March 26– 29, 2026
Event has raised over $13 million, with 100% of event net proceeds going directly to game-changing cancer research
January 15, 2026 (Napa, CA) — The 5th Anniversary V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean will take place March 26 – 29, 2026 in Sonoma County’s renowned wine country. Sonoma Epicurean is a signature event series focused on lifestyle and sustainability that features hands-on, curated experiences with award-winning chefs and world-class vintners. 100% of event net proceeds will fund groundbreaking cancer research through the V Foundation. This event is proudly sponsored by Weather Wines and Colossal.
An overview of the weekend:
Thursday, March 26: Enjoy the Vintner Showcase Reception at Montage Healdsburg, followed by a selection of intimate Vintner Dinners hosted at Aperture Cellars, Silver Oak Cellars, Bricoleur Vineyards and Skipstone Wine. These dinners feature Northern California’s finest chefs paired with premium wines from the host vineyards. Thursday’s festivities conclude with the After Party at Roof 106 at The Matheson on the Healdsburg Square.
Friday, March 27: Guests begin the day with personalized and wellness-focused Epicurean Experiences, where guests will have their choice of a fully immersive activity including:
- Wellness Lunch with Live Well Lead Well at Montage Hotel
- Culinary Theater with Chefs Charlie Palmer and Dustin Valette at Appellation Healdsburg
- Experience golf at a renowned Sonoma Golf Course
Friday evening wraps with the Epic Party at Bacchus Landing in historic Healdsburg, with live music and an array of wine and food stations from notable vintners and award-winning chefs. Guests can also bid at the Case for Research wine auction.
Saturday, March 28: Saturday’s agenda begins with the Wellness Breakfast and Conversations for a Cure, where guests will hear from three V Foundation-funded grantees about their groundbreaking work and current topics in the cancer research field.
The main event on Saturday evening is the Gala & Auction at Wine Country’s premium destination, Montage Healdsburg. Guests will gather for the pinnacle event at a seated multi-course food and wine-paired feast followed by the lively auction with one-of-a-kind packages curated exclusively for this event.
“Thanks to generosity of so many supporters, Sonoma Epicurean has raised more than $13 million in the last four years to fund the V Foundation’s mission,” said Coury Shadyac, Chief Development Officer at the V Foundation. “This fifth anniversary year is building on powerful momentum, and together, we’ll continue enabling talented scientists to pursue bold ideas and advance meaningful progress in cancer research. This is an impactful weekend that builds community, invites new culinary adventures, and celebrates hope.”
Registration for Sonoma Epicurean is now open for single-day and full-weekend passes. For more event information and to register, please visit v.org/sonomaepic.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded over $458 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.
About Sonoma Epicurean
Sonoma Epicurean is a signature series of events featuring curated and hands-on experiences with Michelin-star and award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners with a focus on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability. Proceeds from the event will fund cancer research and related programs to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit sonomaepicurean.v.org.
