(WineSpectator) - Patrick Dempsey is best-known as McDreamy, né Derek Shepherd, from the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. His many film credits range from romantic comedies (Maid of Honor, Sweet Home Alabama) to science-fiction flicks (Transformers: Dark of the Moon). And the Golden Globe nominee’s passions outside of film are no less diverse: He’s raced sports cars professionally for a decade (in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24), has founded a cancer treatment center and has a serious passion for wine.

Helping his mother, Amanda, through multiple bouts of ovarian cancer inspired Dempsey, 48, to found the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in his hometown of Lewiston, Maine, in 2008, which provides support and wellness services to patients, survivors and caregivers. He also launched the Dempsey Challenge, a run, walk and cycle fund-raiser for cancer research. Amanda passed away this past March.

Lately, Dempsey has found ways to combine his passions for racing and fighting cancer with wine. Earlier this year, he competed in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in a car sponsored by Martini. On Oct. 18, with Napa’s ZD Wines, Dempsey will host the Crush Challenge: a 35-mile bike ride, wine tasting, lunch and dinner. The event benefits Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer, the deLeuze Family Endowment for the Non-Toxic Cure for Lymphoma and Dempsey’s own treatment center.

Wine Spectator: How did you get interested in wine?

Patrick Dempsey: We never really had wine on the table when I was growing up. It wasn’t until my first trip to Europe that I finally understood how important wine was to meals. The rituals around wine are an important part of communication, and connecting. I finally understood that a glass of wine was transformative—it reflects where you are and what region you’re in.