Throughout September, Vino 100 Valencia will partner with AIDS Project Los Angeles to raise funds for the organization.

APLA serves Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita Valley. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by HIV disease, reducing the incidence of HIV infection and advocating for fair and effective HIV-related public policy.

Vino 100 Valencia will join Hope Wine to fight against AIDS in September. Hope Wine's award-winning California Merlot will benefit partner charity AIDS/Lifecycle. AIDS Project Los Angeles will also receive 10 percent of Vino 100 Valencia's sales of Hope Wine Merlot throughout the month.

"This is a great opportunity for Vino 100 to support local and national charities," said Lil Lepore, who along with Shari Frazier, owns Vino 100's Valencia location. "We're excited that when customers purchase Hope Wine, they are not only contributing to a national support organization, but they are also helping give back to the community by supporting a local cause."

Hope Wine, a unique charitable wine label, donates 50 percent of its profits to its partnered charities. Each varietal of Hope Wine's product line backs a different cause, with its label boldly showing the iconic support ribbon for the following: Merlot promotes AIDS awareness benefiting AIDS/Lifecycle; Cabernet Sauvignon supports autism awareness through ACT TODAY!; and Chardonnay supports the fight against breast cancer with its contributions to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

"We believe that giving back to the community is good for everyone," Frazier said. "Customers love when their wine purchases have the added bonus of helping those in need - it's a win-win for all involved."

Vino 100 is also offering to host charity nights for individuals and teams participating in the AIDS Walk Los Angeles on Oct. 19 and the Los Angeles AIDS Marathon on March 1, 2009.

Ten percent of all wine and wine-accessory sales during each scheduled event will be donated to the AIDS Walk in the name of the sponsoring individuals or teams.

Vino 100 Valencia, a unique specialty wine store, offers customers a comfortable, affordable and fun way to buy wines by offering over 100 different labels all affordably priced.

Vino 100 is located in the High Ridge Crossing Center at 28112 Newhall Ranch Road in Valencia, California. For more information, visit www.vino100valencia.com or to order by phone call (661) 294-6886.

Vino 100, a unique specialty wine store, is a locally owned and operated franchise offering boutique, hand-crafted wines from small, artisan vineyards, as well as a large selection of wine gifts and accessories.

Daily tastings, weekly specials and monthly events give customers the opportunity to taste and enjoy special wines from around the world at affordable prices.

Co-owners Lepore and Frazier opened the store in September 2006. Vino 100 Valencia received the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce nomination as Small Business of the Year in 2007; Lepore and Frazier were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal in 2008. Vino 100 Valencia was voted 2007 Best Wine Selection by SCV Living Magazine, 2008 Best Wine Selection by both the Daily News Readers Choice Awards and Best of SCV Signal newspaper.

It was also voted Best Wine Education and Best Specialty Store in 2008 by the Signal.