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

I admit the days are running together a bit right now, with Hawaii remaining on a relative lock-down, and had no idea of the actual date until a reminder popped up on my calendar. (I only know what day it is as we are enthusiastically following the Dallas Stars’ Stanley Cup run, so I know when game day is.)

Three years ago we moved from Dallas to Hawaii on September 11. As you can imagine, it isn’t a big travel day, but it was the date we decided, making a day of tragedy in America into a day of new beginnings for Gary, Yoda, and me. But, as we celebrate our new life on the island, September 11 is always a date that stops me in my tracks. I remember it like it was yesterday. Working at the time in the second tallest building in downtown Dallas, everything was evacuated. And for the next few days, while working from home, we watched the aftermath of those tragic events that changed everything for Americans.

Napa Valley’s Markham Vineyards has created The Altruist Red Blend to honor our military veterans, first responders, and community heroes, putting themselves and their lives in harm’s way to preserve our freedoms, helping keep us safe. By making an annual donation to various charities, like the Gary Sinise Foundation to help veterans, Markham Vineyards’ goal is to give back to the community and help those individuals that do so much for so many others. Winemaker, Kimberlee Nichols notes that the annual donation “supports those who serve our country and our communities.”

Markham Vineyards “The Altruist” ($29) is a Right Bank Bordeaux style blend from predominantly Napa Green certified estate fruit, as well as fruit from throughout the Napa Valley, the wine blends 68% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, and a touch of Malbec, for a luscious, easy-drinking wine. Juicy and fresh, the plum, blackberry, and red cherry-filled wine marries with touches of violets, toasted cedar, and vanilla. An easy wine to enjoy as we toast the end of summer, remembering our servicemen and women, and all those who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe. #neverforget