Acclaimed Napa Valley Wine Weekend Continues to Drive Funding for Alzheimer’s Research and Care Services
YOUNTVILLE, Calif. (April 30, 2025) – Kerrin Laz, founder of Inspire Napa Valley and proprietor of K. LAZ WINE COLLECTION, announced today that the sixth annual Spring Wine Weekend raised more than $1.1 million to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. The online auction is open until Friday, May 2. The three-day event brought together top vintners, collectors, and philanthropists to support groundbreaking research and vital care and support services for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. With this year’s success, Inspire Napa Valley – a world-class series of fundraising events – has now raised over $8.75 million since its inception in 2018.
“Once again I’m reminded how powerful our community is when we come together for an important cause,” said Inspire Napa Valley founder Kerrin Laz. “In honor of my mother and the millions of others impacted by this disease, we are continuing to fuel breakthrough Alzheimer’s research, advance care and support services, and keep this vital conversation going. With every shared bottle and every generous bid, we’re moving forward the Alzheimer’s Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”
This year’s Spring Wine Weekend offered unparalleled access to world-class wines and culinary experiences. The festivities opened Friday, April 25 with an intimate VIP Rutherford Neighborhood Block Party at the historic Inglenook Estate, co-hosted by iconic wineries including Scarecrow, Morisoli Vineyard, Bella Oaks, Staglin Family Vineyard, and Inglenook. Guests enjoyed exclusive pours and a quintessential Napa Valley dinner alongside acclaimed vintners and winemakers.
Saturday began with a VIP Alzheimer’s Research Update and Wine Seminar at Beringer Vineyards, featuring a research presentation from Dr. Maria Carrillo, Chief Science Officer and Medical Affairs Lead at the Alzheimer’s Association. The panel, moderated by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, featured Ray Isle of Food & Wine, viticulturist Domenick Bianco, winemaker Nigel Kinsman, winemaker Dan Petroski, Vintner Shannon Staglin, and winemaker Megan Twitchell, and included a deep-dive discussion of the Rutherford AVA and its celebrated wines.
The main event Saturday evening took place at Louis M. Martini Winery, where guests participated in a walk-around wine tasting with over 40 top California wineries, followed by a dinner and live auction. Exclusive lots and experiences drew enthusiastic bidding and generous paddle raises, all in support of Alzheimer’s care and research.
The weekend concluded Sunday with a Farewell Brunch at Ad Hoc + Addendum Garden in Yountville. Attendees indulged in Chef Thomas Keller’s famed fried chicken and waffles, pastries from Bouchon Bakery, and a festive mimosa and bloody mary bar.
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. In California, over 719,700 individuals aged 65 and older are affected. The need for research, early detection, and caregiver support continues to grow – and events like Inspire Napa Valley are critical to advancing progress.
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.
