Charity wine auctions taking place the first half of 2016 have achieved remarkable success and projections look great for the remainder of the year.

Several of these auctions are single-day events, while others are the centerpiece of a several day festival and some include hosting of special events throughout the year.  Multiple revenue streams are derived from ticket sales, corporate sponsorships and ancillary events as well as the silent and live auction items.  A common thread among the auctions is a commitment to children as well as to local community charities.   While it’s a shame to miss the rousing action, many of these auctions also offer online as well as mobile bidding.

Here are detailed descriptions of our favorite charity wine auctions listed chronologically, ones we try to attend every year, followed by information on several other of America’s top charity auctions.  We have divided it into two parts, the first part being the auctions that have occurred and the second being the upcoming events.

Auction Events Finished January — June

Naples Winter Wine Festival, 16th Annual – January 29-31, Naples, Florida
www.napleswinefestival.org

Southwest Wine & Food Festival, 7th Annual – February 26-27, Fort Myers, Florida
www.swflwinefest.org

Classic Wines Auction, 32nd Annual – March 5, Portland, Oregon
www.classicwinesauction.com

Destin Charity Wine Auction, 11th Annual – April 28-May 1, Destin, Florida
www.dcwaf.org

A Culinary Evening With The California Winemasters, 27th Annual — May 14, Burbank, California
www.californiawinemasters.org

Auction Napa Valley, 36th Annual – June 2-5,  Napa Valley, California
www.napavintners.com

Auction Events To Come June — December

Vintage Affaire, 34th Annual — June 18, Atherton, California
www.vintageaffaire.org

Jackson Hole Wine Auction And Gala, 22nd Annual – June 23-25, Jackson, Wyoming
www.jhwineauction.org

L’Ete du Vin, 37th Annual – July 23-25, Nashville, Tennessee
www.nashvillewineauction.com

V Wine Celebration, 18th Annual – August 5-7, Napa, California
www.winecelebration.org

Central Coast Wine Classic, 31st Annual – August 10-14, San Simeon to Santa Barbara, California
www.centralcoastwineclassic.org

St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Summer Classic, 7th Annual – August 27, Los Olivos, California
www.smitv.org

Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction, 24th Annual – September 2-6, Sonoma Valley, California
www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com

Detroit International Wine Auction, 35th Annual – October 15, Detroit, Michigan
www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/diwa

Rusty Staub Wine Auction, 25th Annual – October 22, New York, New York
www.rustystaubfoundation.com

Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic, 26th Annual – November 10-13, Virginia Beach, Virginia
www.cbwc.org

 2016 Results For Charity Wine Auctions January — June

The 27th Annual Culinary Evening With The California Winemasters Raised Over $1.6 Million For The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosted “A Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters” on May 14 on the historic “Midwest Street” backlot at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.  Fourteen hundred wine and food lovers from all across the country attended the event, raising their glasses simultaneously at the start of the live program to toast a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.  The event raised over $1.6 Million, bringing the total dollars raised for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s vital research and care centers since the event’s inception to more than $28 Million.

Guests enjoyed fabulous wining and dining under the stars in the setting of a quintessential Any Town USA, always a sold-out extravaganza.  Throughout the exciting, magical evening, attendees delighted in a dazzling sampling of gourmet cuisine from over 50 internationally renowned, celebrity chefs, paired with wines from over 75 of California’s most talented winemakers, while participating in silent and live auctions.  Extraordinary items offered for bidding included over 800 rare collector wines, lifestyle experiences and travel fantasies.  From 5 pm to 8 pm, guests strolled along the charming, tree-lined streets of Warner Bros. largest backlot, sipping wine, tasting gourmet food and bidding on over 600 items in the silent auction. The L.A. Allstars Band performed high energy sets on the main stage.  The rousing live auction, led by Auctioneer Dawnmarie Kotsonis, began at 8 pm.  Fritz Coleman, NBC’s Weathercaster, was the Celebrity Co-Auctioneer and Paul Frank, Founder of Gemstone Vineyard was the Honorary Guest Auctioneer.

