March 25, 2024, Napa, CA — The 3rd annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean weekend, held March 21-24 in Sonoma County’s renowned wine country, raised over $3.4 million. The funds raised will support multiple research teams in driving forward groundbreaking cancer research for an additional 3-4 years of funding per project. Proudly presented by Weather Wines, Sonoma Epicurean is a signature event series that featured three days of curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans and world-class vintners, with a focus on lifestyle, wellness and sustainability.
The V Foundation’s wine country events have raised nearly $170 million for cancer research over the last 25 years. Since the V Foundation’s inception in 1993, the organization has awarded over $353 million in cancer research grants to world-class scientists at top cancer centers nationwide.
The event kicked off on Thursday, March 21st, with the Vintner Showcase Reception at Montage Healdsburg, followed by the Epicurean Winery Dinners, private dining experiences featuring Northern California’s finest chefs, including Charlie Palmer, Dustin Valette, David Frakes and Jason Pringle. Each chef created a menu perfectly paired with wines from top Sonoma County vintners, including Arista Winery, Benovia Winery, Kistler Winery, and Lynmar Estate. Thursday’s festivities concluded with the Epic After Party at Roof 106 at The Matheson on the Healdsburg Square.
Friday’s events featured the Artisan Series, where guests enjoyed a variety of fully immersive experiences including an outdoor adventure with “Survivor” winner Ethan Zohn, a day of yoga and wellness activities hosted at Bricoleur Vineyards, and multiple other unique experiences to select from. The day concluded with the Epic Party at Bacchus Landing in historic Healdsburg, where many of the world’s most notable vintners poured their wines alongside gourmet delights from award-winning chefs. Guests had the opportunity to bid at the exclusive barrel auction featuring WALT Wines, Ridge Vineyards, Lasseter Family Winery and Ramey Wine Cellars.
Saturday’s events included the Wellness Breakfast and EpiCUREean Symposium, where attendees engaged with V Foundation-funded scientists on the frontlines of cutting-edge colorectal cancer research. The V Foundation has awarded over $8.9 million in research grants focused on colorectal cancers, the leading cause of cancer death for men and second leading for women under age 50. Colorectal cancer research was the Fund-A-Need focus for the weekend, and funds raised will provide critical funding to improve treatment options and save lives.
The celebration culminated with the Epic Feast & Gala Auction at Montage Healdsburg, co-hosted by Shae Cornette, ESPN SportsCenter host, and Devon Still, former NFL standout defensive end and 2015 recipient of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
Auctioneer and Emmy award-winning radio and TV personality Liam Mayclem presided over more than 20 incredible lots, including the evening’s top lot, a not-to-be-missed dinner party for 18 at The Matheson in Healdsburg, hosted by Chef/Owner Dustin Valette, Golden Globe award-winning actor Teri Hatcher and Emmy award-winning food & wine personality Leslie Sbrocco that went for $420,000. Chef Valette will craft an incredible menu that reflects the micro-season offerings from Sonoma County, perfectly paired with amazing wines hand selected by renowned sommelier Debbie Zachareas and many of the region’s top wine experts.
The Gala was filled with many touching personal stories, with a special tribute to Leslie Sbrocco, the 2024 Honoree. Leslie is a 4-time Emmy and James Beard Award-winning television personality, acclaimed author, wine, food and travel authority, and a colorectal cancer survivor. Her passion and close ties to both the local community and this important cause energized the crowd as the final gavel came down at $3.4 million and the celebration ensued.
“Joining the V Foundation for this remarkable event has been a special way to share my own story as a colorectal cancer thriver and to support an organization that is changing the future of cancer research,” said Leslie Sbrocco, award-winning television host and 2024 V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean Honoree. “Each day brought a new opportunity to connect with others who are equally passionate about this cause, all in a spectacular region of Wine Country. Sonoma Epicurean is truly the best of the best in every aspect: food, wine, and philanthropy.”
“It’s incredible to have so many strong advocates for groundbreaking cancer research come together for an event like Sonoma Epicurean,” said Susanna Greer, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at the V Foundation. “It serves as a valuable reminder of how far every dollar goes when it’s granted to the best researchers in the nation. The V Foundation invests in scientists who are willing to explore the most challenging and complex questions in cancer research, and that’s when lifesaving breakthroughs happen.”
The 4th annual V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean weekend will take place March 20-23, 2025. For more information, please 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.
