Sea Turtle Wine Released By California Winemaker

The non-profit Sea Turtle Conservancy has teamed up with an unlikely partner to further advance awareness and support for the protection of sea turtles.

The conservancy has partnered with Lodi, Calif. winemaker Weibel Family Vineyards to produce a special label of wines called "Sea Turtle Selections."

A portion of all profits from the red and white varietal blends will go towards the Florida-based Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Winemaker and vineyard owner Fred Weibel said his long-time love of sea turtles made him want to do something to help protect the animals.

"We wanted to bring attention to the many survival challenges sea turtles face," Weibel said in a press statement. "They are truly beautiful creatures that play important roles in our marine and coastal environments. Hopefully we all can do our part to make sure sea turtles are around for future generations," he said.

Weibel said the main goal in producing the Sea Turtle brand of wines is to helps raise much-needed financial support for sea turtle protection, conservation and education programs.  

David Godfrey, the executive director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy said, "The revenue generated from these specialty sea turtle wines will help save sea turtles in Florida and elsewhere."  

Weibel Family Vineyards produces a variety of wines, including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, merlot and pinot noir. It is not clear which varietals will comprise the blends in "Sea Turtle Reserve Red" and "Sea Turtle Reserve White" wines, however the news release stated that the 'easy styled' blends will "offer broad appeal and have been very popular with a large number of restaurants throughout the Bay area of California."