The 2016 event was another extravagant auction.  The live auction included an “Insider’s Perspective of the Napa Valley with the Mondavi Family” that sold for $20,000 and included luxury accommodations for two couples, meals, tasting and a wine collection.  A 2-week wine tasting holiday to Argentina with visits to major wineries and a side trip to Patagonia sold for $25,000 and “Simply Inspirational – South Africa and Tanzania” was purchased for $20,000.  The bidding for an 8-day all luxury trip to Turkey including a cruise and visit to Turkey’s growing wine region had a winning bid of $22,000; and a dinner of wining and dining at Ackerman Heritage House in Napa sold for $10,000.

Live auction wine lots included a Reserve Collection of Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernets that sold for $10,000, a 6-liter of 2014 Ridge Monte Bello with a sale price of $11,000, and a 24-bottle horizontal collection of 1996 California Cabernet Sauvignons was snatched up for $14,000.  A case of the finest Bordeaux from 1986 sold for $15,000.

Special Patron Packages include Diamond Patron Table of 12 at $10,000; Platinum Patron Package for eight guests at $7,500; Gold Patron Package at $5,000 per couple; and Silver Patron Package at $2,500 per couple.  Individual Premier Tickets (offering valet parking and early entrance) are $500 and Individual Tickets are $375.

Winemasters is one of the most important CFF fundraisers in the U.S. and one of the largest single-day charity wine auctions in the world.  It is perennially one of Wine Spectator magazine’s “Top Ten U.S. Charity Wine Auctions.”  Barbara Balik, Auction organizer and Director of Special Giving, says it is thanks to new treatments that people with cystic fibrosis are now living one year longer for every year of research.  Sponsors, vintners, chefs and guests understand their support is the reason for this lifesaving reprieve.  According to founding sponsor and Co-Chairman, Allen Balik, the event is a unique gourmet experience, offering something for everyone, and it is a particularly worthwhile charity event in that 91 cents of every dollar raised goes directly into Cystic Fibrosis research and cure programs, making this the highest percentage of any non-profit organization in the country.

The 28th Annual Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters is set for Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.  Please contact Barbara Balik for further information and registration: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, telephone 323-939-0758 or Barbara Balik, telephone 707-258-1661, email bbalik@cff.org.  For additional information on wineries, chefs and restaurants, tickets and special patron packages, please see the California Winemasters website: www.californiawinemasters.org.

 The 16th Annual Naples Winter Wine Festival Raised More than$11 Million for Children in Need

Since its inception in 2001, the always exquisite Naples Winter Wine Festival has raised over $146 Million for underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County.  The 16th Annual Wine Festival, a 4-day gala taking place January 28-31 at The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in picturesque Naples, Florida, raised more than $11 Million.  The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the Naples Winter Wine Festival’s founding organization, has delivered grants to more than 40 non-profit organizations in its 16-year history, benefitting more than 2000,000 local children.

The live auction’s top single bid of $750,000 went to a bespoke 2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn, designed uniquely for the Festival, making the winning bidder the first person in the world to receive this coveted vehicle.  $650,000 was the winning bid for a customized Ferrari 488 Spider with exclusive racing experiences.

For more information, telephone Barrett Farmer 239-514-2239, 888-837-4919, email barrett@napleswinefestival.com or visit www.napleswinefestival.com/

The 7th Annual Southwest Wine & Food Fest Raised Over$2.8 Million to Benefit Pediatric Health Care

SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s 2016 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest has raised more than $2.8 Million, with 100 percent of the proceeds directly benefiting pediatric health care in Southwest Florida.  The 2-day event, February 26-27, took place at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club in Fort Myers, Florida.

