John Hinman and Ben Sharp

Various vinters from Sonoma County descended upon the University Club to pour special vintages and magnums of their wines for the 200 or so guests, while treats from Bellweather Farms and Estero Gold with founder Karen Bianchi handmaking each delectable frico according to her grandmother’s recipe’s accompanied the generous helpings of Sonoma’s finest wines.

The vinters included: Jean-Charles Boisset, owner of Buena Vista Carneros Winery and DeLoach Vineyards, Ben Sharp, co-founder of Captre Wines, Tracy Dutton, co-owner of Dutton Estate Winery, Dan Goldfield, winemaker for Dutton-Goldfield,Gary Saperstein of Hanzell Vineyards, Joy Sterling, owner of Iron Horse Vineyards, Randy Ullom, Winemaster of Kendall-Jackson, Michael Browne, co-founder of Kosta Browne, Julia Iantosca, winemaker for Lasseter Family Vineyards, Heather Patz & Gary Merkel of Patz & Hall, Mike Campbell of Pride Mountain Vineyards, David Oliver & Tanya Melillo of Rams Gate Winery, an Walter Schug, owner of Schug Carneros Estate.

Elisabeth Thieriot and Jean-Charles Boisset

The evening celebrated the upcoming charitable Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction on September 4^th at Cline Cellars in Sonoma Valley Wine Country. Mr. Hinman is a repeat high bidder and benefactor of the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction that generously supports children’s charities and children in need along with other charitable entities in Sonoma County.

Joan Henricks and Nancy Bennett

About the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction:

The 19^th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction, sponsored by Trilogy Glass & Packaging, has been a longstanding tradition. The feather in the cap of the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, an epicurean event unlike any other, this charitable auction balances the elegance, sophistication, and style of Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch, with festivity, frivolity and fundraising for three unforgettable days of celebration. This year, the event falls over Labor Day Weekend, Friday, September 2^nd – Sunday, September 4^th. Celebrate the weekend Sonoma style!

See more event photos below.

Walter Schug and Julie Atwood

Rob Tovani, Peter Radin and Bill Kelly

Patrick Jude and Carolyn Stone

Fred Howard and Marcia Howard

Carolyn Suh and Carolyn Hodge

Robin Eber, Nancy Simmons, Stephanie Pugash and Paul Hoffman

Quinton Jay and Katie Dye

Peter Bertrand, Harry Parsley and Jan Bertrand

Gary Saperstein and Bruce Smith

Marlene Roggow and Claudia Sims

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer Photography.

Tell us about the history of Eco-Wine. What inspired its creation?

When we started in the wine industry we were importing and distributing wines to the US and over time we began to feel that the wine industry was getting a little stale – that the wine we really wanted just didn’t exist. That’s when we began to envision our ideal wine company with roots in sustainability, diversity, and delicious food friendly wines but also that was young and fresh – that represented who we are and what we love! So we created it…eco.love is our baby and encompasses everything we love about wine!

Eco-Wine has a Carbon-Zero focus. What exactly does that mean?

Aside from wine we are passionate about the planet and being responsible in business. CarboNZero Certification is our way of staying true to that philosophy. We’ve partnered with the NZWC (New Zealand Wine Company), which enabled our wines to be made in the world’s first CarboNZero winery. The certification means the entire Carbon footprint impact is measured as a baseline. Then energy use is reduced and energy efficient alternatives have been employed such as sustainable farming, composting and winemaking, clean production methods, recycled glass for our bottles, natural inks for labeling and restoration of a natural wetland habitat beside the winery. Then residual emissions are offset via wind farm credits among other projects. You can read more about it here.

More about Eco.Love Wines’ Sustainable Practices.

Craig Fowles Sustainability Manager from eco.love Wines on Vimeo.

