(August 26, 2024; Healdsburg, CA) – Project Zin, an annual food and wine event fueled by passion and a commitment to inclusivity, raised over $400,000 to benefit the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA) at its 14th annual celebration on August 17, 2024. Held at the picturesque Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor, CA, the event united wine enthusiasts, renowned chefs, and a community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Project Zin’s origin in 2010 was sparked by a family’s personal journey. When Clay and Carrie Mauritson’s son Brady was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, they envisioned an event that could make a difference. Teaming up with renowned chef Charlie Palmer, they created a gathering that would evolve from a modest $25,000 fundraiser into a pivotal Sonoma County tradition, championing inclusivity and support for individuals with disabilities.
This year’s success brings the total funds raised since the event’s inception to over $2.5 million, reinforcing Project Zin’s position as a cornerstone event in Sonoma County’s philanthropic calendar. The funds raised will support DSCBA’s mission of providing support, education, and resources to empower individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, and the community. This translates to vital programs, services, and advocacy efforts that make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals.
“What started 14 years ago as an intimate gathering has grown into something truly remarkable,” said Clay Mauritson, founder of Mauritson Wines and co-host of Project Zin. “The way our community of chefs, vintners, and wine lovers unite year after year to support this cause is incredibly humbling. It truly speaks to the power of inclusivity and shared purpose.”
“Seeing everyone come together to celebrate and support people like me, means the world and fills me with joy,” adds Brady Mauritson, Clay and Carrie’s son and the inspiration behind Project Zin. “This event proves that anything is possible!”
Showcasing the power of community, the sold-out crowd enjoyed world-class Zinfandels from 21 top producers, cuisine from renowned chefs, and a lively auction, culminating in a feeling of shared purpose and celebration. The day began with an exclusive “Behind the Scenes” afternoon event at Rockpile Ridge Vineyard for VIP ticket package holders, featuring a picnic lunch and vertical tasting of rare Mauritson Zinfandels. The main event followed, offering attendees a chance to sample exceptional wines, enjoy live music, and participate in live and silent auctions.
Chef Charlie Palmer, who co-founded the event with Mauritson, expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s growth. “The caliber of food and wine at Project Zin is truly exceptional, and continues to improve each year,” Palmer remarked. “But what’s even more impressive is how this event has evolved into a true celebration of community and inclusivity, showcasing the incredible talent of our chefs and winemakers while supporting a cause so close to our hearts.”
The live auction, hosted by the Golden State Warriors’ “hype man” Franco Finn, was a highlight of the evening, raising over $250,000. Auction lots included exclusive travel experiences, such as an escape to Les Bourdeillettes in the Dordogne region of France, which sold for $26,000, a private jet trip to Aspen for a Ski Getaway in the Rocky Mountains, which sold for $17,000, and a wine, culinary and ski weekend in Park City, Utah centered around the 2025 Red, White & Snow experience, which sold for $16,000 and an exceptional Ultimate Wine & Bourbon Lovers Trip to Louisville featuring an intimate dinner at the home of Julian Van Winkle, owner of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, which sold to two couples for $16,000 each. Several lots also featured wine collections, including the ultimate Lodi getaway plus Project Zin’s 21 winery bottle collection, which sold for $8,500 and featured rare and large format bottles from Project Zin’s participating wineries. Culinary highlights included “Ari Rosen & Scopa Return,” where 52 guests bid $500 each to experience a Scopa-inspired menu at Parish Cafe created by Chef Ari Rosen and his team, paired with Mauritson Family Wines. In a special moment, after a lot featuring a rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 Year sold for $18,000, Julian Van Winkle himself came to the stage with an additional bottle of rare whiskey from his cellar, allowing 16 attendees to bid an impressive $2,000 each for the opportunity to enjoy a shot of the rare whiskey. The auction concluded with an additional paddle raise opportunity, which generated an impressive $90,000 in donations for DSCBA.
In addition to the live auction, the silent auction was also an astounding success, closing out at over $75,000. Bids were cast in person at the event, as well as online for an array of experiences and rare wines, offering a glimpse into the luxurious world of Sonoma County and beyond.
The 21 participating wineries included A. Rafanelli Winery, Aperture Cellars, BACA Wines, Bedrock Wine Co., Bella Winery, Bricoleur Vineyards, Carlisle Winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, Flambeaux Wine, Gamba Vineyards and Winery, Kokomo Winery, Limerick Lane Cellars, Martinelli Winery, Mauritson Wines, Pedroncelli Winery, Portalupi Wine, Ridge Vineyards, Robert Biale Vineyards, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Turley Wine Cellars, and Zialena Winery. The number 21 is significant as it represents the extra chromosome present in individuals with Down syndrome.
The culinary lineup was equally impressive, featuring dishes from renowned local restaurants such as Acorn Café, Wine & Roses, managed by Appellation Hotels, Arandas, Catelli’s, Downtown Bakery and Creamery, Dry Creek Kitchen, John Ash & Co., Little Saint Healdsburg, Maison Porcella, Molti Amici, Monti’s, Nothing Bundt Cake, Quail & Condor, SingleThread, Soco Cheese Boards, Spoonbar, Sweet T’s Restaurant + Bar, Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, The Parish Cafe, Troubadour, Valette, The Matheson, and Volo Chocolate.
Project Zin will return for its 15th year in 2025. To receive the most up-to-date information, including important sale date details, please join the email list at https://projectzin.org/mailing-list/.
About Mauritson Wines
The Mauritson family has been growing grapes in the Dry Creek Valley since 1868, and their exceptional winemaking tradition is currently led by Clay Mauritson, who founded Mauritson Wines in 1998. By harnessing the power of six generations of winegrowing wisdom, longstanding grower relationships, and an intimate understanding of the land, Mauritson Wines has established itself as one of Sonoma County’s benchmark producers of small-lot, appellation-specific wines. Learn more at www.mauritsonwines.com
About Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area
The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area is a nonprofit organization providing support, education, and resources to empower individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community that serves them. Its life changing programs and services promote independence, self-advocacy and inclusion, helping individuals with Down syndrome lead fulfilling lives and reach their fullest potential. Learn more at www.dscba.org