The highest single bid at the live auction was $140,000 for the Cliff Williams and Mark Loren lot, featuring a signed bass guitar played by Cliff Williams, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry of a guitar pick pendant adorned with diamonds and gems, suspended from an original Williams’ bass guitar string, created by international award-winning custom jewelry designer, Mark Loren.  An exclusive 4-night trip for 4 people to the Bahamas to enjoy a round of golf and day of fishing with Justin Rose, the 2013 U.S. Open Champion and current #7 world-ranked professional golfer went for $100,000.

For more information about SWFL Children’s Charities Inc. or its annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, visit www.swflwinefest.org.

 The 32^nd Annual Classic Wines Auction In Portland, Oregon Raised Over $3 Million To Benefit Oregon Youth and Families In Need

The Classic Wines Auction (CWA) has raised nearly $40 Million for Portland-area charities supporting children and families since 1982.  This year’s auction and other related events raised more than $3 Million for its 6 benefiting charities.  The gala signature event, held in the Oregon Convention Center’s Portland Ballroom, on March 5, began with a wine tasting reception, followed by a 5-course culinary fest prepared by top guest chefs and paired with wines from national and international ambassadors.  About 850 wine enthusiasts then bid on over 250 live and silent packages being auctioned.  Night Cap is the After Party featuring a live DJ, dancing and other entertainment.

In addition to the auction, throughout the year, there are special tastings, luncheons and dinners, winemaker dinners in the Fall and Spring, a Walla Walla Wine Tasting, and Corks and Forks, a huge wine and food event in June, sponsored by local wineries and restaurants.  Special patron packages are available offering the various events at a discount.

For more information, telephone 503-972-0194, email info@classicwinesauction.com or visit their website:  www.classicwinesauction.com.

The 11th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction Raised More Than $2.65 Million For Children In Need In Northwest Florida

Now in its 11th year, Destin Charity has raised over $10 Million for local children’s charities in Northwest Florida.  Taking place at Miramar Beach, the auction is the flagship for four days of wine and fun filled events featuring wine tastings and private dinners, culminating with a live and silent auction.  The auction, raising a record-breaking $2.65 Million, featured over 200 lots of rare wines and wine-oriented trips.  The white sand beaches of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast offer a picture perfect setting.

The 2016 Honorary Vintner was Ric Forman of Forman Vineyard and the International Honorary Vintner was Cristina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi.  The weekend kicked off with 14 intimate Patron dinners.  Saturday was the Reserve Tasting and Auction at Sandestin Town Center’s North Lawn in Miramar Beach.  Sunday the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is also at Sandestin Town Center.  Not only does this Festival in its fourth year draw more people to the area for the auction but the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is the recipient of the proceeds generated from the Festival.

For more information about the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, and to obtain tickets, visit: www.sowalwine.com.  For more information about the Destin Charity Wine Auction, telephone 850-650-3732, email info@dcwaf.org or visit: www.dcwaf.org/

The 36th Annual Auction Napa Valley Raised Over $14.3 Million For Community Health and Children’s Education

Close to 900 guests filled the grounds at Meadowood in Napa Valley where lively and generous bidding raised more than $14.2 Million for the non-profit charities that provide community health and children’s education to Napa Valley residents.  The country’s premier and most celebrated charity wine auction, hosted by the Napa Valley Vintners Association, is one of the largest charity wine auctions in the world, rivaling the Naples, Florida wine auction and the Hospice de Beaune in Burgundy, France.  To date, Auction Napa Valley has invested over $150 Million in Napa County non-profit organizations, benefiting over 100,000 clients since the event started in 1981.

The Auction at Meadowood Resort was the focal point of an exciting weekend of a barrel auction, private dinners and special wine tastings held throughout the Valley.  The rousing live auction gaveled by renowned auctioneer and vintner, Fritz Hatton and accompanied by a 30-piece Cuban band, contributed to Auction Napa Valley’s retention of the top spot for America’s charity wine auctions.  Agustin F. Huneeus of Quintessa was the Honorary Auction Chair.  The Napa Valley Barrel Auction held at Robert Mondavi Winery was attended by nearly 2000 people.

