O Wines was established in 2006 by Stacy Lill and Kathy Johanson, who donate a portion of the proceeds from wine sales to fund scholarships for motivated, underprivileged girls in Washington state. Their ultimate dream is to establish a local academy for these young women to help them with higher education.

“O Wines is only the start,” said Lill. “We intend to host charitable auctions, fundraisers and events geared toward community involvement for the scholarships funds.”

While these are truly admirable goals, they are matched by an admirable wine. Currently, O Wines has only one wine in its stable: a chardonnay. I say “stable” because the grapes come from Horse Heaven Hills. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) Virtually everything I have had from the Horse Heaven Hills appellation has been remarkable — for instance, Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Hills sauvignon blanc and Columbia Crest’s Horse Heaven Hills, chardonnay, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. In fact, both the Columbia Crest chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon are currently sold out until the next vintage. And speaking of red wine, O Wines will be releasing a red blend in the fall of 2009.

Lill and Johanson met nearly 15 years ago — before each was married.

“The idea of wine to raise money for charity was a natural,” said Johanson. “The charity angle was the only angle we considered; how to raise the money was why we decided on wine. The blending of the two is why we’re here today. We’re both so very proud to be able to encourage others. We’re all about women helping women.”

The Seattle Times raved about O Wines chardonnay: “…delighted to find a quality chardonnay from Horse Heaven Hills at an affordable price … full-flavored, fleshy and dolloped with buttery oak.”

Stacy Lill is married to Greg Lill, one of the owners of DeLille Cellars in Woodinville. Bob Johanson, Kathy’s husband, has been in the wine distribution business for 10 years.

With both of their husbands’ expertise, they not only avoided some novice pitfalls but were able to source wonderful grapes.

The winery is partnered with College Success Foundation, which is funded by Washington state — meaning that all costs and salaries are paid by the state. Every donated dollar goes directly into the hands of the scholarship recipients. Lill and Johanson just funded their first scholarship in April to an anonymous student, “Angel,” who was chosen because of an essay that she wrote and will be mentored.

“O” stands for opportunity, which reminds the consumer about the charitable aspect, and I need that reminder when I taste this delicious wine!

Dee Hitch can be reached at rockypointlane@aol.com.