Korbel Joins Sports and Entertainment Icons to Benefit Charity with Signature Events
June 27, 2019 – Korbel California Champagne® will once again sponsor and host signature events at this year’s American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, July 9-14 in Lake Tahoe. Thousands of fans will join together with sports and entertainment stars to raise a glass with Korbel’s highly-anticipated, annual events benefiting charity. Signature activities include the fan-favorite Celebrity Spray-Off and the annual Closest-to-the-Pin contest, with $250,000 riding on the winning title. Players and spectators will toast festivities with Korbel’s signature sparkling cocktails served onsite, while soaking in the backdrop of picturesque Lake Tahoe.
“It is exciting to witness the growth and popularity of Korbel’s events in partnership with the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship over the years,” said Gary Heck, Korbel owner and president. “But it is truly humbling to remember that the purpose behind the fun and festivities always remains the same – joining together for a good cause.”
Through the Korbel Toast Life® Foundation, Korbel has benefited numerous organizations and charities over the years. Tournament spectators and celebrities will have various opportunities to support and participate in the excitement, including:
Celebrity Spray-Off: As sports and entertainment superstars make their way to the 18th tee, Korbel will challenge players to show off their best champagne-popping skills as part of the annual Celebrity Spray-Off, taking place on Thursday, July 11. Participants will have an opportunity to win $5,000 for a charity of their choice, courtesy of the Korbel Toast Life® Foundation. Korbel will judge participants on champagne-spray skill as well as cork distance. Last year, the Celebrity Spray-Off attracted nearly 40 contestants all vying for the winning title, including champion Golden State Warriors NBA MVP Stephen Curry and runner up, Former NFL Pro Bowl Linebacker Brian Urlacher.
Celebrity Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge: $250,000 is on the line during this annual contest that brings together 15 of the tournament’s most popular personalities to compete in the Korbel Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge. If a contestant makes a hole-in-one, the $250,000 grand prize will be split with $125,000 going home with the celebrity and $125,000 donated to this year’s Tahoe-based charity – Tahoe Prosperity Center. If a player gets within two-feet of the hole, a $25,000 prize will be split between the winning celebrity and the charity. If no player makes a hole-in-one, contestants will be ranked based on distance to the pin, with the shortest distance earning $5,000 for charity. The contest takes place Friday, July 12 on hole 17 after the first round of play.
NEW Signature Sparkler: Korbel is introducing a new sparkling cocktail for fans 21 and over to toast the tournament onsite – “The Korbel Blood Orange Mimosa.” The drink combines the flavor of blood orange and classic Korbel Brut for a crisp twist on the classic mimosa.
Celebrating Responsibly: In partnership with TEAM Coalition, Korbel is once again inviting tournament fans to sign a responsibility pledge that outlines the ways to celebrate responsibly. Everyone who attends the event plays an important role by drinking responsibly, behaving respectfully, and always having a designated driver. Throughout the weekend during tournament play, fans can sign a large inflatable golf bag near the 18th tee to show their support.
About the American Century Golf Championship:
The 30th annual American Century Championship, a made-for-TV event owned and broadcast by NBC Sports, NBCSN and Golf Channel, is the premier celebrity golf tournament, which also raises funds for local and national charities. The competition features a purse of $600,000. The tournament is a 54-hole modified Stableford format that features some of sports’ and entertainment’s greatest celebrities.
This tournament is often referred to as the Super Bowl of celebrity golf with more than 90 sports and entertainment luminaires. Celebrities scheduled to appear are Charles Barkley, Stephen Curry, Tony Romo, Alfonso Ribeiro, Jerry Rice, Rob Riggle, Miles Teller and Larry the Cable Guy, among many others.
About Korbel:
Established in 1882 in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States’ most popular méthode champenoise champagne. But, the true measure of Korbel’s success during its 137 years can be seen in the impact it’s had on American consumers and its presence at various celebrations throughout the years. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel currently makes eleven California champagnes and a limited amount of still wine. In a separate facility, Korbel also produces one of the country’s most respected brandies.
Korbel Blood Orange Mimosa
1.5 oz. Blood Orange Puree
3 oz. Korbel Brut
Pour blood orange puree into a glass. Top with Korbel