The 37th Annual Auction Napa Valley will offer three glitzy days of wine, food and festivities from June 2-5.   For information regarding the 37th Annual Auction Napa Valley, call 707-963-3388; email reception2@napavintners.com or visit https://napavintners.com/

Upcoming Charity Wine Auctions June — December

The 34th Annual Vintage Affaire Will Take Place On Saturday, June 18, In Atherton, California

Vintage Affaire, Silicon Valley’s premier wine auction, an elegant party with fine wines, gourmet cuisine, live music and one-of-a-kind auction items is taking place on Saturday, June 18, at a gorgeous home in Atherton.  Always a wonderful affair to remember, it is one of the largest wine and destination auctions in California benefitting Palo Alto’s Vista Center.

Over the past 33 years, Vintage Affaire has raised well over $8 million for Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Palo Alto.  These funds enable Vista Center clients to achieve their highest potential through programs that promote independence and improve the quality of life, including the low vision clinic and rehabilitation services such as counseling, orientation and mobility training, living skills instruction and more.

 

The event is organized by the nonprofit Vista Center Foundation Board of Directors and is staffed entirely by community volunteers.  Pam Brandin is Executive Director of Vista Center.  Event Chairs of this year’s Vintage Affaire are Elizabeth Lucchessi and Kathryn Ladra.

The auction typically includes wine lots from hard-to-find California vintages, First Growth French Bordeaux, Vintage Ports, Champagne, and emerging vineyards from Down Under.  In addition, there are tours and tasting events, as well as overnight stays at Napa and Sonoma vineyards, and wine country dinners in Napa, Sonoma, San Francisco and on the Peninsula, global travel, unique jewelry and art.  Spectacular travel items will spark a new romance or rekindle an old one.  Among the new events this year is a 40th Anniversary of The Judgment of Paris at a special party in Atherton featuring wines from the winning vineyards of California and France.  Another exciting new event is An Evening With “Poker Brat” Phil Hellmuth, 14-time World Series of Poker champion.

A select group of vintners joins Vintage Affaire each year to share their wonderful wines.  Many also offer special auction items.  Outstanding local chefs contribute their talents to Vintage Affaire with special food and wine pairings to be featured during the silent auction.

Last year’s Vintage Affaire, chaired by Terry Kurfess, was a spectacular event at Mike Murphy’s beautiful estate in Atherton, which will be the site of this year’s event also.  Renowned auctioneer and vintner, Fritz Hatton, was the auctioneer for the 27th time.  Murphy’s home was also a magical backdrop for 2015’s Vintage Evening.  Through the enormous generosity of long time philanthropist and supporter of Vista Center and Vintage Affaire, the late Bill Walsh, guests had the rare chance to bid on beautifully curated wines from the cellar of a renowned collector.  Moreover, thanks to the Walsh family’s incredible donation, Vintage Affaire is auctioning more rare, highly collectible wines this year.

Vintage Affaire offers two tiers of tickets, both of which support Vista Center. Guest Level tickets will enjoy the Silent and Live Auctions, wine tasting from Pouring Vintners, hors d’oeuvres from Guest Chefs, and a wine pairing dinner.  Patron Level guests will enjoy all of the Guest Level perks, plus an exclusive invitation to the spectacular Vintage Evening on June 16.

For information and registration, including a list of vintners, chefs, unique auction items and tickets, please contact Vista Center at 650-858-0202 or visit the website: www.vintageaffaire.org.

The 22nd Annual Jackson Hole Wine Auction and Gala Is Set For June 23-25 at Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Wine Auction is the preeminent charity wine auction and one of the premier food and wine events of the West.  Each summer the annual 3-day fundraiser kicks off seven weeks of classical music from the Grand Teton Music Festival.  The fabulous event features great food from world-renowned chefs and wine from world-class vintners for the special tastings, festive parties, private dinners and incredible auction opportunities.  Proceeds from this ultimate celebration of food, wine and philanthropy benefit the Music Festival.

