Sixteenth Annual Celebration Debuts at Appellation Healdsburg and Launches a College Scholarship Honoring Brady Mauritson
September 1, 2026 (Healdsburg, CA) — On August 22, 2026, California’s most celebrated Zinfandel winemakers, chefs and supporters gathered at Appellation Healdsburg for the sixteenth annual Project Zin, raising over $400,000 for the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA). Founded by Clay and Carrie Mauritson of Mauritson Wines alongside James Beard Award-winning Chef Charlie Palmer, the weekend brought together 21 of the country’s most sought-after Zinfandel producers and Sonoma County’s leading chefs. This year’s result brings the total raised since 2011 to more than $4 million.
2026 marked a bittersweet milestone as Brady Mauritson, the inspiration behind Project Zin, began his freshman year at Clemson University through ClemsonLIFE, a selective postsecondary program whose name stands for Learning Is For Everyone. Clay Mauritson closed the evening by turning his son’s milestone outward, announcing the Brady Mauritson LIFE College Scholarship to help families who cannot afford postsecondary programs.
“Society has told us for too long that our loved ones bring with them a disability, but this couldn’t be more false,” said Clay Mauritson. “College gives students the dignity of risk, the freedom to try new things, the right to make mistakes, to learn, and to succeed on your own. Every young adult deserves that dignity. That is why we need a scholarship fund.”
Project Zin began in 2011, following Brady’s diagnosis of Down syndrome at the age of two and a half. What started as a modest gathering that raised $25,000 in its first year has become one of Sonoma County’s most successful charitable events. The event features exactly 21 Zinfandel producers, a number chosen for Trisomy 21, the extra copy of chromosome 21 found in Down syndrome.
The 2026 edition marked a homecoming to Appellation Healdsburg, the culinary-first resort Chef Palmer opened in 2025 with hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger, which served as the weekend’s presenting sponsor. Saturday’s live auction and paddle raise took place in The Grange, the property’s barn-inspired event space.
“What we’re doing at Project Zin is helping so many people and so many kids,” said Chef Palmer. “To welcome Project Zin home to Appellation Healdsburg, a place we dreamed about for nearly a decade, has been one of the greatest honors of my career.”
Michelle Slape, the new executive director of DSCBA, spoke as both an advocate and a parent of a son with Down syndrome.
“There’s a question I’m frequently asked by families that stays with me,” said Slape. “What’s going to happen to my child when I am gone? We want to provide the peace of mind that their child will have a community, they’ll have opportunities and they’ll have people who believe in them.”
Mark Ibañez, who spent 43 years as sports director at KTVU, served as master of ceremonies. His son Nicholas is nearly 22 and autistic. “My son has taught me a lot more than I’ve ever taught him,” said Ibañez. “He’s taught me patience and care and empathy, and given me more growth than I ever knew I was capable of.”
Golden State Warriors in-arena host Franco Finn returned as auctioneer, helping generate $233,500 across 11 live auction lots. Highlights ranged from a Flambeaux Wine Mardi Gras trip to New Orleans to wine-country experiences with Clay and Carrie Mauritson and a 2027 WNBA All-Star Weekend package in San Francisco. Another standout was a progressive dinner through downtown Healdsburg hosted by Clay and Carrie Mauritson, with stops at SingleThread, The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House, Valette, Dry Creek Kitchen and The Matheson. Proceeds from the experience benefit the planned Magical Bridge Playground at Healdsburg’s Badger Park.
The paddle raise for the scholarship opened with a founding gift of $50,000 and generated over $120,000 in direct donations. An online silent auction and wine raffle further contributed to the evening’s total.
Participating Wineries
A. Rafanelli Winery & Vineyards, Bedrock Wine Co., Bricoleur Vineyards, Flambeaux Wine, Gamba Vineyards and Winery, Kokomo Winery, Lambert Bridge Winery, Limerick Lane Cellars, Martinelli Winery, Mauritson Wines, Nalle Winery, Once & Future Wine, Passalacqua Winery, Pedroncelli Winery, Ridge Vineyards, Robert Biale Vineyards, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Turley Wine Cellars, WE KNOW JACK!, Williams Selyem and Zialena Winery.
Participating Restaurants
Folia Bar & Kitchen at Appellation Healdsburg, Bricoleur Vineyards, Costeaux French Bakery, Downtown Bakery & Creamery, Dry Creek Kitchen, Goodnight’s Restaurant, Guiso Latin Fusion, Journeyman Meat Co., Monti’s, Pennyroyal Farm, Nothing Bundt Cakes – Santa Rosa, Quail & Condor, Sweet T’s Restaurant + Bar, The Burrow, The Matheson & Valette, The Parish Cafe, The Selvedge by SingleThread and Troubadour.
Project Zin will return for its 17th year in 2027. To receive the most up-to-date information, including on-sale details, join the email list at projectzin.org/mailing-list.
About Project Zin
Project Zin began in 2011 when Clay and Carrie Mauritson founded the event following their son Brady’s Down syndrome diagnosis. The annual charity wine event features exactly 21 Zinfandel producers, symbolizing Trisomy 21, and has raised over $4 million to support Down syndrome advocacy and services. Co-founded with James Beard Award-winning Chef Charlie Palmer, Project Zin has become one of Sonoma County’s most successful charitable events, celebrating both exceptional wine and the power of community support.
About Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area
Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1998 dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and supporting people with Down syndrome, their families, and the community that serves them. DSCBA provides comprehensive services including the Down Syndrome Education Alliance, peer development programs, speech therapy, medical outreach, and family support groups. Following a recent merger with the Down Syndrome Association North Bay, DSCBA now serves families throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
About Mauritson Wines
Mauritson Wines represents six generations of grape growing in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, dating back to 1868. Founded by Clay Mauritson in 1998, the family operation encompasses over 350 acres of vineyards and is committed to sustainable farming practices. The winery is known for its exceptional Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Rhône varietals, embodying the heritage and innovation of one of California’s oldest winegrowing families.
