September 17, 2025 (Healdsburg, CA) — The Les Dames d’Escoffier Sonoma Chapter’s recent Birds & Bubbles charity fundraiser proved to be a sparkling success, bringing together community, cuisine, and cause in perfect harmony. Now in its second year, the gathering celebrated women leaders in food, fine beverage, and hospitality while showcasing the chapter’s signature blend of generosity and joy.
Guests were treated to an inspired pairing of fried chicken from famed Dame Chefs Duskie Estes & John Stewart alongside beautiful bubbles from Dot Wines—a delightful combination that quickly became the hallmark of the fundraiser. Other local Dame chefs and purveyors contributed their talents, while Dame-owned wineries shared their craft in both sparkling and still wines, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
More than just a celebration of flavor, the gathering raised over $20,000 to support Les Dames Sonoma’s mission of mentorship, scholarships, and grants for women pursuing careers in the culinary, fine beverage, and hospitality industries.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to Birds & Bubbles,” said Liza Hinman, President of Les Dames Sonoma and Chef/Owner of The Spinster Sisters. “The funds raised will directly support women pursuing careers in our industries, continuing our commitment to mentorship and education.”
Hosted by Comstock Wines on the picturesque Bacchus Landing grounds, attendees embraced the cause with enthusiasm, making donations and bidding in the silent auction, knowing their contributions would empower the next generation of leaders. From laughter-filled conversations over shared plates to the spirited clinking of glasses, the afternoon was more than a fundraiser—it was a testament to the strength of Sonoma County’s food and wine community and the power of women supporting women.
With its success, Birds & Bubbles is poised to become a signature annual gathering, one that guests and supporters will eagerly anticipate for years to come. For Les Dames Sonoma, it was not only a celebration but also a milestone—showcasing what’s possible when community and cause come together under one joyful, sparkling roof.
A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing sponsors for making this event unforgettable. Our financial sponsors included Greek Grape Wine Tours, Alegria Vineyards, and Summit State Bank. We are also deeply grateful to our in-kind sponsors—Bacchus Landing, Comstock Wines, Cuver Brewery, Aldina Vineyards, Chef Tracey Shepos-Cenami, Hedley & Bennett, Jimtown and Then Sum, Dot Wines, Dragonfly Floral, Ethic Ciders, Mad Batter Bakery Co, Relish Culinary Events, Chez Jules, Catelli’s Restaurant, Smith Story Wines, Spread Kitchen, The Epicurean Connection, The Spinster Sisters, Wooden Petal, Haute Caviar, Sipsong Spirits, and WorldCentric—whose generosity and partnership helped bring Birds & Bubbles to life.
About Les Dames d’Escoffier
Les Dames d’Escoffier is the only organization of its kind: a worldwide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality. Comprising 45 individual chapters across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, England, France and Italy, LDEI is highly diversified and reflects the multifaceted fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality. Upon being granted the original charter by Les Amis d’Escoffier, the first chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier was founded in New York in 1976. The Sonoma Chapter was formed in 2020. There are over 2500 members worldwide including chefs, culinary school proprietors, teachers, culinary historians, food editors, writers, hoteliers, vintners, wine merchants, distillers, restaurateurs, caterers, professors, chocolatiers, bakers, butchers, manufacturers, importers, and purveyors. www.lesdamessoco.org
