Sonoma County’s Premier Charity Wine Event Returns August 16, 2025 at Bricoleur
July 16, 2025 (Healdsburg, CA) — Project Zin 2025, one of Sonoma County’s most heartfelt charity wine events, returns for its 15th anniversary on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor, CA. Founded by Mauritson Wines proprietors Clay and Carrie Mauritson, along with James Beard Award-winning Chef Charlie Palmer, Project Zin galvanizes a deeply passionate community of acclaimed wineries, celebrated chefs and extraordinary auction lots to support the Down Syndrome community. What began as a modest $25,000 fundraiser in 2010 has today evolved into one of Northern California’s most beloved charitable traditions. Showcasing 21 Zinfandel producers—symbolizing Trisomy 21, the medical term for Down Syndrome—alongside multiple Michelin-starred chefs and an exclusive auction lineup, the celebration raised nearly $400,000 in 2024 alone and over $3 million since inception to support Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA). Tickets and VIP packages are available at www.projectzin.org.
A deeply personal cause, Project Zin celebrates the Mauritson’s journey with their son Brady, the heart of Project Zin’s mission following his Down Syndrome diagnosis at the young age of 2 ½. The Mauritson family, who had been growing grapes in Dry Creek Valley since 1868, chose to transform their initial challenge into community action. “Brady has taught us that our differences are our greatest strengths, and that community support can move mountains,” said Clay Mauritson, whose family’s 350-acre vineyard operation represents six generations of winemaking heritage. “Seeing how our Sonoma County community has rallied around Brady and families like ours has been incredibly humbling.”
Close friend and renowned James Beard award-winning Chef Charlie Palmer has been Mauritson’s partner since the event’s inception. Chef Palmer, whose restaurants have earned over 20 Michelin stars throughout his career, brings his culinary expertise through his Dry Creek Kitchen at Hotel Healdsburg. “Clay and Carrie’s commitment to their son, his peers, and the cause represents everything I believe in about hospitality and human connection. Working with the Mauritson family and supporting DSCBA has been one of the most rewarding partnerships of my career,” says Chef Palmer.
The 2025 event showcases an impressive lineup of 21 Zinfandel producers, including Aperture Cellars, A. Rafanelli Winery, Bedrock Wine Co., Bella Vineyards + Wine Caves, Bricoleur Vineyards, Carlisle Winery, Flambeaux Wine, Gamba Vineyards and Winery, Hartford Family Winery, Lambert Bridge Winery, Limerick Lane Cellars, Martinelli Winery, Mauritson Wines, Nalle Winery, Once & Future Wine, Portalupi Winery, Ridge Vineyards, Robert Biale Vineyards, Turley Wine Cellars, Seghesio Family Vineyards, and Zialena Winery.
The culinary program features an extraordinary collection of Michelin-starred talent and local favorites. SingleThread Farms, helmed by Chef Kyle and Katina Connaughton, brings their three-Michelin-star expertise to the event, joining fellow participants including Chef Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen, Acorn Cafe, Appellation Healdsburg, Bird & the Bottle, Catelli’s, Diavola Pizzeria, Montage Healdsburg, Soco Cheese Boards, Sweet T’s Restaurant + Bar, Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, The Parish Café, and The Matheson.
Franco Finn, the Golden State Warriors’ beloved hype man and professional auctioneer, returns to host a live auction full of one-of-a-kind lots, including a V Foundation package at Madison Square Garden, a European/Mekong river cruise with business class tickets, an exclusive bourbon and wine dinner with Julian Van Winkle, and a “Winemaker for the Weekend” experience at Limerick Lane Cellars, amongst other exceptional experiences. Additional highlights include a Family Rafting Adventure on the Ruby-Horsethief in Moab, Utah, a Healdsburg Weekend with Winemaker Henry de Lambert, and an LPGA tournament package.
VIP weekend packages elevate the experience with overnight accommodations at Hotel Healdsburg ($3,600) and Harmon Guest House ($3,100), featuring exclusive access to Saturday events, including a new event combining the acclaimed SingleThread Farms experience with intimate tastings at Mauritson Wines. General admission tickets are $200, with VIP event tickets at $350. Tickets and packages are available at www.projectzin.org.
“Project Zin has given me a chance to share my story and show that people with Down Syndrome can achieve anything they set their minds to,” said Brady Mauritson, now 17 and a passionate advocate for inclusion. “Every year, I see how this event brings people together and shows that our community is stronger when everyone is included.”
To receive the most up-to-date information about Project Zin 2025, including important sale updates and event details, please join the email list at www.projectzin.org/mailing-list.
About Project Zin
Project Zin began in 2010 when Clay and Carrie Mauritson founded the event following their son Brady’s Down syndrome diagnosis. The annual charity wine event features exactly 21 Zinfandel producers, symbolizing Trisomy 21, and has raised over $2.5 million to support Down syndrome advocacy and services. Co-founded with James Beard Award-winning Chef Charlie Palmer, Project Zin has become one of Sonoma County’s most successful charitable events, celebrating both exceptional wine and the power of community support.
About Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area
Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1998 dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and supporting people with Down syndrome, their families, and the community that serves them. DSCBA provides comprehensive services including the Down Syndrome Education Alliance, peer development programs, speech therapy, medical outreach, and family support groups. Following a recent merger with the Down Syndrome Association North Bay, DSCBA now serves families throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
About Mauritson Wines
Mauritson Wines represents six generations of grape growing in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, dating back to 1868. Founded by Clay Mauritson in 1998, the family operation encompasses over 350 acres of vineyards and is committed to sustainable farming practices. The winery is known for its exceptional Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Rhône varietals, embodying the heritage and innovation of one of California’s oldest winegrowing families.
