Annual Event to Be Hosted at La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard on September 22, 2018
SANTA ROSA, CA (April 4, 2018) – The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation is pleased to announce George Hamel, Jr. of Hamel Family Wines as Honorary Chair of the 2018 Sonoma County Wine Auction, the region’s leading annual fundraising event. The event, presented by Visa Signature®, will take place on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard. This is the second year this prestigious event will be held at La Crema, located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley.
The Sonoma County Wine Auction has raised more than $29 million since its inception and has been named one of the nation’s top charitable wine auctions by Wine Spectator. Funds raised benefit local Sonoma County charitable organizations focusing on education, arts and culture, environment and health and human services. In addition, this year’s event will also help to raise funds to aid wildfire recovery efforts.
“We are excited and, above all, honored to have George as our Honorary Chair in 2018,” stated Michael Haney, Interim Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners. “We are grateful for his and the Hamel family’s commitment to this year’s auction. We value George’s expertise and appreciate the collaborative spirit he brings to this year’s event.” The Honorary Chair is recognized as an individual who demonstrates community leadership, is committed to helping others and is dedicated to being a voice for the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation and its fundraising efforts.
“It is an absolute privilege for me to serve as Honorary Chair of the 2018 Sonoma County Wine Auction,” said George Hamel. “Thanks to the wonderful work done by Barbara Banke last year, as well as by the other esteemed vintners who chaired before her, the Sonoma County Wine Auction has become one of the largest community fundraisers in Sonoma County and raised a record-breaking amount of $5.2 million last year,” Hamel continued. “With a focus this year on wildfire recovery support, in addition to the many other not-for-profit beneficiaries, I’m committed to doing my part to help continue the upward trajectory of the Auction—with a goal of providing even more money to those in need in Sonoma County.”
“We are also thrilled to be back at La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard,” added Haney. “Our heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation go to Barbara Banke and the Jackson family for their support and commitment to our annual fundraiser and for graciously hosting the event again this year. We are fortunate to have them involved again and hope to have another record-breaking year.” La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard is widely cherished in the Sonoma County community for its storied vineyard and reputation for producing some the finest grapes in the region.
The Sonoma County Wine Auction brings the region’s most renowned winemakers and growers together with distinguished collectors and generous bidders for an opportunity to acquire some of Sonoma County’s top wines and bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Funds raised have supported 95 nonprofits in Sonoma County.
To learn more about Sonoma County Wine Auction, please visit sonomacountywineauction.com.
About Hamel Family Wines
Hamel Family Wines (“HFW”) is committed to producing a limited-quantity of exceptional estate-grown wines from its Sonoma Valley and Moon Mountain District vineyards. Farming meticulously with organic and biodynamic practices, HFW is dedicated to producing wines that reflect a true sense of purpose, passion, place and time, and the fun had making them. For more information on Hamel Family Wines, visit www.hamelfamilywines.com.
The Sonoma County Wine Auction is presented by Visa Signature
Visa Signature® and Visa Infinite® cardholders enjoy a range of benefits that provide special access and can save their cardholders money. In addition to points, miles, cash back and other premium rewards offered by issuers, Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders also enjoy perks such as 24/7 complimentary concierge services, access to the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection and exclusive offers related to fine wine and food, travel and sports. For more information on Visa Signature, Visa Infinite and other Visa® offerings, please visit Visa.com.
About La Crema
La Crema was founded in 1979 as La Crema Viñera, meaning “Best of the Vine.” For more than 35 years, the winery has focused exclusively on cool-climate coastal appellations, where ocean winds and fog allow grapes to ripen slowly on the vine. Using boutique, time-intensive techniques to produce distinctively balanced and elegant wines, La Crema combines consistent high quality and elegant flavor with a modern cosmopolitan personality. For more information, visit LaCrema.com.
About Sonoma County Wine Auction
Sonoma County Wine Auction brings the region’s most renowned winemakers and growers together with distinguished collectors and generous bidders for an opportunity to acquire some of Sonoma County’s top wines and bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Named one of the nation’s top charitable auctions by Wine Spectator, the proceeds raised benefit local Sonoma County charitable organizations. Since its inception, the Sonoma County Wine Auction has raised over $29 million to help fund charitable organizations focusing on education, arts and culture, environment and health and human services and have supported more nonprofits than any other fundraising event in Sonoma County. Learn more at sonomacountywineauction.com.
About Sonoma County Vintners Foundation
The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation provides support to our local community through philanthropy and charitable giving. Our fundraising efforts have a direct impact in the areas of literacy, education, health and human services, the environment and arts and culture. Our signature fundraising event, Sonoma County Wine Auction has been recognized as one of Wine Spectator’s Top Charity Wine Auctions in the United States. Learn more at sonomawine.com/foundation.
