Napa Valley’s most beloved charity wine auction drew its largest crowd ever, with a 6L bottle of 1994 Screaming Eagle that sold for $290,000 headlining a weekend of giving for animals
June 29, 2026 (Napa Valley, CA) — WineaPAWlooza, the Napa Valley wine community’s signature charity auction benefiting Jameson Humane, celebrated its 13th anniversary this past weekend and a total of $1,925,625 raised in support of the nonprofit’s animal welfare programs.
The two-day celebration opened Friday evening at Vice Versa’s new winery in Calistoga, hosted by Patrice and Samantha Breton, starting with a Beckstoffer To Kalon tasting including wines from Lithology, Revana, Tor, Vida Valiente and Vice Versa Wines, followed by a To Kalon vineyard discussion moderated by Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin and featuring grower Andy Beckstoffer alongside vintners Tor Kenward, Alex MacDonald, Graeme MacDonald, Patrice Breton, and Master Sommelier Matt Stamp. A “Lunch With a Legend” auction lot honoring Andy Beckstoffer sold all 30 seats in roughly two minutes, raising $150,000 at $5,000 a seat. The evening closed with an electrifying performance by Napa Valley’s beloved rock n roll band, WRISTROCKET.
Saturday’s main event at Castellucci Estate in Oakville, hosted by the Antonio Castellucci family, drew a record 384 guests for a seated dinner — the biggest turnout in the event’s 13-year history. The evening began with a Grand Tasting featuring dozens of Napa Valley vintners and winemakers pouring their wines, paired with a vegan dinner from Chefs Daniel Gomez Sanchez of DGS Culinary and Elliot Bell of Charlie’s, both alumni of The French Laundry.
The night’s live auction, led by veteran auctioneer Fritz Hatton, featured 17 live lots plus four surprise lots. Topping the evening was a rare 6-liter bottle of 1994 Screaming Eagle, donated by founder Jean Phillips, which closed out at $290,000, secured for an out-of-state buyer through a proxy bid. Other standout lots included a golf outing and cellar dinner with vintners Tor Kenward and Alex MacDonald ($80,000); 2, 10 case ( 120 bottle) offerings from the historic and iconic Martha’s Vineyard handcrafted by Napa Valley winemaking legend, Russell Bevan for $100,000; a multi-estate “Collector’s Dream Weekend,” a set of 50 magnums, and a custom dog garment designed by 10-year-old fashion prodigy Max Alexander, who also joined Hatton on stage to help rally bidders. Live artist Amy Burkman opened the auction with an onstage painting offered as its own lot.
The evening also honored Oakville vintners Bill and Ginger Nemerever of Nemerever Vineyards with Jameson Humane’s Philanthropic Hero Award, recognizing their long-standing support of the organization’s mission.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” said Monica Stevens, Founder and President of Jameson Humane, citing Helen Keller in her thank-you to the community. “This year’s celebration was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, the weekend captured the heart, generosity, and resilience that make Napa Valley so special. Our donors and guests traveled from all over the country to support Jameson Humane and our wine industry!”
Funds raised will support Jameson Humane’s full range of programs, including spay/neuter surgeries, a seven-day community helpline, wellness clinics, behavioral and training assistance, Grants for Global Stewardship, the Community Animal Assistance Program, the Community Pet Pantry, Disaster Response, Ella’s Cathouse & Adoption Center, and Senior Citizens Pet Wellness services. The organization’s program work has grown substantially in recent years — 2,500 spay/neuter surgeries since 2022 and 11,700 animals served in 2025 alone — alongside a long-running disaster-response effort that has mobilized for every major Northern California wildfire and emergency since 2015.
WineaPAWlooza 2026 was made possible by Veteran committee member Vanessa Conlin MW, the WineaPAWlooza Steering Committee, Jameson Humane’s Board of Directors and staff, more than 100 volunteers, and dozens of participating vintners and sponsors.
Planning for WineaPAWlooza’s 14th year is already underway. The event will return June 18–19, 2027.
ABOUT JAMESON HUMANE
Jameson Humane is an impact-driven nonprofit organization that collaborates and educates to inspire change in animal welfare, not only in local communities but around the world. Jameson Humane was founded in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit to improve animal and human lives through global collaboration and education. The organization was named in memory of Monica and the late David Stevens’ beloved dog Jameson, an adopted Great Pyrenees who lived to the age of 14 and inspired the spirit and mission.
Jameson Humane operates nine solutions-based programs to create a truly unique animal welfare organization that is unlike any other, all for the benefit of the greater community and its animals. Every day, Jameson’s work is guided by how animals, people, and the planet are all inextricably connected.
ABOUT WINEAPAWLOOZA
WineaPAWlooza is Jameson’s annual fundraiser, an event that has earned its place as one of the top ten wine events in the country according to Wine Spectator magazine. The money raised from this sought-after event supplies the critical funds necessary for Jameson’s programs to improve the state of animal welfare and save animal lives. Because of WineaPAWlooza, Jameson has been able to help thousands of animals and their humans in our community, and beyond, through vital programming and services that work across the inextricable web between animal welfare, our community, and the planet. This year’s event will help ensure these programs thrive as we continue to create real change.
