Sonoma County Wine Celebration raises funds for local nonprofits

Under bright blue skies in the historic district Chateau St. Jean Winery At Kenwood, Sonoma County Wine Celebration It concluded Saturday with a live auction to raise vital funds for local nonprofits. The amount raised will be announced next week.

The annual fundraiser, formerly known as the Sonoma County Wine Auction, Sonoma County Winegrowers FoundationSince its founding in 1988, it has helped raise more than $42 million in grants for local education, health and human services, arts and culture, the environment and emergency relief.

This month, the nonprofit It was announced Distribution of $350,000 through 35 community grants in Sonoma County.

A major recipient of this year’s wine auction fundraiser is the K-3 Proficiency Project. K3 InnovationA nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing literacy and math skills among Sonoma County schoolchildren.

Bidding for a favor

Saturday’s auction was led by enthusiastic auctioneer John Curley as the crowd of 230 raised their paddles to benefit the community.

Among the 40 auction lots this year was a dinner prepared by actor Harry Hamlin, chef of the acclaimed cooking show “In the Kitchen with Harry Hamlin” on AMC+/IFC, and his niece Renee Guilbault.

Additional hot deals include a private Caribbean island getaway from Francis Ford Coppola, tickets to the Masters Golf Tournament in Georgia, and dinner for 30 couples at the Golden Bear Station restaurant with wines from Three Sticks and Hamel Family Wines.

Award recipients

At the event, the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation presented numerous awards to those who have made significant contributions to the local community.

Among them was Nate Weis, vice president of winemaking at Silver Oak and Twomey in Sonoma and Napa counties, who received the Wine Business Leadership Award. Presented in partnership with the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University, the award recognized Weis’ innate leadership skills, ongoing innovation and commitment to diversity and sustainability.

“Sonoma County Vintners is honored to partner with The Wine Business Institute to present this wonderful award to another extraordinary and generous wine business leader,” said Michael Haney, executive director of Sonoma County Vintners. “The SCV feels it is vital that we recognize members of our winemaking community who are making a positive difference in our region so that others can be inspired by their actions.”

Also honored were the third-generation Sangiacomo family of Sangiacomo Family Wines, who were honored with this year’s Vintner and Grower Honors, and Mark and Terri Stark of Stark Reality Restaurants, who were honored with the Chef Honors.

“Members of our wine and hospitality industries continue to work tirelessly to care for those in our region who need help the most,” Haney said. “They are always willing to help raise critical funds for our programs that provide sustainable funding for nonprofits on the front lines.”

Reach Staff Writer Sarah Doyle at 707-521-5478 or [email protected]. Follow Sarah on Instagram at @whiskymuse.