Sonoma Epicurean Weekend to Focus on Colorectal Cancer Research
NAPA, CA, MARCH 7, 2024 – The V Foundation for Cancer Research will showcase ultimate wine and lifestyle experiences at the 3rd Annual Sonoma Epicurean Gala & Auction, on Saturday, March 23, in Sonoma County’s wine country. Hosted by the Montage Healdsburg, the evening will feature wines from Rochioli Winery, Bob Cabral Wines, EnRoute Winery, Stonestreet Winery and Limerick Lane, paired with an epic feast from Montage Executive Chef, Jason Pringle. Sonoma Epicurean, named the “Best Fundraiser Weekend” by San Francisco Magazine’s “Best of the Bay,” is a signature series of events featuring curated and hands-on experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners, focusing on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability.
The V Foundation will dedicate money raised at the fund-a-need portion of the Gala Auction to support the research of colorectal cancer. From 1970 to 2021, colorectal cancer mortality rates have dropped by 56% however, it remains the leading cause of cancer death for men and second for women under the age of 50. To date, the Foundation has given 39 grants totaling over $8.9 million in colon and rectum cancer research.
Proudly presented by Weather Wines, registration for the entire weekend, including the Gala & Auction, is available at www.sonomaepicurean.org.
“It’s a privilege to create great wines and do what I love; and an honor for Weather Wines to give back as Presenting Sponsor of Sonoma Epicurean in the fight for victory over cancer with V Foundation.” said John Anthony Truchard, Founder and CEO John Anthony Family of Wines and Vintner of Weather Wines. “Sonoma Epicurean has fast become a meaningful philanthropic platform for the Sonoma wine community where we source Weather’s Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. We are thrilled to support our Sonoma neighbors and growers in this mission.”
The Gala Auction includes over 20 wine-themed, luxury experiential lots, including:
F1 Grand Prix VIP with Mascarin Wines – Two guests will experience the new Mascarin Wine brand launch in Sonoma and then enjoy the racing world’s premier experience at one of the great modern racetracks at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The lot includes two VIP tickets to F1 Austin, October 18-20, featuring two spots at a V Foundation Wine Event on October 17, five nights at The Otis Hotel Autograph Collection in Austin. Back in Sonoma, enjoy two VIP invitations to the Mascarin Launch private tasting room preview and Estate wine dinner, two nights at the Vineyard Suite at 32 Winds, an introductory 1-year allocation of 32 Winds and Mascarin Wines and a 1.5L 32 Winds, signed by Mia Mascarin and Matt Taylor.
Telluride Film Festival with Hamel Family Wines – Four guests will enjoy Patron Passes to the 51st Telluride Film Festival, a celebration of movies and culture, including exclusive access to the Patron’s Picnic with directors, actors, private screenings, VIP receptions and exclusive dinners. Includes four nights in a private Colorado home in the picturesque Telluride Village and roundtrip airfare for four with transportation to and from the airport. The fun continues back in Sonoma for a luxury wine experience weekend and a Hamel Family Movie Night, including two nights at the Hamel Family Wines’ private ranch house. While there, enjoy a private tour and tasting at Hamel Family Wines where Pam & George Hamel, Jr. will host a champagne reception in their private cellar, followed by a screening in their private Ken Fulk-designed theater, followed by dinner in the Hamel Estate House Library, prepared by Executive Chef Thomas Mandel. Take home two limited- production Hamel magnums to relive this epic adventure.
NASCAR with Jeff Gordon and Keller Estate – Buckle up for heart-pounding action of NASCAR with a one-of-a-kind experience during the NASCAR weekend at Sonoma Raceway, one of the most challenging road courses in the series. This VIP experience for four provides access to the inner workings of the Cup Series including a private, escorted tour by Jeff Gordon. During the race weekend, join Ana Keller, Estate Director of Keller Estate, and Jeff Gordon for a special wine dinner at Keller Estate including a tour Arturo Keller’s magnificent private American car collection, with Ana and Jeff. Includes two rooms for four nights at a four-star Sonoma County hotel.
Robb Report Culinary Masters & Exclusive Resorts – Four guests will enjoy the 8th Annual Robb Report Culinary Masters and gather with fellow RR1 Members and flavor-seekers from across the world to savor extraordinary wine-paired meals, learn from their Culinary Masters and Robb Report editors, and soak in the cliffside paradise that is the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach. Enjoy a four-night stay in one of Exclusive Resorts’ three-bedroom residences to take advantage of ocean views, coastal décor, and outdoor terraces. Guests will enjoy access to a dedicated on-site concierge to manage every detail. Escape to a sanctuary with luxurious accommodations, five-star amenities, and unparalleled, personalized service.
ESPYS Week: A Red Carpet VIP Experience – Four guests will join the V Foundation for ESPYS Week, July 8-12th, 2024. Th fun begins with the Celebrity Pairings & Poker Tournament at the luxurious Westlake Village Inn, including lodging for four for two nights. The next day, two lucky golfers will play in the ESPYS Celebrity Golf Classic at the ultra-exclusive Sherwood Country Club followed by a 19th Hole Awards Reception, while the other two enjoy spa treatments at the Westlake Village Inn. Enjoy this VIP experience as guests of the V Foundation and walk the ESPYS red carpet prior to attending the ESPY Awards and the prestigious ESPYS afterparty. Return to Sonoma County for two nights at The Dalya Estate for four couples and attend an intimate dinner at Aperture Estate. Each course will be paired with a range of the most limited and highly sought-after wines from the Aperture collection, including the record-setting 100-point Devil Proof Malbec. Each couple will commemorate their time with Jesse Katz by taking home a magnum of exceptional Aperture Cellars wine.
The V Foundation’s wine country events have raised over $165 million for cancer research over the last 25 years. The V Foundation for Cancer Research has funded over $353 million in cancer research grants nationwide.
For more information on the 2024 V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean, and to register to attend all the weekend activities and events, visit sonomaepicurean.v.org.
About Sonoma Epicurean
Sonoma Epicurean is a signature series of events featuring curated and hands-on experiences with Michelin-star and award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners with a focus on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability. Proceeds from the event will fund cancer research and related programs to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit sonomaepicurean.v.org.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded over $353 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
