Renowned Wine Country Event Continues to Raise Critical Funds for the Alzheimer’s Association® for Fifth Consecutive Year
YOUNTVILLE, Calif. (May 7, 2024) – Kerrin Laz, founder of Inspire Napa Valley and proprietor of the K. LAZ WINE COLLECTION announced that the fifth annual Spring Wine Weekend event, presented by Rolex Watch USA, so far has raised more than $1.2 million to support the Alzheimer’s Association with the online auction closing Monday, May 13th, already surpassing last year’s total raise. 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 2017, Inspire Napa Valley – a world-class series of fundraising events – has raised over $7 million to benefit the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“The incredible generosity of my family, friends, and fellow winemakers is a testament to our shared commitment to one day live in a world without Alzheimer’s disease,” said Inspire Napa Valley founder Kerrin Laz. “Because of their kindness, we are helping move the needle – in memory of my mother and millions of others – in Alzheimer’s and dementia research while supporting people and their families who are struggling with the disease.”
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 Friday, May 3 at Mending Wall Winery in St. Helena. It was co-hosted by Abreu Vineyards, Almacerro, Lokoya, Mending Wall Winery, Outpost Wines, OVID Napa Valley, and Pulido~Walker. Guests tasted the best of what St. Helena has to offer with a family-style dinner led by Brad Grimes of Abreu Vineyards, Antonio Galloni of Vinous and wine industry stars including Francoise Peschon, Helen Keplinger, DJ Warner, Matilda Scott, Remi Cohen, Mary Maher, Lisa Drinkward, Sean Knight, Cris Cherry, Jason Smith, and JP Abernathy. Local purveyors Mustards Grill and Flannery Beef once again generously donated fare 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 and Medical Affairs Lead, Dr. Maria Carrillo, a group of distinguished panelists, led by Ray Isle of Food & Wine, discussed a hand-picked lineup of wines that each panelist chose as a wine that has inspired them. Panelists included Antonio Galloni of Vinous, Carissa Mondavi, Michael Silacci, Jason Lede, and Jason Smith MS.
The weekend continued Saturday afternoon with the main event at Beaulieu Garden with a walk-around wine tasting featuring over 40 of the most exclusive wineries in California with culinary stations prepared by top Napa chefs. 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 with the disease. Additionally, more than 11 million people serve as Alzheimer’s caregivers, including more than 1.3 million Californians providing unpaid care to a loved one with the as-yet incurable disease.
About Inspire Napa Valley
Founded in 2017 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.
