April 20, 2026 (Napa Valley, CA) — Registration is now open for the 28th Annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration, taking place July 30 – August 2, 2026, in the heart of Napa Valley. Hosted by award-winning ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas, the weekend brings together unforgettable vintner and culinary experiences, live music, a research symposium featuring V Foundation-funded scientists, and a pinnacle Gala & Auction. 100% of event net proceeds go directly to game-changing cancer research through the V Foundation to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. The Wine Celebration is proudly presented by John Anthony Vineyards.
Event highlights include:
Thursday, July 30
Dinner with the Docs provides a unique experience where guests enjoy a star-lit dinner alongside physicians and researchers who serve on the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee for an evening of learning and conversation. These leaders are at the forefront of advancing cancer research and care at top institutions nationwide, showcasing the impact of V Foundation funded research.
Friday, July 31
Sunrise Yoga, presented by Live Well Lead Well at the Estate Yountville Vineyard Lawn, is offered both Friday and Saturday mornings as an opportunity to restore and recharge through functional movement, deep stretching, and mindful breathwork.
Rock the V Party & Concert takes over The Pavilion at Estate Yountville in the evening, featuring 50+ exceptional Napa Valley food and wine stations alongside a live music performance.
Saturday, August 1
The Krzyzewski Family Cancer Research Symposium opens the day at The Social at The Estate Yountville, bringing the V Foundation’s mission to life through powerful presentations from its grantees. Guests will hear directly from the scientists driving breakthroughs in cancer research, gaining a deeper understanding of how V-supported discoveries are making a proven, positive impact for patients and families.
The Gala & Auction is the culmination of the weekend, held at Nickel & Nickel Estate Winery and hosted by Proprietress Beth Nickel and ESPN’s Jay Bilas. This is an unforgettable evening of philanthropy and celebration, where supporters bid generously to accelerate critical funding for lifesaving cancer research.
In total, the V Foundation for Cancer Research has awarded over $458 million in grants to 1,423 of the best and brightest research teams across North America. The V Foundation has invested over $37 million across 102 grants in the Bay Area alone, funding exceptional research regionally and nationwide. The Wine Celebration is the V Foundation’s longest-running event and a key catalyst of its mission to accelerate Victory Over Cancer ® and save lives.
The V Foundation Wine Celebration is presented by John Anthony Vineyards, and sponsored by ESPN, Blackbaud, and Nickel & Nickel. To learn more and register, visit v.org/wine.
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 the V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration
Since 1999, the V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration has raised over $180 million for groundbreaking cancer research and related programs. This signature series of events in the stunning Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change. For more information, please visit v.org/wine.