The centerpiece of the weekend’s festivities takes place on a Wyoming Ranch in the shadow of the Grand Tetons.  The festivities begin with the Grand Wine Tasting.  Then a new event, the VIP Wine Tasting, will be held at Jackson Hole’s newest restaurant, Piste Mountain Bistro, followed by the Taste of Jackson Hole, which takes place at the top of Rendezvous Mountain in Teton Village.  Guests arrive by gondola to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s stunning Couloir Restaurant.  Various Signature Private Dinners are held in local homes.  The signature event, the Wine Auction and Gala Dinner begins with a silent auction, accompanied by fabulous wines and hors d’oeuvres.  Renowned auctioneer and vintner, Fritz Hatton leads the spirited live auction during an elegant, 5-course dinner.  The evening concludes with music and dancing by moonlight.   Each year, there is a special guest Wine Moderator.  Noted wine writer, Matt Kramer was the Wine Moderator in 2015.  The event’s Culinary Director is famed restaurateur of the Myriad Restaurant Group, Drew Nieporent.

Given the spectacular pristine mountain setting with the backdrop of the majestic Grand Tetons, this is a “Don’t Miss” wine event.  Tickets are available as a full weekend package or a la carte.

For information and ticket purchase, telephone 307-732-9965, 307-732-9961, email megan@gtmf.org or visit: www.jhwineauction.org.

 The 37th Annual L’Ete du Vin, Will Take Place July 28-30 In Nashville, Tennessee

L’Ete du Vin (A Summer of Wine), which takes place annually in Nashville, includes tasting events of fine wine accompanied by intimate gourmet dinners and luxury items up for bid at silent and live auctions, with proceeds benefiting various organizations dedicated to fighting  cancer.  As the country’s longest running charity wine auctions, L’Ete du Vin brings together Nashville’s finest collectors and wine enthusiasts while raising funds for the fight against cancer.

Last year’s event, which took place over four days with special tastings and dinners, was attended by over 670 people. Additional events of the Nashville Wine Auction that included a Food & Wine Weekend in February and a wine tasting in October brought the total raised to $1.1 Million.

The signature event, the Grand Auction, will be held this year at Loew’s Vanderbilt Hotel.  Noted vintner and auctioneer Fritz Hatton will again the bidding.  Established in 1980, the Nashville Wine Auction has raised over $20 Million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to treatment, patient care, and eradication of cancer in Middle Tennessee.

The 37th Annual L’Ete du Vin will honor the legendary Italian wine estate, GAJA, represented by Gaia Gaja, daughter of Angelo Gaja and the winery’s top ambassador.  The Nashville Wine Auction will also host the Ultimate Food & Wine Weekend in February, the Grand Cru Evening in June, Vintners’ Tasting, Patrons’ Dinner, as well as the Grand Auction in July and two events in October, Champagne and Chardonnay for the Ladies and a Dinner for the Men, with cocktails and wines.

Please contact L’Ete du Vin for further information and registration for the 37th Annual L’Ete du Vin, email: info@nashvillewineauction.com; Telephone: 615-329-1760; Fax: 615-329-1704; L’Ete du Vin website: www.nashvillewineauction.com.

The 18th Annual V Wine Celebration Will Take Place August 4-7 In Napa Valley

The V Wine Celebration is a world-class wine event and auction benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research.  Set in Napa Valley, the heart of California Wine Country, this annual event brings together 500 prominent members of the sports, entertainment, technology, investment, medical and winemaking worlds to raise money to fund vital research in the fight against all types of cancer.  To date, the V Wine Celebration, raising over $68 Million since its first event in 1999, has helped fund 550 research programs at medical and research facilities across the country.

