Popular Wine Country Event Raises Critical Funds for Cutting-edge Research and Support Services for Families Facing Alzheimer’s Disease
YOUNTVILLE, Calif. (May 9, 2023) – Kerrin Laz, founder of Inspire Napa Valley and proprietor of the K. LAZ WINE COLLECTION announced that the fourth annual Spring Wine Weekend event, presented by Rolex Watch USA, so far has raised more than $1 million to support the Alzheimer’s Association with the online auction closing this Friday, May 12th. The three-day wine country event brings together wine enthusiasts and industry leaders to raise funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s and dementia research and enhance care and support services for families impacted by the disease. Since 2018, Inspire Napa Valley – a world-class series of fundraising events – has raised over $5.5 million to benefit the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“Each year, I am beyond grateful for the wineries, volunteers, and guests from the Napa Valley community who support this event because their contributions continue to help strengthen the important work of the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Inspire Napa Valley founder Kerrin Laz. “In honor of my mother and the millions of families facing Alzheimer’s, I am more committed than ever to a world without this devastating disease and I look forward to many more great Inspire Napa Valley events to achieve that goal.”
This year’s Inspire Napa Valley Spring Wine Weekend once again offered a unique opportunity to experience exclusive wine tastings and experiences from prestigious wineries in Napa Valley. The weekend kicked off with a VIP Welcome Dinner on Pritchard Hill in Chappellet’s Meadow overlooking Lake Hennessey in St. Helena. It was co-hosted by Bryant Estate, BRAND Napa Valley, Chappellet, and Continuum Estate. Guests tasted the best of what Pritchard Hill has to offer with a family-style dinner led by Brad Grimes of Abreu Vineyards, Antonio Galloni of Vinous, and wine industry stars Francoise Peschon, Helen Keplinger, Mary Maher, and Remi Cohen. Bryan and Katie Flannery of famed Flannery Beef once again generously donated their California Reserve Dry Aged New York Steaks, with wild Alaskan halibut donated by Sean Knight of Mustards Grill alongside farm fresh side dishes.
Saturday morning commenced with a VIP Alzheimer’s Research Update & Wine Seminar at Round Pond Estate. Following the Alzheimer’s research update by Alzheimer’s Association Chief Science Officer, Dr. Maria Carrillo, a group of distinguished panelists, led by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, discussed a hand-picked lineup of wines that each panelist chose as a wine that has inspired them. Panelists included the winemaker chefs from Friday- Mary Maher, Helen Keplinger, Francoise Peschon, and Brad Grimes with the addition of Jason Smith MS.
The weekend continued Saturday afternoon with the main event at Round Pond Estate with a walk-around wine tasting featuring 32 of the most exclusive wineries in California with culinary stations prepared by Componere, led by The French Laundry alumni, Ethan Mantle. The full list of wineries can be found here. The evening ended with a live auction and paddle raise.
As tradition, the event concluded on Sunday with a VIP Farewell Brunch at Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc + Addendum, featuring its famous fried chicken and waffles, Bouchon Bakery pastries, seasonal fare alongside a bloody mary and mimosa bar. For information on future events, visit inspirenapavalley.org.
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and in California alone, there are more than 690,000 people aged 65 and older living with the disease. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends serve as Alzheimer’s caregivers, including more than 1.1 million Californians providing unpaid care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
About Inspire Napa Valley
Founded in 2018 by Kerrin Laz, Inspire Napa Valley (INV) is committed to inspiring change in the Napa Valley by bringing wine enthusiasts and industry leaders together to advance research to end Alzheimer’s and dementia and enhance care for those living with the disease. INV raises critical funds to help families in Northern California struggling with Alzheimer’s care, and it will help fund cutting-edge research nationwide. For more information, visit inspirenapavalley.org.
About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
