Update: The sales of the Grochau Cellars Commuter Cuvee have been an overwhelming success. GC Cellars has already submitted a check for $3400.00 to the Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund and word is more is on the way. Thanks to all who have supported the memorial fund by purchasing this benefit wine. AND thanks again to John Grochau and everyone involved for their generous donation to the fund!

John sipping wine at Grochau Cellars in NW Portland.

Having been a member of the Bike Gallery family for over 20 years, I’ve met and worked with lots of amazing people. Quite a few of us just can’t leave and have made a happy career of serving the bike community. Others do great work here but, as sad as we are to see them go, they have a stronger calling outside of the bike biz. That’s the case with John Grochau. Wine is John’s calling and he’s just as good at making wines as he was at fixing and racing bikes (which is to say that he’s pretty darn good). His goal is to create “wines (especially Pinot Noir) that, while not cheap offer great value.”

If you were a customer at our downtown store between 1989 and 1994, you’ll remember his great service. I remember working with John; he was frequently smiling and as often laughing, but he was always taking especially good care of customers. So, it was no surprise to me to hear that John was combining his current wine passion with giving a little back to the cycling community. He’s ridden enough to have several close calls and wants to help promote bike safety to keep his friends and everybody else safe.

He has recently produced a lovely wine called Commuter Cuvee and has pledged to donate a percentage of its sales to the Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund. And, if that’s not generous enough he’s also donated wine to the BTA’s gala, the Alice Awards. His donation, like all donations made to the Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund, support the cause of bicycle safety through motorist and cyclist awareness and education. So, buy a bottle or two (or a case or two) of Commuter Cuvee, and enjoy sipping wine while knowing that your purchase also supports a great cause.

John and his wife Kerri started Grochau Cellars in 2002 and opened a brand new winery in NW Portland last fall. You can purchase wine at Whole Foods, New Seasons, Fred Meyer (some locations), Story Teller Wines, and at his NW Portland winery (by appointment).

John still loves to ride, so if you see a tall dark haired chap riding a Titus Carbon bike and wearing a big smile, it might be him. Be sure to wave or — better yet — pull up alongside have a chat, and let him know how much you appreciate his support of the BTA and the Brett Jarolimek Fund.