Experience three days with the best culinary adventures, the most sought-after wines, exciting musical performances, thought-provoking panels, highly coveted auction experiences, and the chance to meet amazing people who are joining the same fight: to find cures for cancer.  Featured guest speaker this year is Rudy Giuliani, one of the world’s most respected leaders.  Special musical guest will be Don Felder, Grammy Award Winning Eagles guitarist.

Last year, The V Foundation for Cancer Research’s annual fundraiser, the V Wine Celebration, garnered more than $10.6 Million for cancer research.  The gala dinner and live auction were held at Nickel & Nickel Winery.  With an unprecedented $3 Million matching grant from an anonymous donor, the total included more than $7.8 Million in fund-a-need donations to support pediatric brain cancer research.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jimmy Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator.  Since then, the foundation has funded more than $130 Million in cancer research grants nationwide.  One hundred percent of the net proceeds from this event directly support the work of The V Foundation.

For more information about the 2016 event, call 707-963-0611 or visit www.winecelebration.org.

 

The 31st Annual Central Coast Wine Classic Will Take Place August 10-14, At Venues From San Simeon To Santa Barbara

Since the creation of the Central Coast Wine Classic Foundation in 2004, it has conferred over $2.5 Million to 125 Central Coast non-profits whose missions are in the Healing, Studio or Performing Arts.  From the initial Wine Classic year, 1985, it has been promoting the wineries of California, the reputations of the terroirs from Santa Barbara County north through the entire Central Coast appellation and into Napa and Sonoma counties.  The Classic’s positive relationships with wineries outside the United States has included the terroirs of Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, South Africa and Spain.  The future themes and activities that manifest those themes will continue to focus on areas and venues both inside and outside of California.

There was no Central Coast Wine Classic in 2015.  According to event Founder and Chairman, Archie McLaren, he, their Board of Directors, Vintner Committee and Advisory Committee, decided to take a hiatus and develop new concepts regarding theme and scope for the Wine Classic in 2016.

Plans for 2016 include the Annual Dinner at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which will be in its 26th incarnation.  Symposia will cover Rhones, Pinot Noirs and Bordeaux Varietals from throughout the state.  Australia with its remarkable blends of Red Rhone Varietals and Bordeaux Varietals such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon will be part of the symposia offerings.  Winery Dinners, with vintners from throughout California, will take place in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties at winery properties, fine restaurants and elegant homes. The Rare & Fine Wine & Lifestyle Auction will take place at a Santa Barbara Resort or Montecito Estate.

The Wine Classic will kick off on Wednesday with a Barrel Tasting and Barrel Auction at Greengate Ranch & Vineyard in the Edna Valley.  The next day, attendees will have a choice between a Vineyard Tour, Tasting and Luncheon at Tablas Creek Vineyard and Winery in Paso Robles or a Paso Robles Bordeaux Varietal Symposium and Luncheon at Daou Vineyards and Winery.  That evening, the always sold-out, magical evening under the stars at Hearst Castle, will feature a Roederer Champagne Reception.  Friday features Vineyard Tours and Tastings in Edna and Arroyo Grande Valleys; a Santa Rita Hills Tour, Tasting and Luncheon, Symposias of Santa Barbara wines and Central Coast Pinot Noir.  That evening a very special Rare Wine Dinner hosted by Dr. Blake Brown, Don Schliff, John Tilson and Archie McLaren will take place at the Santa Barbara Club and Winemaker Dinners will take place at the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Santa Barbara Yacht Club.  Saturday morning at Bella Vista, The Patrick Nesbitt Polo Estate in Summerland features symposia of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Champagne Louis Roederer & Black River Caviar. Also in the morning there will be an Auction Preview & Super Silent Auction & Exotic Automobile Display.  The flagship event of the Wine Classic occurs that afternoon in Summerland, with the Rare & Fine Wine & Lifestyle Live Auction, Silent Auction and Luncheon, hosted by Culinary Icon Narsai David and Event Founder & Chairman Archie McLaren.  Luncheon is prepared by renowned Chefs Rick Manson and Frank Ostini of the Buellton Hitching Post.  On Sunday, the Wine Classic’s finale will be an Australian Wine Symposium at Santa Barbara Inn and a VIP Champagne Louis Roederer & Black River Caviar Departure Brunch at Stella Mare’s Country French restaurant situated between Montecito and the Pacific Ocean.

