The 3rd Annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean Weekend Raises Over $3.4 Million
The 3rd annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean weekend, held March 21-24 in Sonoma County's renowned wine country, raised over $3.4 million. The funds raised will support multiple cancer research teams for an additional 3-4 years of funding per project. Presented by Weather Wines, Sonoma Epicurean features three days of curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans and world-class vintners, focusing on lifestyle, wellness and sustainability.
The V Foundation's wine country events have raised nearly $170 million for cancer research over the last 25 years. Since the V Foundation's inception in 1993, the organization has awarded over $353 million in cancer research grants to world-class scientists at top cancer centers nationwide.
The event kicked off with the Vintner Showcase Reception at Montage Healdsburg, followed by the Epicurean Winery Dinners, private experiences featuring Charlie Palmer, Dustin Valette, David Frakes and Jason Pringle. Each chef created a menu paired with wines from Arista Winery, Benovia Winery, Kistler Winery, and Lynmar Estate. The Epic After Party at The Matheson on the Healdsburg Square concluded the day.
Friday featured the Artisan Series, a variety of immersive experiences, including an outdoor adventure with "Survivor" winner Ethan Zohn, and yoga and wellness activities at Bricoleur Vineyards, plus others. The day concluded with the Epic Party at Bacchus Landing where leading vintners poured alongside delights from award-winning chefs. Guests bid at an exclusive barrel auction featuring WALT Wines, Ridge Vineyards, Lasseter Family Winery and Ramey Wine Cellars.
Saturday's events began with the Wellness Breakfast and EpiCUREean Symposium, V Foundation-funded scientists discussing cutting-edge colorectal cancer research. The V Foundation has awarded over $8.9 million in colorectal cancer research grants, the leading cause of cancer death for men and second leading for women under age 50. Colorectal cancer research was the Fund-A-Need focus for the weekend.
The celebration culminated with the Epic Feast & Gala Auction at Montage Healdsburg, co-hosted by Shae Cornette, ESPN SportsCenter host, and Devon Still, former NFL defensive end and 2015 recipient of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
The Gala included a special tribute to Leslie Sbrocco, the 2024 Honoree, and four-time Emmy and James Beard Award-winning television personality, acclaimed author, wine, food and travel authority, and a colorectal cancer survivor.
Auctioneer and Emmy award-winning radio and TV personality Liam Mayclem presided over more than 20 lots, including the evening's top lot, a dinner party for 18 at The Matheson in Healdsburg, hosted by Chef/Owner Dustin Valette, Golden Globe award-winning actor Teri Hatcher and Leslie Sbrocco that went for $420,000. The dinner will be paired with wines selected by renowned sommelier Debbie Zachareas.
The 4th annual V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean weekend will take place March 20-23, 2025. For more information, please visit sonomaepicurean.v.org.
(Images available upon request)
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