RAISING PADDLES ON 30 LOTS, BIDDERS RAISE $1.8 MILLION FOR CHARITY AT THE 2022 SONOMA COUNTY WINE AUCTION
story by Jonathan Cristaldi / photos by Alexander Rubin
After three days of dinners, tastings, and events, the annual Sonoma County Wine Auction, presented by the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF), raised $1.8 million in support of local SCVF-driven grants—adding to the more than $40 million raised since the auction’s inception.
The funds will benefit over 100 Sonoma County–based nonprofit organizations, including the SCVF emergency relief fund as well as programs focused on education and literacy, health and human services, the environment, and the arts.
Serving as the backdrop for the annual charitable auction was Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery, which proved just as magnificent as the cause itself. Under a blue sky streaked with puffy clouds, guests were greeted with pours of Ten of Cups, the bright, mineral-driven new sparkling wine from Foley Family Wines brand Banshee. Guests then filed into the open-air pavilion, where honorary chairs Bill and Carol Foley, owners of Foley Family Wines and Chalk Hill, were offering tastes of their wines and striking up conversations with guests and bidders.
During a lunch of passed plates featuring a bounty of fresh, local vegetables and an array of dishes made with seasonal ingredients, excitement built until it was time to start bidding on the 30 lots on the auction block. Michael Haney, executive director of SCVF, took to the stage wearing a turtleneck in the signature red that vintner honoree Jean-Charles Boisset has made a hallmark of his style (most often in the form of JCB-emblazoned socks). Congressman Mike Thompson offered a few remarks of thanks, then passed the microphone to Boisset, whose own spirited soliloquy touched on the passions and privileges of being American—echoing remarks he gave the night prior during the Roaring ’20s–themed “Best. Party. Ever.” at Boisset’s historic Buena Vista Winery. He encouraged the would-be bidders to prepare to raise their paddles for a wealth of good causes. Just then, auctioneer John Curley further raised the crowd’s energy level as he darted onstage in his signature jeans and cowboy boots.
In the end, overcome with emotion at the amount raised, second-generation vintner Courtney Foley told The SOMM Journal, “I’m so happy for the immense support.” And indeed, that support was as palpable as the excitement for the experiences on offer and the celebrations that accompanied each winning bid.
Some highlights included a $110,000 winning bid for an intimate trip hosted by Boisset, including travels from Paris to Burgundy, meals at Michelin-starred restaurants, and VIP tastings at iconic vineyards. A $182,000 bid won a Hawaiian vacation at the Foley family’s 15-acre Hale ‘Ae Kai luxury estate with views of Pacific Ocean, an infinity pool, and a private chef to present meals paired with Foley wines. A $26,000 bid for Lot #19 earned a stay at Montage Los Cabos and an intimate wine-paired dinner from chef Dustin Valette at the private estate Maravilla—and, after traveling back to Healdsburg, dinner at Valette’s The Matheson or Valette restaurants.
Valette, this year’s chef honoree, seemed overcome with joy when I caught up with him at his table, where he was seated with the legendary Bob Cabral of Williams Selyem and Three Sticks. “Sonoma is a very special place, near and dear to my heart,” he said, “and this shows the true authenticity of what wine country is and can be. To be involved is a massive honor and incredible to share with my friends, colleagues, and family.”
On my way to the event, I talked with Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, who was first in line to grab a paddle to support the Fund-A-Need Paddle Raise, which is the auction’s collective giving opportunity to support education and literacy programs and to address challenges impacting children in Sonoma County. Leading the charge with $100,000 opening bids were the Foley family, Gina Gallo of E. & J. Gallo Winery, and Rick Tigner of Jackson Family Wines.
I was seated at a table with Carmen Castaldi of Rodney Strong Vineyards, who contributed a $50,000 bid. Sitting next to me was Rodney Strong Vineyards winemaker Justin Seidenfeld, who had been tasting me through his luxury Rowen Wine Company brand, which offers positively phenomenal and structured wines. Meanwhile, the bidding continued, and the Hamels of Hamel Family Wines, along with Mary Dewane and Joe Anderson of Benovia Winery, offered $50,000 bids, while Elizabeth and Mark Hanson of Bricoleur Vineyards and the Wall Family Foundation committed $25,000. When it was over, more than $595,000 was raised during the live auction, with additional post-event donations rolling in for Fund-A-Need.
Later, Gina Gallo, who is a passionate advocate for bettering the lives of children, offered a personal take on the importance of The Sonoma County Wine Auction. “It’s an incredibly special, meaningful event,” she began. “We are a small community, but together we can make a very big impact. We all love Sonoma County and care deeply about the land, our neighbors, and each other. The auction offers us a chance to give back and support something that helps us build a strong Sonoma County for the next generations.”
The complete auction results from this year are available at sonomacountywineauction.com. The 2023 Sonoma County Wine Auction will take place September 14–16.