In the past, the Auction has hit the $1 Million mark and, with these new plans and concepts, it is anticipated that it will do so again in 2016, continuing the positive momentum into the future. For much of its 30-year history, the Central Coast Wine Classic has been among the top charity wine auctions in America, usually also among the Wine Spectator’s “Top Ten.”

Please contact Archie McLaren for further information and registration – email: archie.wineclassic@gmail.com; telephone: 805-878-3124; fax: 805-595-2742; Wine Classic website: http://www.centralcoastwineclassic.org/

St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church 7th Annual Summer Classic Will Take Place August 27th In Los Olivos, California

St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church will hold its 7th annual charity wine auction, Summer Classic on Saturday, August 27 in Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley.  The wine auction, which takes place on the lovely grounds of St. Mark’s, will begin at 6 pm with a social hour and silent auction, followed by a live auction and gala dinner, with entertainment.  This year’s live auction features fine and rare, collectible wines and extensive lifestyle packages.  The gourmet dinner will be prepared by New West Catering Company.  Grammy Award-wining musician Mads Tolling will entertain dinner guests.  A limited number of tickets will be offered for $200 each.

The Classic has been very successful, with each year’s fundraising surpassing that of previous years.  Revenue from the auction, according to The Rev. Randall Day, allows the Church to continue to serve not only their Episcopal congregation but also to function as a meeting place for more than 60 local groups who come to access space, at no cost to them, including the area’s Jewish congregation, Food Bank, Valley Community Theatre and recovery groups, as well as to provide art, music and educational programs and to help fund other non-profits.

C0-chairs this year are Carol Anders and James Lohnas.  Renowned Auctioneer John Glines will lead the live bidding, working with Andrew Firestone as emcee.  The exciting, new lifestyle packages include a week’s stay in the Adirondack, a Downton Abbey Christmas Celebration at Clos Pepe Vineyards, a trip to Tuscany, a Cocktail Party for 40 at your home, a dinner at the Margerum Wine Company cooked personally by Doug Margerum with a selection of Library Wines and much more.

For more information please contact Carol Anders at 805-688-3445 or cadaanders@hotmail.com, or visit www.SMITV.org.

The 24th Annual Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction Will Take Place September 2-6 In Sonoma Valley, California

The Harvest Wine Auction is the signature event of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend held each year over Labor Day weekend, sponsored by Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers.  Last year’s Harvest Wine Auction, held at Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood shattered records, raising $4.5 Million supporting Sonoma County’s youth, children, students, farm workers and people in need, all in the effort to make this world class region a better place.  Weekend gross for 2015 was $5.5 Million.

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend enjoys laid back, end of summer ambiance while mingling with top winemakers, sharing their finest wines, all paired with gourmet cuisine of featured chefs from Sonoma County restaurants. Sonoma Starlight is an evening of dinner and dancing under the stars, poolside at Francis Ford Coppola’s winery in Geyserville.  Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Estate Vineyards in Healdsburg features food from about 60 local chefs and wines from close to 200 wineries.  Other events include lunches, dinners, seminars, cooking demonstrations and barbecues occurring all weekend long. The Harvest Wine Auction will take place once again at Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood.  This year’s honorary chair is Dan Kosta of Kosta Browne Winery.

