United Music and Wine Industry Luminaries to Raise a Glass to Cancer Research at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone in St. Helena, California on May 21
Honorees Included
Iconic SIRIUS XM Radio Host Gary Dell’Abate
Jeff Smith & Carolyn Duryea of Hourglass Vineyards
June 1, 2026 (Napa, CA) — The T.J. Martell Foundation hosted their 2026 Napa’s Best Cellars Wine Dinner on May 21 at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, California, bringing together influential leaders from the wine and music industries for a spectacular charity auction and culinary event dedicated to the fight against cancer. advancements.
Left to Right Sitting: Elizabeth Vianello, Terri O’Lear
Photo credit: Art & Clarity Photography for the T.J. Martell Foundation
The stellar event brought together music and wine industry luminaries and T.J. Martell Foundation trustees. In addition, many of America’s most distinguished wine collectors opened their cellars to provide Grand Crus and exceptional vintages to accompany a superb gourmet dinner. With over $500,000 in total revenue, the evening set a new record for the event in Napa.
Husband and wife team Jeff Smith & Carolyn Duryea of Hourglass Vineyards were honored for their leadership and innovation in the wine industry and passion for philanthropy. Iconic radio host/producer of the Howard Stern Radio Show and New York Times best-selling author Gary Dell’Abate was honored for his longtime influence in the radio industry and work supporting the fight against cancer. Attendees were also treated to an intimate acoustic performance by acclaimed country blues/roots musician Nat Myers.
The event celebrated a “La Paulée” style dinner, courtesy of noted Chef Christina Machamer, inviting guests to share selections from their private wine collections poured by Napa’s Valley’s finest sommeliers. A luxury auction also showcased rare wines, deluxe travel experiences, and exclusive collectibles from the worlds of music and wine. Tsar Nicoulai Caviar also served as the evening’s official Caviar Sponsor.
“The T.J. Martell Foundation’s Napa’s Best Cellars Dinner was an outstanding success, bringing together the best of the music and wine industries behind a cause that matters,” said Marc Reiter, T.J. Martell Foundation Trustee and event Co-Chair and Remi Cohen, CEO of Domaine Carneros and event Co-Chair. “Our incredible honorees Jeff Smith and Carolyn Duryea of Hourglass Estate, and Gary Dell’Abate of SiriusXM inspired extraordinary generosity, and an electrifying and emotional performance by Nat Myers set the tone for the night. We surpassed our fundraising goal and are so proud of what this community does for cancer research.”
The Wine Dinner Committee included Co-Chairs Marc Reiter and Remi Cohen, Warren Christensen, Danny Cooper, Max Duley, Robert Emmer, Dino Paredes, Diarmuid Quinn, Elizabeth Vianello, Lane Watson.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation’s innovative research initiatives, funding early-stage projects that hold the potential to transform cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.
The Foundation is also continuing to mark its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of championing bold, high-risk, high-reward cancer research that has driven lifesaving advancements.
About The T.J. Martell Foundation
For 50 years, the T.J. Martell Foundation has united the music industry in the fight against cancer, funding groundbreaking research that brings hope to patients and families. Founded by music executive Tony Martell in memory of his son T.J., the Foundation has helped propel some of the most significant advancements in cancer research through philanthropy-driven innovation.
For more information on the T.J. Martell Foundation, visit www.tjmartell.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
