Like many jobs in the professional world, a lot of what you know how to do is not culled from textbooks, but rather on-the-job training. The same can be said for the wine industry.

When Erica Cyr began working at Jonathan Edwards Winery nearly 10 years ago, she started as a manager in the tasting room. Now as director of marketing and events, this emerging industry has challenged her to find new ways to highlight the winery’s attributes, but more importantly, promote its philanthropic interests.

The North Stonington winery hosts Summer Nights Music, concerts which bring in area bands to perform while guests enjoy wine and a picnic dinner. The concerts, says Cyr, is a great way for families to spend an evening, while at the same time contribute to local non-profit organizations.

“About three years ago, we branded it as ‘JE Cares’ and became much more formalized with the concerts,” she explains. “So much manpower goes in to creating it. The nonprofits select and pay for the bands and we do the staffing. We provide glasses, tents and bathrooms and we absorb the cost of the stage set-up, and they just have to get the word out.

“It benefits us (too) because our wine sales are increasing, but 100 percent of the profits goes back to these non-profit organizations.”

Groups interested in hosting a concert must submit an application to the winery for approval. Along with considering the type of music and what initiatives the money will support, the JE Cares committee also focuses on the turnout for each concert. That level of success, explains the marketing director, translates to how much money is ultimately donated to each group. That’s where the connections of the organization come in.

“The people who have the strongest grassroots efforts are able to get the word out, through newsletters, social media or if they’re a local chapter of a larger organization. That weighs in our decision, the folks that are willing to shout from the rooftops to let people know this is happening,” Cyr explains. “That’s what makes it a win-win for all of us.”

The committee looks for a diverse selection of non-profits to support, from education to cancer prevention groups. The concerts, which are $12 for adults and free for children, are held rain or shine.

“This is a great way to do well by doing well. There is so much need out there and so many requests that come through. I have a non-profit background, so I know how it feels to be on the other side of the fence,” she says. “We have great community collaborators and the concerts are a way for us to give back.”

The JE Cares program receives anywhere from five to 10 requests a day for donations, however, there are limits on what can be done with wine donations. The program, says Cyr, is a way “for us not to always have to say no. We encourage people to apply for one of the nights.” The winery hosts five summer concerts – three in July and two in August. In recent years, Wheeler Library in North Stonington, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Chikumbuso, a grassroots project in Zambia, have benefited from the winery’s annual fundraisers.

The annual Culinary Showdown, held at the end of May, is another event that attracts visitors from the region and also benefits area organizations. Chefs from 10 restaurants – five from Connecticut and five from Rhode Island – are invited to prepare a dish using ingredients from local farms. For a flat fee, guests can sample each of the 10 dishes in addition to wine from Jonathan Edwards.

“Guests can cast their vote for the best restaurant and the best state overall, and there’s also a chef vote. It’s been a pretty even split of winners every year,” says Cyr.

A portion of the proceeds are donated to Connecticut Homeland Trust, Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Chefs Collaborative and several other organizations that support local farming and food distribution.

Cyr says there were only nine wineries in Connecticut when she began working at Jonathan Edwards in 2006, but that number now exceeds 30. Due to that number, the winery is constantly looking for ways to attract the interest of the public while maintaining its commitment to the community.

“We do what we can,” she says.

Jonathan Edwards Winery is located at 74 Chester Main Road, North Stonington, CT. For more information, visit jedwardswinery.com or call 860-535-0202. Photos courtesy of Jonathan Edwards except where noted.