Vegan Wines: An Avenue for Vegan Conversation

John Salley is a legend of basketball, 3 teams, 4 championship titles - but did you know he is also the champion of the animals.  A voice for making a more compassionate world.  He is able to take a major advocacy role through his vegan wines, Vegan Vine.  He believes in sitting down to a glass of wine and just talking can help our thoughts evolve.  We have had the honor to meet John at an event for the animals.  He is kind, down-to-earth and a collaborator.  We met again at Sanctuary Bistro where he made peoples day by talking, sharing wine and sharing in laughter.  He shared a moment and some of his beliefs with me and I wanted to share that moment with you.What inspired you to be Vegan? I was doing a PSA about being vegetarian. The food that was presented was all vegan food. I talked to the chef at Madeline Bistro who had created the food. She told me that vegetarians ate flesh.I responded that all I eat are eggs, cheese and dairy and learned that day that those were also flesh from an animal. When I learned Madeline Bistro was a mile away from home, my life changed. I became more conscientions about what I saw and what I was doing for the animals.How did you become involved with Vegan Vine?At first they needed a face and I watched for the first year paying attention to how the wine was moving and the the way it was presented. I soon realized that the wine was an avenue for conversation and that I wanted to be more involved. People began to ask questions about veganism and wine being vegan.How can people support your mission?It is not my mission. It is a mission, our mission.I just hope people will be more aware.I am often asked if I became vegan for my health or for the animals and I respond that I became vegan for the health of the animals. When asked by folks if I wear leather, I explain that I don't buy anything new with leather.What is next for you?I am working on something big now - so stay focused and watch. I am making a move I hope will make change in the world and help to change the way people see it. I will be working with someone who is well known and also unhealthy by helping them to adjust their lifestyle through a vegan diet in a very public way!We are intriqued, John Salley.... Make sure to let us know what this is.How to you spread compassion throughout the community?I sit down with people and a glass of Vegan Vine, Cab, Chardonnay, Sauvingnon Blanc and it usually leads to warm intelligent conversations. It starts conversations about what people can do differently. People ask why their foods aren't labeled, about GMO's, how wines are not vegan and more....Any last words?if you are ever in the Los Angeles area... a must visit location is The Springs at 608 Mateo. It was started by some Folks from New York. on Broadway and is the most unbelievable place. It is a social community space with great food, "cheese", Vegan Vine by the kegs, and massage.The Springs is a candlelight in the darkness.Follow John Salley on: Facebook,  Twitter