• SUSTAINABLE FARMING: Where possible, we try not to use chemical fertilizers at our Vineyards. Instead we use Grape Marc – a bi-product of the wine making process – as a sustainable form of compost. Eventually we hope to cultivate the entire Winery using only organic methods. See public disclosure on sustainable farming
• WATER MANAGEMENT: Our wastewater is irrigated onto a coppiced tree block, planted to form a renewable resource, next to the winery, creating a perfect environment for micro-flora to thrive.
• CONSERVATION IS KEY: The restoration of a wetland habitat that sits beside our Winery has been achieved by the planting of over 4,000 native plants, giving diverse wildlife a self governed environment which, at the end of the day, benefits us all.
• HEAT MANAGEMENT: We’re able to offset the amount of heat lost through refrigeration by putting it to good use in other areas of production, such as heating water to warm our fermentation tanks.
• THE NEED TO RECYCLE: We make sure to recycle as much plastic, paper, cardboard, aluminum and glass as possible.

Eco.Love also  incorporates charitable components. Can you tell us a bit about your ’6 Bottles for Christchurch’ Campaign?

It’s so tragic all of the earthquakes that have been happening and Japan has been so devastating on the whole world that is has captured all of our attention. Before the tragedy occurred there was a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand. This really hit home as it affected family and friends living in the area and was very close to eco.love’s home base. We decided to raise funds for earthquake relief by starting “6 Bottles for Christchurch” in support of Matt Petersen’s efforts with Global Green and the Sir Edmund Hillary Institute. Though it may pale in comparison to Japan, there is still work to be done and we are continuing our efforts (100% of profits from the packages are going to relief efforts).

You also reward philanthropic customers using your ‘Share the Love’ iPhone App. Can you explain how that works?

Share the Love is our passion project…it’s an iPhone and Facebook app that highlights all of the good deeds that happen around us on a daily basis. We think of it as a good deed collective, a place to share inspiration and be inspired by others in your community, in the world. From a high level we see it as raising the collective consciousness for good in the world. And to reward good deeds we offer discounts on our wines, when others share love we want to share love back!

Do you have any upcoming events?

Yes, We will be donating wine at the  Romare Bearden Event at the Museum of the African Diaspora on Friday, May 6th, as well as participating at the Marin Charity Event hosted by Wine Women & Shoes on September 17th… We hope to see you all there!

To learn more about Eco.Love Wines, check out : http://www/eco-lovewines.com

History

The inception of the Derby began with the establishment of the Churchill Downs, the famous racecourse in which the race is held every year. Back in 1872, Colonel M. Lewis Clark returned to the states after traveling England and France. Seeing the horse races there, he decided to start up a racetrack of his own. To fund construction, Clark sold membership to the track. When the field opened in May 1875, the Derby was a hit, but the track was not financially successful.  Luckily, the New Louisville Jockey Club incorporated William F. Schulle as its new president and built a new grandstand to compliment the racetrack’s iconic twin spires.

The Traditions

Roses were traditionally presented to ladies at Kentucky Derby parties. Clark enjoyed them so much, he decreed the rose the official flower of the race. In that fashion, a garland of over 400 roses are sewn together into green satin to adorn the winner. At the center of that garland is a crown, a single rose pointed upward in the middle to represent the struggle and heart needed to win.

The Mint Julep is essentially the southern version of the mojito. This refreshing elixir of mint, whiskey, sugar, and water has been the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby for almost a century. Each year close to 120,000 juleps are sold at the Churchill Downs. For any Derby lover, the julep is key to the experience.

While everyone enjoys watching the glorious steeds race towards the win, the equestrians are not the only ones in the limelight. Since the event always falls on the first weekend in May, Derby goers use the soiree as the perfect occasion to don the latest spring fashions. Probably the most famous of these fashions donned at the Derby is the oversized and over fabulous hats. Besides keeping the southern sun off one’s face, these hats make a statement.

The Derby: An Excuse to Give Back?

The warm spring weather, the fun cocktails, the flowers, the fashion, plus an intense, nail-biting race all combine for a great way to celebrate. And since Derby enthusiasm is not limited to Louisville, organizations across the country use the competition as its theme for their fundraisers. If you are in an area close to one of these events, I highly suggest getting in the spirit of this exciting tradition.

Oaks & Smokes Derby Eve Gala: Louisville, KY

The Oaks & Smokes Gala will feature pre-prohibition cocktails, Crushed Ice Catering, prizes, cigars, and more. This event will act as a pre-party to the race and will be held on May 6. Proceeds will benefit Kentucky Harvest, a nonprofit that moves food from people who give it, to people that need it. With over 35 million people living in a hungry household, this organization could use your support.

