Three-Day Wine, Culinary and Educational Event Continues to Raise Critical Funds to Fight Alzheimer’s and Dementia
February 27, 2026 (Yountville, CA) — Wine industry leader Kerrin Laz, founder and proprietor of Inspire Napa Valley (INV) and K. Laz Wine Collection, announced today the seventh annual event under its own 501(c)(3) status to position Inspire Napa Valley for exponential growth in its fundraising efforts. Taking place Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26, 2026, the three-day event in the heart of Napa Valley will once again bring together the wine community and beyond to raise funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s and dementia research nationally and enhance local care and support services for impacted families. Supported by a newly formed Board of Directors and Advisory Board composed of leaders across multiple fields, this expanded reach builds on INV’s core mission: raising both awareness and critical funds for the cause, powered by the generosity of the wine community. Laz has established a Scientific Advisory Board comprised of distinguished leaders in research, clinical medicine, and the social sciences, including Farhad Imam, Senior Director of Health & Life Sciences at Gates Ventures; Catherine Madison, MD, Neurologist and Founding Medical Director of the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center at CPMC; and Dr. Armen Moughamian, Director and Cognitive Neurologist at the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center at CPMC. Their collective expertise will provide critical guidance to further strengthen INV’s ability to support impactful research and care initiatives.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome our new Board of Directors and Advisory Board to Inspire Napa Valley.” said founder Kerrin Laz. “Each member brings exceptional expertise, passion, and vision that will help elevate our mission to the next level. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to expand our impact, deepen our commitment to raising critical funds for Alzheimer’s research, and continue creating meaningful change in our community. I’m honored to embark on this next chapter with such an inspiring group of leaders.”
Alongside Advisory Board Members, including Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine Magazine Ray Isle, Vinous Founder Antonio Galloni, and Host Committee Member, Bryant Wines proprietor Bettina Bryant, Laz and Inspire Napa Valley will offer guests a unique opportunity to mingle with Napa Valley’s most renowned vintners and winemakers.
The weekend’s list of events and participants is as follows:
- Friday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m.: The weekend kicks off with an exclusive evening at Gamble Estates, The Best of Oakville, that will bring together eight of the region’s best wineries as co-hosts, including Dalla Valle Vineyards, FUTO, Gamble Estates, Harlan Estate, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Tench Vineyards, and VHR- Vine Hill Ranch to share their stories alongside rare library selections to current releases. The experience is paired with a wine country feast led by Napa Valley’s own Chef Sean Massey and joined in the kitchen by some of wine country’s leading vintners, winemakers, growers, and industry icons. This intimate gathering captures the spirit of true wine country hospitality.
- Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m.: The weekend continues with a VIP Alzheimer’s Research Update & Wine Tasting Seminar: Deep Dive into Oakville’s Best at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena. Following an Alzheimer’s and dementia research update from Inspire Napa Valley’s Scientific Advisors, guests will enjoy an in-depth exploration of six of Oakville’s most exceptional wines, led by a distinguished panel including Antonio Galloni, founder of Vinous, and Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine, Maya Dalla Valle of Dalla Valle Vineyards, and Bruce Phillips of Vine Hill Ranch. This seminar is included for VIP guests. A limited number of seats are available for main event guests.
- Saturday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m.: The Main Event commences with a walk-around wine tasting at Louis Martini Winery showcasing over 35 of California’s most iconic wineries, paired with culinary stations crafted by top San Francisco Bay Area culinary talent, Componere. Iconic wineries such as Bryant Estate, Dominus, Grace Family Vineyards, and Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery will be joined by rising star wineries such as Aerika Estate, Kinsman Eades, Morisoli Vineyard, and MOWE Napa Valley. The evening continues with a seated wine country dinner and conclude with Inspire Napa Valley’s signature live auction and paddle raise.
- Sunday, April 26 at 10 a.m.: The weekend concludes with a VIP Farewell Brunch at Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc + Addendum, featuring fried chicken and waffles alongside Bouchon seasonal dishes and a classic bloody mary and mimosa bar.
All-inclusive VIP tickets to attend all events are $5,000 per person. Individual tickets to Saturday evening’s main wine tasting, dinner and auction are available for $1,000. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit inspirenapavalley.org.
While continuing its support of the Alzheimer’s Association, INV’s new designation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit will broaden the organization’s ability to raise greater funds for leading research institutes, universities, and innovators advancing treatment and care, as well as providing direct support for families, caregivers, and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This will allow INV to play a more pivotal role in supporting initiatives—from cutting-edge research to clinical advancements—in a direct, efficient, and effective manner.
Over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases. In California alone, there are approximately 720,000 people aged 65 and older living with the disease. Additionally, more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid cared to someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In California, that includes about 1.4 million caregivers.
About Inspire Napa Valley
Founded in 2018 by Kerrin Laz, Inspire Napa Valley (INV) is a 501(c)(3) that is committed to inspiring change in the Napa Valley and beyond by bringing wine enthusiasts and industry leaders together to raise critical funds for leading research institutes, universities, and innovators advancing treatment and care. INV also raises funds to help families, caregivers, and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Since its inception, INV has raised over $9 million. For more information, visit inspirenapavalley.org.
