Hearn Teams Up with Rockway to create the David Hearn Foundation specialty wine label to support the Alzheimer Society of Canada and the David Hearn Junior Open to support the development of junior golf

St.Catharines, ON (November 19, 2015) – Rockway Vineyards Golf Wine Dine has announced a partnership with PGA TOUR star David Hearn that will see the property and Hearn work together to develop a special edition wine collection under the David Hearn Foundation label – with a portion of proceeds going back to the Foundation. The new relationship will also see Rockway’s golf course become host to the David Hearn Junior Open – a new initiative launched in conjunction with the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA). The annual two-day tournament will create an interactive environment, where junior golfers can spend time with Hearn, receive mentorship, and learn more about his development from an amateur to a collegiate player, and now as a professional golfer who has had success on the PGA TOUR. Programming for the event is currently being created between Hearn and the CJGA, and will be released shortly. The 2016 event will be held from Saturday, October 1 to Sunday, October 2.

“I am looking forward to working with the team at Rockway to put into action some of my long-term visions, including supporting two areas I feel strongly about,” said Hearn. “First, developing a custom wine label that will support my Foundation and benefit a cause I care deeply about; second being part of an event at an established course that will provide opportunities and support for junior golf development in the region.”

Hearn, the top Canadian golfer on the PGA TOUR during the 2014-2015 season, is known for his consistency and determination for excellence. The 2014-2015 season marks his best to date, with 4-Top 10’s results, finishing 49th on the PGA TOUR Money List, and 55th in FedExCup Points. He also gave Canadians a lot to talk about and be proud of during Canada’s national tournament this year at the RBC Canadian Open – holding a two round lead to finish 3rd. Two weeks prior, Hearn finished 2nd after a playoff at the Greenbrier Classic.

In addition to his successful year on-course, the season also marked the official launch of the David Hearn Foundation – the charitable arm of Hearn’s philanthropic initiatives, benefitting the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

“It is with great excitement that Rockway Vineyards is announcing our partnership with David Hearn and the David Hearn Foundation,” said Reid Strongman, President of Rockway Vineyards. “We are so pleased that through this partnership with one of Canada’s finest golfer’s that we will not only be able to support junior golf in Canada but also the Alzheimer Society through the David Hearn Foundation. We look forward to a long and exciting partnership.”

About the David Hearn Foundation

David-Hearn-Foundation-Logo-2Founded in 2015, the David Hearn Foundation’s central focus will be to support the Alzheimer Society of Canada in reducing the personal and social impacts of the disease by raising funds to provide individuals and families with needed programs and services. Through its partnership, the Foundation will aim to increase awareness, improve care for those in need and enhance the quality of life for those affected by the disease, while also empowering Canadians to take action and create positive change. The Foundation is an extension of Hearn’s existing charitable efforts with the Alzheimer Society through the annual David Hearn Charity Golf Classic, which has provided charitable contributions to the Alzheimer Society of Brant Haldimand Norfolk Hamilton Halton since 2012.

About Rockway Vineyards Golf Wine Dine

Rockway-Vineyards-LogoRockway’s vineyards are located on premium grape growing land in the Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation. Famous for its mineral-rich soils similar to that of Burgundy France, our vineyard site is a hidden gem that continues to amaze us with wines of depth and complexity. We currently have 75 acres under vine with another 75 acres open for planting.

Our winery was built for the sole purpose of making premium wine. It houses state of the art equipment to ensure a sanitary and controlled environment for our wines. We also house a mixture of French and American oak barrels ranging in age, forests and cooperages. Although our winery was not built to accommodate public tours, we conduct one-of-a-kind tours through our antique wine museum, where guests can look into the history of winemaking from the 17th and 18th centuries. Our retail store is right next door so please join us for a tasting and find your favourite wine!

Most important to mention is that we grow, craft and bottle 99.9% of all the wines we produce.
This allows us to carefully monitor every step from our vines to your glass. We believe in the adage that ‘less is more.’ With a hands-off approach to winemaking, our goal is to capture the flavours of our vineyard and help guide them into your glass. We hope you will enjoy them as much as we do!

For further information about the David Hearn Foundation or for interviews with David Hearn, please contact:

McKenzie Clarke
Business Partnerships & Athlete Relations
SportBox Entertainment Group
P: (647) 468-3500
E: mclarke@sportboxgroup.com

For further information about Rockway Vineyards, Wine and Golf, please contact:

Reid Strongman
President
Rockway Vineyards Golf Wine Dine
P: (905) 641-1030 ext. 258
E: rbs@rockway.net