Kentucky Derby Viewing Party: San Diego, CA

The San Diego Symphony celebrates its second annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Party on May 7 at the Del Mar Racetrack. Guests are encouraged to don their best Derby hats. Attendees will also enjoy a delicious lunch, roses for the ladies, and a hat contest. Note that if you attend, be prepared to wage bets on your favorite horse.

Junior League of Las Vegas Annual May Luncheon: Las Vegas, NV

For its Annual May Luncheon, The Junior League of Las Vegas is going Derby themed. There will be contests for the best attired. That being said, wear your best Derby gear and a marvelous hat for a chance to win big.

Junior League of Greater Winter Haven Derby Day Casino Night: Winter Haven, FL

The Junior League of Greater of Winter Haven is celebrating the 137^th Anniversary of the Kentucky Derby with a themed Casino Night.  Casino Night raises funds that directly impact JLGWH community projects and membership training and development.

Kentucky Derby Bluegrass Wine Auction & Derby Gala: Lexington, KY

The Lexington Cancer Foundation will hold its 5^th Annual Wine Auction event on May 5 at the beautiful Donamine Farm. People from all across the country congregate at this spectacular event that blends, “the equestrian-centric thrills of the Kentucky Derby with the world of fine wine.” Over the past five years, this event has raised over $3.5 million for the Foundation’s fight against cancer. This Derby Gala is not your typical black-tie affair and promises to be one of the memorable events of the season.

Derby Jubilee & Silent Auction: Orlando, FL

If you happen to live in the Orlando area, or if you are simply visiting on vacation, be sure to dress in authentic Kentucky Derby duds for a fun Jubilee and Silent Auction to benefit the Sebastian Haul Fund. This event will feature a seated, multi-course dinner that will satisfy the palate with complimentary wines. Guest will experience music, dancing, hat contest, and a silent and live auction in true jubilee fashion. Proceeds go to the Fund’s mission to find forever homes for greyhounds.

3^rd Annual Kentucky Derby Party: High Point, NC

This fundraiser presented by the Junior League of High Point will include a pick-the-winner contest, silent auction, and live music. In true Derby spirit, Mint Juleps will be available for purchase. The event will culminate in watching the Derby on big screen televisions. Proceeds will go to maintain the Junior League’s Briles House.

What to do on Derby Day

All of these organizations have picked up on the excitement that the Kentucky Derby has to offer. Even better, they use multitask by raising money for causes they believe in while celebrating a fun event. So I encourage you to get out to one of these fun events, or maybe even throw a Kentucky Derby themed party of your own. Fashion, competition, and fun for charity?

Want to throw a Kentucky Derby Fundrasing Party of your own?

Check out our Kentucky Derby Party for a Purpose!

The day kicked off early at 10 a.m. with tours of the property, including exclusive bottling line demonstrations. Guests are able to get a behind-the-scenes peek at how wine gets bottled from start to finish, all while sampling wine directly from the barrel as well as tasting delicious current releases.

B Cellars Winery specializes in unique Napa Valley blends, producing creatively interpreted wine inspired by old-world blending traditions but crafted for the modern wine drinker.

Rick Cotton, Emily Cotton, Joe Carberry, Nicole Carberry

The night began with a silent auction and cocktail reception featuring a vodka bar by Stockholm Krystal. Guests were then seated for an elegant dinner with wines supplied by Alpha Omega Winery, The Plumpjack Group, Trinchero Family Estates, and Honig Vineyard & Winery. A live auction followed dinner and included exciting prizes including getaways to Umbria, France, Hawaii, Palm Springs, Tahoe, and Napa. Attendees were then whisked away on the dance floor to the tunes of the CoolTones Big Band.

Bruce Lieberman

All proceeds went to support Cal Shakes’ work onstage, in the classroom, and throughout the Bay Area. One Great Party is the theater company’s main fundraising campaign and has raised over $3.3 million. The 2011 season will begin June 1 with the first-ever production of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus.

See Additional Event Images Below.

