Rob Giardinelli
Wine Country Is The Ideal Setting For The Gala Duo
By Rob Giardinelli Photography courtesy of The V Foundation
THE SCENE: Two events in California’s Wine Country over the spring and summer months welcomed nearly a thousand of the nation’s most notable medical leaders, sociables, and philanthropists, each providing unforgettable fun that combined research, food, and giving. The events, hosted by The V Foundation, were the organization’s 4th annual Sonoma Epicurean event in March and the 27th annual Napa Wine Celebration in August. The result was eight figures raised for one of the nation’s most esteemed and respected medical philanthropic organizations.
THE VIBE: The two events each drew a Wine Country-chic crowd, who basked in the delectable food, wine, and weather. In the crowd, one could spot women wearing a host of cocktail and sundresses in an array of bold and pastel colors, while men were seen donning a mix of cocktail attire and sport coats. The festive atmosphere at both events offered an opportunity for the guests to feel like a part of The V Foundation family.
The festivities for both weekends included kickoff meals, where patrons and VIPs enjoyed top cuisine and wines from the region. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to participate in athletic and wellness activities, as well as attend panels and engage in one-on-one discussions with top medical and cancer experts to learn about the latest advancements in cancer research.
Each of the two weekends was capped off with spectacular wine dinners. The Sonoma Epicurean dinner was held at the Montage Healdsburg in March. During the night, patrons enjoyed delectable cuisine, each dish spectacularly paired with local wines. The night honored Johanna and Dustin Valette, proprietors of Valette Wines, who were introduced by special guests Russell Wilson and Ciara, a native of Fort Hill, Texas.
Sonoma Epicurean was capped off with a dazzling live auction. The paddles and fundraising were driven higher and higher due to an impressive lot of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The most popular packages to emerge from the evening included The Cabo Dream with Aperture Cellars that fetched $220,000 as well as three surprise lots, including a New York Yankees Experience, a Duke Trip, and a New York Giants adventure that collectively raised $277,500.
The Napa Wine Celebration ended The V Foundation’s Wine Country fundraising season with a bang. A sold-out crowd of 500 enjoyed the Nickel and Nickel Winery for an epic evening of fun and fundraising. Legendary Duke Basketball Coach, Mike Krzyzewski, known as Coach K by his many adoring fans, returned as emcee, keeping the crowd entertained and the evening’s festivities moving at a fun, brisk pace.
Culinary lovers fortunate enough to be a part of a special evening were treated to a delectable, multi-course dinner prepared by Chef Rebecca Weitzman. Each of the courses was thoughtfully and expertly paired with local wines that wowed the crowd. During the program, Jamie Valvano, daughter of The V Foundation Founder Jim Valvano, who, in addition to celebrating 20 years cancer-free, was honored with the “Spirit of Jimmy V Award.”
The night was capped off with an epic live auction, featuring 26 exquisitely curated auction lots. Top auction items included a 2026 Wimbledon Experience that fetched $300,000, a seven-day private charter of an OMNIA Yacht for $275,000, and an Exclusive Resorts’ The Eden Club Residences package that sold for $150,000. A paddle raise followed, which included a matching gift from The V Foundation Board Chair, Evan and Cindy Goldberg. The night was capped off by celebrating the announcement of an eight-figure sum raised that capped off a fantastic weekend that effortlessly blended medicine, sports, food, wine, and philanthropy.
THE NON-PROFIT: Sonoma Epicurean, co-chaired by Stuart Bryan and Jessica Kilcullen, raised over $3 million for The V Foundation, while the Napa Wine Celebration raised over $12.3 million for The V Foundation. Proceeds raised from the two events will be used to fund cancer research initiatives. Since the organization’s founding in 1993, it has raised over $400 million to accelerate the Victory Over Cancer® mission and provide thousands of cutting-edge grants to further that cause.
