It was just a few months ago, last fall, when a fire swept through Southern Lake County. In the fall of last year, the Valley Fire swept through southern Lake County and scorched more than 115 square miles, destroyed 1,300 homes, and claimed the lives of four people – making it the third most destructive wildfire in California’s history. Numerous businesses were damaged, forests burned, and thousands were left suddenly homeless. In response, members of the wine industry have joined hands to help rebuild Lake County and provide relief to those affected by the fire.
#LakeCountyRising presents
Valley Fire Relief
Charity Wine Auction
Sunday, March 20, 2016
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Vintner’s Hall of Fame at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
2555 Main Street, St. Helena, California 94574
This weekend, Sunday, March 20, community members will come together to help those that have been affected by the fire during this tragic event last fall during the #LakeCountyRising Charity Wine Auction.
Led by Congressmen Mike Thompson, grape-grower Andy Beckstoffer, and auctioneer Fritz Hatton. The Charity Auction will take place in St. Helena on the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.
Seating for the event is limited and advance registration is required. Tickets are $150 and may be still purchased online at www.lakecountyrising.org/charity-auction, but a few tickets are being reserved for sale at the door. “We promise not to turn any bidders away!” says Beckstoffer.
The auction has assembled a remarkable collection of lots and experiences, led by the Napa Valley Vintners, Lake County Winery Association and other wine region associations around the state.
Some items include:
*Winners of a Michelin 3-Star live auction lot will indulge in a dining experience for three couples at The Restaurant at Meadowood, Napa Valley. They will enjoy six sumptuous full tasting menus with wine pairings (inclusive of tax and service). Winners will also take home three bottles each of sought-after Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons from the renowned wineries: 2011 Harlan Estate Red Wine, 2005 Heitz Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2012 Scarecrow Wine Mt. Etain Red Blend.
- A personal barrel lot by Beckstoffer Vineyards will provide a half ton of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the 2016 harvest of the Georges III Heritage Vineyard in Rutherford and includes the expertise of the winemaking team at Sinegal Estate who will custom crush, craft, barrel, age, bottle, and label the finished wine specifically for the successful bidder.
- An ultimate San Francisco Giants game experience at AT&T Park has been created for another lucky live auction winner. With luxury transportation to the ball park, 12 guests will luxuriate in a private VIP Suite filled with gourmet food and Napa Valley wines, and will take home a signed baseball from Barry Bonds to remember the day.
*A silent auction item from the “Heart of the Valley,” includes dinner for four at Mustard’s Grill in Yountville and a mixed case of Napa Valley wine including: two bottles Far Niente 2013 Chardonnay; two bottles Joseph Carr Wine 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon; two bottles Tom Scott Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon; two bottles Grgich Hills Estate 2012 Chardonnay; two bottles The Prisoner 2014 Red Blend; one bottle Faust 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon; and one bottle Silver Trident 2012 Red Blend.
- From the Napa Valley’s southern end comes a silent auction item named “Distinctly Southern” and includes dinner for four at Cole’s Chop House in downtown Napa and a mixed case of Napa Valley wine, including: five bottles Arrow & Branch 2013 Sauvignon Blanc; five bottles Jamieson Ranch Vineyards 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon; and two bottles Rocca Family Vineyards 2011 Red Blend.
*A “Napa Valley Cabernet Fest” is a silent auction lot which includes a mixed case (one bottle each) of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Chateau de Vie 2009 Calistoga; Cimarossa 2011 Howell Mountain; Corison Winery 2013 St. Helena; FARM Napa Valley 2013 Napa; Faust 2012 Rutherford; Reverie Vineyard & Winery 2010 Calistoga; Lamborn Family Vineyards 2011 Howell Mountain; O’Brien Estate 2012 Napa; Joseph Carr Wine 2012 Rutherford; Silver Stag Winery 2012 Napa; Tom Scott Vineyard 2012 Yountville; Rudd Oakville Estate 2011 Oakville; and a copy of the fine art photography book Perspectives Napa Valley.
And many other lots will be auctioned off during this event.
Those who would like to bid but aren’t able to attend can check the www.lakecountyrising.org/charity-auction web site after March 1 for lot descriptions and advance bidding details.
Those who aren’t able to attend but want to help can click the “Get Tickets” button, and then choose “Donation” instead of the “Live Auction” ticket to make a donation in any amount. Donations are tax-deductible.