NAPA, CA (September 3, 2021) – The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) and Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (FWF) hosted their annual Harvest STOMP fundraiser this past Saturday night, August 28, at Round Pond Estate’s historic Pole Barn. Following a challenging year with unprecedented wildfires and the ongoing pandemic, the memorable night brought together those with a shared passion for the preservation of local agriculture, building a legacy for the Napa Valley, and providing life-changing opportunities for Napa’s vineyard workforce. While the annual harvest fundraiser has grown over the last 14 years, Saturday’s event was record-breaking, with a dedicated community of grape growers, vineyard managers, winery owners, wine lovers, and vineyard professionals, raising a record-breaking $2.7 million net for the two organizations.
This year’s live auction was bittersweet. Beloved community member and leader, Steve Moulds, who passed in June, was honored by family and friends during a special live auction lot. Moulds’s legacy is far-reaching, he cared deeply about the work of the two organizations, and his kind, generous spirit was felt throughout the evening.
Another highlight of the evening was the annual fund-a-need, which raises critical donations for the NVG and Farmworker Foundation. The funds raised go directly to supporting the preservation of Napa Valley agriculture, education and professional development for Napa Valley farmworkers, and helping the Napa Valley community through trying times. This year’s donors gave at extraordinary levels, leaving the auctioneers and guests speechless, and the entire barn standing in applause.
“There was magic in the air, as if all of our auras had become one,” said Michael Silacci, NVG President and winemaker for Opus One Winery. “We met at the intersection of time, place, people and cause to generate support and hope for Napa Valley.”
To manage the health and well-being of all attendees, vendors, and volunteers, NVG and the Farmworker Foundation abided by CDC-directed COVID-19 safety protocols, asking guests to submit vaccination cards or a negative test result within 72 hours of event night, and offered rapid tests with help from the St. Helena Hospital Foundation’s mobile van ahead of check-in.
Sticky Business BBQ served dinner on compostable plates and serving platters, which supported the NVG and FWF’s annual Harvest STOMP sustainability plan. Design elements included sunflowers and greenery harvested from Regusci Ranch and arranged by Stacey Douglas Jones of By Design; cocktail and wine bars were hosted by sponsors Bin to Bottle and Trinchero Family Estates, past Harvest STOMP Chairs – Round Pond Estate, Trefethen Family Vineyards, V. Sattui Winery, Ghost Block Estate, Regusci Ranch, Frog’s Leap Winery, and Pine Ridge Vineyards – and NVG and FWF Board members from Matthiasson Winery and Tres Perlas Wines; décor and accents featured premier partners FARM Napa Valley and Mechanics Bank; and late into the night, guests kicked up their heels on the dance floor to music by Notorious the Band.
“I’m in awe of the passionate supporters that gave during Harvest STOMP. It was a magical night,” said Karen Cakebread, NVG Board Member and founder of ZIATA Wines. “It’s always heartwarming to be in the presence of people with a shared interest in building a legacy for Napa Valley, and for giving to the greater good.”
Harvest STOMP 2022 will be hosted by John and Michele Truchard, owners of FARM Napa Valley and JaM Cellars, and Oscar and Denise Renteria, owners of Renteria Vineyard Management and Tres Perlas Wines. The live auction will be hosted on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Reservations to the annual event are highly limited and sell out quickly. More information will be released in the coming months.
About the Napa Valley Grapegrowers
The Napa Valley Grapegrowers is a non-profit trade organization that has played a vital role in strengthening Napa Valley’s reputation as a world-class viticultural region for 45 years. Its mission is to preserve and promote Napa Valley’s world-class vineyards. NVG represents 685 Napa County grape growers and associated businesses. For more information, visit our website Napa Valley Grapegrowers and follow the Napa Valley Grapegrowers on Facebook and Instagram.
About the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation
Founded by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers in 2011, the mission of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is to support and promote Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through education and professional development. The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is the only one of its kind in the United States, providing educational opportunities, advanced training programs, leadership and management classes, English literacy programs, and much more. To date, the Farmworker Foundation has offered education and professional development opportunities to more than 21,000 vineyard workers and their families. For more information, visit our website Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation and follow the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.
