The 15th Solidarity Harvest was a success, with 78 quintals of grapes harvested for Il Filo di Simo.

Seventy-eight quintals of grapes harvested and hundreds of people united in solidarity. This is the result of the 15th ®Solidarity Harvest, organized yesterday by the Balbinot family—Ernesto with his wife Silvana, and their children Marco and Anna—at the Le Manzane winery in San Pietro di Feletto (Treviso). The harvest once again turned into a day of celebration and concrete commitment to the community.

The event began with the unveiling of the 15th totem pole dedicated to Il Filo di Simo ODV, the beneficiary association of the 15th edition of the ®Vendemmia Solidale (Solidarity Harvest), accompanied and hosted by host Riccardo Checchin. The day featured grape harvesting, winery tours, tastings, and music with the Black Out Band and Alberto Ceschin. An aperitif featuring Le Manzane wines, served and presented by the AIS - Italian Sommelier Association of Treviso, finger foods prepared by Ca' del Poggio Ristorante & Resort, cheeses from Latteria Perenzin, games and workshops for children, color harmony, card reading, a test drive, lunch in the cellar, and the traditional raffle.

The harvested grapes will become Conegliano Valdobbiadene Solidale, available for pre-order starting Christmas, and part of the proceeds will go to Il Filo di Simo ODV, an association founded on May 5, 2021, to prevent psychological distress and offer a real second chance to those experiencing moments of vulnerability. In just a few years, the association has opened seven counseling centers in the province of Treviso, provided over 3,000 psychotherapy sessions, and supported hundreds of people, with a particular focus on young people and schools.

"Life takes you down two paths: one to consume you with pain, the other to react. We chose the latter," said Ivan Scremin, president of Il Filo di Simo. Dr. Giuseppe Scarabello, a member of the association's Technical Committee for Psychological Consulting, used the vineyard as a metaphor for the work Il Filo di Simo has carried out over the years: "Every grape ripens differently, and everything takes time. These events allow us not only to raise funds, but also to build relationships and teamwork. Our motto is: presence, listening, helping."

In the previous 14 editions, ®Vendemmia Solidale has raised almost 180 thousand euros to support research and people in difficulty. This year, Il Melograno donated 1,000 euros to Il Filo di Simo, with president Daniele Furlan personally presenting the check to Ivan Scremin and Nelli Donini of Il Filo di Simo. The National Animal Protection Agency of Treviso also contributed to the collection, with a donation of 500 euros.

Among the dignitaries present was Luca Zaia, president of the Veneto Regional Council, who recalled having participated in almost all 15 editions of the event. Zaia descended among the rows of vines, where he greeted and met the many people involved in the harvest and those working on the day's various activities. "I want to thank our Veneto producers: where there are winemakers, there are no abandoned lands. And this area is a concrete demonstration of this. A special thanks to the Balbinot family, among the first to organize a charity harvest."

Marco Donadel, President of the Province of Treviso, also emphasized the importance of the initiative: "This year, the proceeds from the day will benefit the Il Filo di Simo association, which does extraordinary work supporting our young people in times of difficulty. And the wine that will be produced from these vines will also be special, not only because it will be a Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, but because it will embody the commitment, participation, and generosity of all of you. That wine will carry with it a message of hope and solidarity."

Also in attendance were Paola Roma, Regional Councilor for Social Services, representing Governor Alberto Stefani, and Anna Maria Cisint, Member of the European Parliament. Roma conveyed greetings from the President of the Region, recalling the example of Sammy Basso and the value of research as an opportunity for growth for the entire community. "There can be no limits to one's abilities: in imperfection, there is growth, and diversity is a value for everyone," she emphasized. Cisint celebrated the 15-year milestone, expressing gratitude for the messages conveyed and for their support for the most vulnerable, making the community a true point of reference.

Also in attendance at the event were Cristiano Botteon, Mayor of San Pietro di Feletto; Gianangelo Bof, Member of Parliament; Sonia Brescacin, Regional Councilor; Olga Rilampa, Councilor for the Province of Treviso; Mohammed Hammouch, Agriculture Councilor for Pieve di Soligo; Paola Chies, Councilor for Conegliano; and Vincenzo Sacchet, Vice President of the Association for the Heritage of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

Among the day's highlights was Belluno Volley, represented by president Sandro Da Rold. The Rhinoceros club is linked to Le Manzane through a partnership that sees Ernesto Balbinot's winery as the club's Official Wine Partner. Da Rold personally participated in the ®Vendemmia Solidale (Solidarity Harvest), leaving his Taraflex for a day to try his hand at harvesting and helping with the cutting of the grapes. Belluno Volley provided some particularly significant items for the charity prize draw: a ball autographed by the first team players, several T-shirts, and caps.

"He who plants a vineyard does not do it for himself, but for the people who will come," Scarabello recalled. A phrase that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the ®Vendemmia Solidale.