Rob Giardinelli
From World-Class Wines And Culinary Experiences To Groundbreaking Science And Once-In-A-Lifetime Auction Packages, The 28th Napa Wine Celebration Brings Together More Than 350 Philanthropists, Physicians, Scientists, And Tastemakers For An Unforgettable Weekend Of Purpose And Celebration
By Rob Giardinelli Photography courtesy of V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration
THE SCENE: A beautiful weekend in Napa was the setting for one of the nation’s most successful and anticipated annual Summer fundraising events. A crowd featuring over 350 of the nation’s most notable medical leaders, scientists, sociables, and philanthropists descended to the heart of California Wine Country for the Napa Wine Celebration. Benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the weekend featured great conversation, delicious food, and a very impressive fundraising haul.
THE VIBE: Over the course of the weekend, the crowd donned their favorite wine-chic attire. During the weekend’s festivities, cocktail dresses and open-collared suits and sports coats of all colors seamlessly blended into the event landscape, creating an elegant, festive, and warm environment wherever guests went.
The weekend kicked off at the Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx for a special Dinner with the Docs. Here, patrons and philanthropists got to mingle with the world-leading doctors on the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee, where they engaged in intimate conversation over delicious food and legendary Napa wines.
On day two, the crowd enjoyed the beautiful landscape of Napa. The festivities included a Presidents & Vintner Grant Honoree Luncheon at Robert Mondavi Winery that seamlessly blended knowledge with great food and delectable wines. That night, the crowd then headed to Estate Yountville for the Rock the V Party & Concert. Here, patrons had the opportunity to enjoy food and wine from over 50 of Napa’s top wineries and culinary partners. The party went well into the night as guests danced to the tunes of acclaimed band Jazz Mafia.
On the final morning, guests took part in the Krzyzewski Family Foundation’s Cancer Research Symposium. During the illuminating afternoon, the crowd listened to top medical leaders provide updates on the latest cutting-edge cancer research trends and showcase how the V Foundation’s grants have allowed the world to take their findings and apply them to save lives.
Capping off the weekend was an epic Gala & Auction. Located at Nickel & Nickel Winery, the crowd began the night enjoying their favorite wines and other spirits amid the beautiful California summer air.
After taking to their seats, they enjoyed a delectable, multi-course meal, with each course paired with local wines. Gala host Jay Bilas kept the festivities moving at a brisk, informative, yet fun pace. During the dinner, guests were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for taking part in such a special weekend.
The fun continued with a dazzling live auction led by John Curley and Liam Mayclem. The paddles were feverishly raised as bidders bid on an impressive lot featuring 15 once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The top item of the evening was a Vineyards, Villages, and Vintages package, which featured a private seven-night stay for up to 14 guests at Aqua et Oleum estate in Spain’s Sierra de Gata wine region that fetched an impressive $280,000.
Additionally, a VIP journey to the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland, which was combined with exclusive experiences at Vineyard 7 & 8 in Napa, went for $200,000. Capping off the night was a paddles up that sent the fundraising total to extraordinary heights and ended the highly successful weekend on a high note.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 28th Napa Wine Celebration raised an eye-popping $6.87 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Proceeds raised from the Napa Wine Celebration will go toward providing grants to top medical facilities to conduct trailblazing research to pursue cancer treatments. Since the founding of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the organization has provided over $500 million in grants to organizations around the world, including $37 million to institutions in the Bay Area.
Here Are 7 Highlights From The V Foundation’s Chic Napa Wine Celebration
- $6.87 Million Raised for Cancer Research
The 28th annual celebration delivered an extraordinary fundraising total to support groundbreaking cancer research and the next generation of lifesaving treatments. - More Than 350 Influential Guests Gather in Napa
Medical leaders, scientists, philanthropists, vintners, and prominent supporters came together for a weekend where meaningful connections met California wine-country glamour. - Dinner With the Docs Kicks Off the Weekend
Guests gathered at the Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx for an intimate evening of conversation with members of the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee, paired with exceptional food and Napa wines. - Rock the V Brings Wine Country to Life
Estate Yountville set the stage for an energetic evening featuring more than 50 Napa wineries and culinary partners, with acclaimed band Jazz Mafia keeping the crowd dancing late into the night. - Cutting-Edge Cancer Research Takes Center Stage
The Krzyzewski Family Foundation’s Cancer Research Symposium offered guests an illuminating look at the latest advances in cancer research and how V Foundation grants are helping transform scientific discoveries into treatments. - A Star-Studded Gala Meets High-Stakes Auction
Hosted by Jay Bilas, the finale at Nickel & Nickel Winery combined elegant dining and exceptional wines with a spirited live auction led by John Curley and Liam Mayclem. - Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences Drive the Giving Even Higher
Among the evening’s coveted auction packages, a seven-night stay for up to 14 guests at Aqua et Oleum in Spain’s Sierra de Gata wine region fetched $280,000, while a VIP 2027 Ryder Cup experience in Ireland paired with exclusive Napa experiences sold for $200,000.