Greg Murphy, Philippa Kelly, York Kennedy, Susie Falk

Jimmy Sutton, Victoria Sutton

Daniel Heath, Anna Bullard, John Ruskin, Philippa Kelly

Sonya Molodetskaya, Jonathan Moscone, Willie Brown, Carey Perloff

Sunny Hansen, Terry Bush

Beth Townsend, Steve Kawa, Danielle Ducaine

Mimi Sarkisian, Pat Forte, Ann Forte

Phil Chernin, Chris Chernin

All photos courtesy of Drew Altizer.

At San Francisco’s premier tasting event dedicated to ending childhood hunger, Guests will mix and mingle with the Bay Area’s top chefs and mixologists in the opulent setting of the historic Bently Reserve, located in the heart of the Financial District. They will get a chance to savor signature dishes and sip specialty cocktails while taking in live entertainment by the Comstock Trio.

How many years has the event been in existence? What makes the event a success each year, and how you’ve changed it up to keep it fresh?

This is San Francisco’s 22nd annual Taste of the Nation event. We have the Bay Area’s hottest chefs and mixologists donate their time, talent, and passion, with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger here in our community. This year we are lucky to have over 70 participants!

Proceeds of the Evening will support Children of Shelters, Food Runners, and Fresh Approach. Can you tell us why they were chosen as the beneficiary, and how they contribute to the community?

Children of Shelters provides children living in San Francisco’s five family shelters with empowerment and inspiration. The organization is 100 percent volunteer-based, with no overhead. Money gathered through fundraising efforts goes toward educational scholarships, counseling, and school supplies.

Food Runners picks up excess perishable and prepared food from businesses such as restaurants, caterers, bakeries, hospitals, event planners, corporate cafeterias, and hotels and delivers it directly to shelters and neighborhood programs that feed the hungry.

Fresh Approach runs the Share Our Strength’s Bay Area Cooking Matters program, which is a cooking-based, nutrition education program that empowers low-income families by teaching them how to prepare healthy, tasty meals on a limited budget.

How many participants are you expecting? Will there be any surprise guests?

We are expecting over 500 attendees!

The evening will be an evening of tastings from San Francisco’s Top chefs and Mixologists. Can you tell us who will be participating in this?

We are lucky to have over 70 of the Bay Area’s best participating this year: Atelier Crenn, Beretta, Boulevard, H.M.S. Cocktails, Perbacco, RN74, Smuggler’s Cove, Spruce, VeeV Acai Liqeuer, and 15 Romolo to name a few! The full list can be found at www.tasteofthenationsf.org

Is this an open event? If so, how much are tickets, and what percentage of proceeds will go to the grant recipients?

Yes, tickets are $95 for General Admission, $165 for VIP, and $500 for Executive Level. 100% of ticket sales will locally support our three grant recipients that are dedicated to fighting childhood hunger.

Who are your event sponsors? How will they add value to the event?

Taste of the Nation San Francisco is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network and San Pellegrino, and locally sponsored by Fenwick & West, Silicon Valley Bank, and PG&E as well as additional contributing partners.

Will there be a live auction/raffle? If so, what prizes can attendees expect?

Guests will have the chance to partake in a wine cellar raffle and a silent auction featuring lifestyle, epicurean, and travel packages.

Will there be any surprises?

You’ll have to join us to find out!

What has been one of the biggest challenges in planning the event so far?

Not a challenge, but a blessing to be able to work with such talented committee members all sharing their strengths to join this fight to end childhood hunger in our community.

What external resources have you used in your fundraising/outreach efforts (i.e. websites, mentors, social networks etc.)?

You can find Taste of the Nation San Francisco online:

• Buy tickets: tasteofthenation.org

• Follow us on Twitter: @SFTaste

• Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/SFTaste

• Visit our blog for participating restaurant updates and chef profiles: tasteofthenationsf.org

What characteristics do you think make an event chair successful?

Resourcefulness, organization, positive thinking

What is your fundraising motto?

It never hurts to ask :)

Chair Name: Stacy Chun- Event Chair

Event Name: Taste of the Nation San Francisco

Date of Event: April 7, 2011

[Feature photo taken by Tell Tale Preserve Company]

Connie Colladay Hooker, Amanda Wallis, Michael Covarrubias

Each year American Heart Association supporters gather to take a stand against cardiovascular disease and stroke, the nation’s number 1 and 3 killers. This year the gala focused on constructing healthier lives by talking about early childhood risk prevention and the childhood obesity epidemic.

