Acclaimed Napa Valley Wine Weekend Sets Record in Attendance and Funding for Alzheimer’s Research and Care Services
May 7, 2026 (Yountville, CA) — Kerrin Laz, founder of Inspire Napa Valley and proprietor of K. LAZ WINE COLLECTION, announced today that the seventh annual Spring Wine Weekend sold out and raised over $2 million to help fund Alzheimer’s and dementia research, with final totals to be confirmed as additional pledges are fulfilled. Held April 24-26, the three-day event brought together leading vintners, collectors, and philanthropists for a series of immersive wine and culinary experiences supporting critical funds for leading national 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 locally. Top selling lots included The Backen House Experience: A Private Napa Valley Escape, All Aboard with K. LAZ: The Napa Valley Wine Train Party Experience, and Brunello Cucinelli: Experience the Very Best in Italian Hospitality.
With demand at an all-time high, all ticket tiers from $1,000 main event access to $5,000 VIP weekend packages, sold out ahead of the weekend, with a waitlist and online auction participation extending the event’s reach beyond Napa Valley. With this year’s success, Inspire Napa Valley has now raised more than $11 million since its inception, continuing to expand its impact as one of the wine industry’s most meaningful philanthropic platforms.
“Each year, this weekend becomes more personal,” said Inspire Napa Valley founder Kerrin Laz. “What moves me most isn’t just the generosity, but the intention behind it. Every vintner who shares their wine, every guest who attends, every bidder who raises a paddle is choosing to be part of something bigger than themselves. It’s incredibly special to witness, and it’s what keeps this mission so deeply important to me.”
The 2026 Spring Wine Weekend began Friday evening with an intimate VIP Welcome Dinner and neighborhood-style gathering at Gamble Estates, bringing together “The Best of Oakville” and guests for a wine country feast. The winery cohosts included Dalla Valle Vineyards, FUTO Estate, Gamble Estates, Harlan Estate, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Tench Vineyards, and VHR-Vine Hill Ranch.
Saturday began with the inaugural Research & Innovation Roundtable, moderated by Claire Day, Chief Mission and Program Strategy Officer, Alzheimer’s Association Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter, which brought together Inspire Napa Valley’s Scientific Advisory Board, including Farhad Imam, MD, PhD; Catherine Madison, MD; and Armen J. Moughamian, MD, PhD, while the VIP Wine Seminar, A Deep Dive into Oakville, was led by Antonio Galloni (Founder, Vinous) and Ray Isle (executive wine editor, Food & Wine) alongside participating vintners and winemakers from Dalla Valle Vineyards, Gamble Estates, VHR-Vine Hill Ranch, and Opus One.
The weekend culminated at Louis M. Martini Winery with the event’s signature Grand Tasting, dinner, and live auction. Guests enjoyed selections from 40 premier California wineries including Bryant Estate, Dominus, Grace Family Vineyards, and Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, paired with elevated cuisine from leading Bay Area culinary talent. The evening’s live auction for one-of-a-kind lots and immersive wine experience inspired enthusiastic paddle raises, driving support for Inspire Napa Valley’s mission.
The Saturday Grand Tasting & Dinner also marked a milestone moment: the presentation of the inaugural Inspire Award to Bettina Bryant of Bryant Estate, in recognition of her extraordinary friendship, trusted counsel, and unwavering support. A true champion of the mission, Bettina has helped raise more than $750,000 since Inspire Napa Valley’s inception.
The weekend concluded Sunday with a VIP Farewell Brunch at Ad Hoc + Addendum Garden in Yountville. Attendees indulged in Chef Thomas Keller’s famed fried chicken and waffles and seasonal fare alongside pastries from Bouchon Bakery, with a festive mimosa and bloody mary bar.
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.
Now operating as an independent nonprofit organization, Inspire Napa Valley is poised for continued growth, expanding its impact in funding research breakthroughs and enhancing care and support services nationwide.
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.
