Sonoma County Wine Auction Raises Record-Breaking $6.1 Million for Local Charities

Great news out of wine country to start the week. Sonoma County Vintners Foundation announced it has raised $6.1 million at the 2019 Sonoma County Wine Auction.

“We are humbled and grateful to everyone who raised their paddles today,” said Christopher Jackson, 2019 Honorary Co-Chair. “It was incredibly emotional under the tent this year. My heart is full knowing that my passion for the Fund-A-Need paddle raise was met with unbelievable contributions. As a result, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma – Marin can make the dream of Roseland Club construction a reality providing a monumental impact on the community.”

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Sonoma County Vintners
Photo credit: Robert McClenahan

Per the press release:

“This charitable gathering was the culmination of a three-day affair that included an exclusive kickoff party on Thursday evening hosted with the Cline Family at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and intimate Friday evening Vintner Dinners throughout Sonoma County and San Francisco.”

“The Sonoma County Wine Auction is always distinguished by its authenticity and true sense of community. It’s this collaborative, welcoming community that drew my grandfather to put roots down here,” said Honorary Co-Chair Gina Gallo. “During the Auction weekend, Chris Jackson and I welcomed guests throughout all the different events, celebrating Sonoma County’s wonderful wine and culinary culture. It was a pleasure working together with Chris, joining two incredible, historic families of Sonoma County wine to showcase the best of what our vintners, growers and chefs can produce and how we can support our community.”

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2019 Top 5 Results in the Live Auction

$6.1 million was raised at the 2019 Sonoma County Wine Auction
Photo credit: Robert McClenahan

1. Lot No. 13, “G.O.A.T. Sonoma County Bordeaux Varietals – Past, Present & Future” featuring a 378-bottle collection of Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals was the highest-selling individual lot in the auction’s history, fetching $520,000.

2. Lot No. 14, “An Intimate Nashville Evening with Brad Paisley! (And a Trip You’ll Never Forget!)” featuring Lasseter Family Winery earned $320,000.

3. Lot No. 21, “Lady Antebellum Private Wine Country Experience” featuring Stonestreet Winery and a private evening with the country music superstars at Wing & Barrel peaked at $300,000.

4. Lot No. 27, “Wine & Dine Extravaganza with Gina Gallo & Jean-Charles Boisset” sold for $210,000. The buy-in lot featured a custom dinner crafted by three-star Michelin Chef Kyle Connaughton of SingleThread at Gallo and Boisset’s Napa Valley home.

5. Lot No. 18, “The Ultimate Texas Ranch Getaway” featuring Aperture Wines, Flexjet, JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa brought $170,000.

2019 Honorees

Chef John Ash Accolades:

  • Two-time James Beard Award Winner
  • 2014 “Sustainable Seafood Educator of the Year” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Inductee, the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers
  • Writer of IACP Julia Child Cookbook of the Year
  • 2008 “Cooking School Teacher of the Year” by the International Association of

Culinary Professionals

Winemaker Merry Edwards Accolades:

  • Inductee, Vintners Hall of Fame by the Culinary Institute of America
  • James Beard Award Winner for “Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional”
  • One of the “50 Most Influential Winemakers in the World,” Wine & Spirits

Source: Sonoma County Vintners Foundation

Thanks to the Sonoma Wine Country auction more than $36 million has been raised to date to support charitable organizations focused on education, health and human services, the environment, and arts and culture in Sonoma County.

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