Over $200 Million has been raised to date for charities that benefit students, children, farm workers and people in need in Sonoma County communities

For information on the 24th Annual Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction and Wine Country Weekend, telephone 855-939-7666 or visit: www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com

The 35th Annual Detroit International Wine Auction will take place Saturday, October 15, Detroit, Michigan

The 34th Annual Detroit International Wine Auction took place at the Coleman A. Young International Airport in Detroit, which was transformed into a shimmering dinner setting. Over 700 people delighted in the gala, luxurious evening of world-class wines, gourmet cuisine, fashion and art to benefit Detroit’s College for Creative Studies. “The Art of Wine,” chaired by General Motors President, Daniel Ammann and partner Pernilla Ammann, raised a record-breaking $3 Million to fund scholarships at CCS and provide free art classes for at-risk youth.

CCS provides free art programs to more than 4,000 children in Detroit each year, and supports talented but financially needy undergraduate students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. These students will go on to be the design leaders and inspired artists of tomorrow, as strengthen Detroit as a center for creativity and innovation.

The Detroit International Wine Auction has grown to be the largest wine auction in the region, and one of the biggest auctions in the country. CCS has been an anchor in the Detroit community since its founding in 1906 as the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts. Named one of the “Top Design Schools in the World” in Business Week, CCS today is one of Detroit’s most dynamic institutions.  This year’s gala event, which will take place Saturday, October 15, will be chaired by Matthew Simoncini of Lear Corporation and Mona Simoncini, a former graduate of CCS.  Renowned vintner and auctioneer Fritz Hatton will again lead the bidding for the live auction.  Featured vintner is Fisher Vineyards.

Please contact the College for Creative Studies for further information and registration for the 35th Annual Detroit International Wine Auction; email: diwa@collegeforcreativestudies.edu; Telephone: 313-664-7464; CCS website: www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/diwa

The 25th Annual Rusty Staub Wine Auction Is Set For Wednesday, October 19 in New York City

Baseball great Rusty Staub and his namesake auction is a perennial top performer and the 24th Annual Rusty Staub Foundation Emergency Food Program in 2015 generated $1.5 Million for food pantries in the five boroughs of New York City.  The annual Program consists of two events each year, the Celebrity Chefs and Friends Golf Tournament that takes place in June and the Wine Auction and Dinner in October.  The Golf Tournament, featuring famed actor Len Cariou as 2016 honoree, also includes dinner and an auction.  The October auction and dinner takes place at Maloney & Porcelli Restaurant in Manhattan.  Rusty Staub’s motto is “Benefiting Youth.  Fighting Hunger.”

For more information on Rusty Staub’s charity events, telephone 646-794-2483, email rsfoundation@archny.org. or visit his website:  www.rustystaubfoundation.com.

The 26th Annual Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Will Take Place November 10-13 in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation will present its 26th annual schedule of events to raise money to help people in Hampton Roads.  The main fundraising event is their annual Grand Auction, the largest, most successful wine auction in Virginia, attracting hundreds of wine lovers from Hampton Roads and all over the East Coast.  The Wine Classic focuses primarily on helping to educate youth and to fund breast cancer research.

The 25th Annual Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic last year raised $1.3 Million to provide support for local children’s educational charities.  The Classic also includes a Wine, Women and Fishing tournament.  This colorful event, taking place in August, has raised over $400,000 for breast cancer research at East Virginia Medical School.  The fishing tournament includes a dock party, music and dinner.  Vintner of the Year Dinner, featuring Janet Trefethen, will take place at a private estate. The live auction will be held at a private home overlooking Lynnhaven River and other events, wine tastings and dinners will be held at Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach.  Renowned auctioneer, Ursula Hermacinski will gavel the live auction.

For more information, telephone Jennie Capps at 757-200-9463, email wineclassic@cox.net or visit the web site: http://cbwc.org/

Charity wine auctions can be excellent resources, enabling everyday wine enthusiasts, as well as connoisseurs and collectors, to expand their cellars, obtaining highly sought after bottles.  Generous wineries often donate unreleased bottles also and travel companies donate trips, tours and tastings for priceless experiences.  Ticket prices and winning bids are generally in part tax-deductible.  At charity auctions, you can have a lot of fun with great camaraderie and enjoy fabulous wining and dining, all while raising money for a variety of good causes.