Michael Covarrubias, Kathleen McIntosh, Judy Marcus, George Marcus

This unique networking opportunity took place at the Four Seasons in San Francisco. Guest were greeted with a restaurant reception and wine tasting, followed by an elegant Winemaker’s Supper.

Mike Jones, Brook Drummond

All proceeds went to local American Heart Association research, development, and community outreach programs making it one of the city’s most successful wine fundraising events.

See Additional Event Images Below.

Kelley O'Brien, Robert Johnson

Michael Covarrubias

Sandy Macaulay, Marc Macaulay

Karen DeGolia, Amanda Wallis, Connie Colladay Hooker

Alison Davis, Deepak Srivastava

Steve Skubic, Jill Skubic, Jonathan Kaplan

Jeffrey Neal, Karen Neal

All photos courtesy of Drew Altizer.

The Credentials: The first exhibition of its kind, How Wine Became Modern looks at the contemporary culture of wine and the role architecture, design, and media have played in its transformation over the last three decades. Party goers perused the galleries full of architectural models of wineries, a “smell wall” with common wine aromas, a label wall featuring 200 wine bottles, artistic glassware, multimedia installations, and much more. The exhibition showcases wine like you’ve never seen it before. Guests also enjoyed wine tasting in the museum’s Schwab Room with wines from Hobo Wine Company, Field Recordings, Watkins Family Wines, among others.

See event images below.

Casey Courneen, Vanessa La Corte

Henry Urbach

Stephen Hartman, Tania Ketenjian

Neal Benezra, Christine Prost, Douglas Burnham

Don Becker, Doris Pally

Craig Dykers, Jennifer Sonderby, Jeff Blacher

Charles Renfro, Mitch Epstein

Sydney Williams, Erin Hyman, Micah Hyman

Marion Cernoux, Megan Faulkner

Seth Blacher, Jennifer Sonderby, Jessica Woznak, Brian Woznak

Gregory Stock, Chelsea Owens

Ken Fischart, Neal Benezra, Brad Calkins, Robin Calkins, Percy Brandon

All photos: Courtesy of Drew Altizer

The Cause: Funds raised at this event will benefit the Engenderhealth Maternal Health Fund.

The Credentials: The gorgeous event celebrated mothers and the progress EngenderHealth has made to improve maternal health globally. Auction items included a week long stay in an English cottage, a weekend in pope valley, a guided horseback tour and picnic, award winning wine, jewelry, private dinners and more!

Eric Murphy, Karen Caldwell, and Tim Wu.

George Brown, Pam Barnes, Uta Landy, Philip Darney

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Brad Shaffer, Daru Kawalkowski, Betsy Linder, Robert Bradford

All images: courtesy of Drew Altizer

Vivanista’s

Top 10 Reasons to come to Wine, Women & Shoes

1. Gather your best pals and spend a summer afternoon enjoying popular wines, shopping stylish fashions, and learning about the impactful work that PPSD is doing in your community.
2. David Eigenberg (Steve Brady from Sex and the City) in action on stage!
3. Moulin Rouge inspired Fashion show by Cake Plate, shoes by Kate Spade.
4. Sample over 50 Napa and Sonoma wines.
5. Charismatic Shoe Guys sporting silver trays of featured shoes.
6. A chance to win a “Key to the Closet” full of outfits, shoes, jewelry, personal shopping appointment, and much more!
7. Taste foods from over 20 famous Napa restaurants.
8. Peruse our Parisian-style marketplace with over 10 retailers selling designer shoes, handbags, and jewelry—a portion of sales will benefit PPSD.
9. Enjoy the romantic and unique historic barrel room at Hall Winery.
10. Support PPSD! Providing 161,000 client visits each year throughout 16 health centers in Northern California.

Planned Parenthood helps build healthy communities by providing life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, STD testing and treatment, along with many other health care services at low to no cost to individuals and families. Last year’s Wine, Women & Shoes raised over $200K for PPSD and the “fund-a-need” raised $60 k that supported the purchase of 2 new cervical cancer screening machines. Every day we supply women with the most sophisticated instrument in medicine: accurate information, which can help them make the best decisions about their health.