The 4th Annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean Weekend Raises Over $3 Million

Sonoma Epicurean, co-presented by Weather Wines and Colossal, is a signature event series that features three days of curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans and Sonoma County’s top vintners, with a focus on lifestyle, wellness and sustainability, all while benefiting lifesaving cancer research through the V Foundation.

“We have now raised more than $13 million at Sonoma Epicurean since its start in 2022 to fund research that leads to breakthrough discoveries,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “Our sponsors, attendees, and so many members of the local community come together each year in Sonoma County with a singular goal: to accelerate Victory Over Cancer. Together, we’re providing world-class scientists with the resources to continue pursuing bold ideas that will impact patient lives for generations to come.”

Sonoma Epicurean kicked off on Thursday, March 27, with the Vintner Reception at Montage Healdsburg, followed by the Vintner Dinners – private dining experiences featuring Northern California’s finest chefs, including Dustin Valette, Shane McAnelly, Jason Pringle, David Carey and Ben Martin. These chefs created menus perfectly paired with wines from top Sonoma County vintners including Aperture Cellars, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards, MacRostie Winery and Gary Farrell Winery. Thursday’s festivities concluded with the Epic After Party at Roof 106 at The Matheson on the Healdsburg Square.

Friday’s events featured the Epicurean Experiences, where guests enjoyed a variety of fully immersive experiences focused on wellness, sustainability and staying active. This year featured the debut of the Wilson Celebrity Pickleball Classic hosted by V Foundation Board Members Russell Wilson and Ciara. The pickleball tournament was put on in partnership with Russell and Ciara’s nonprofit, the Why Not You Foundation.

Additional Epicurean Experiences included Golf at Mayacama, Culinary Theater at Browne Estate with Chef Dustin Valette, the Sustainable Wellness experience at Silver Oak Cellars with featured speakers Melissa Coulier and Melanie Samuels of Live Well Lead Well, among other activities throughout Healdsburg. Friday concluded with the Epic Party at Bacchus Landing in historic Healdsburg, where many notable vintners poured their wines alongside gourmet delights from award-winning chefs. Guests had the opportunity to bid at the “Case for Research” auction featuring Aldina Vineyards Chardonnay, DuMOL Winery Pinot Noir, Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc, and A. Rafanelli Winery Cabernet Sauvignon. The evening’s entertainment featured GRAMMY® nominated singer-songwriter, Aloe Blacc.

Saturday’s events included the Wellness Breakfast and Cancer Research Symposium, where attendees learned from V Foundation-funded scientists about research highlighting cancer interception and prevention. Guests received insight into the future of cancer research directly from world-class scientists who are on the frontlines of accelerating Victory Over Cancer® and saving lives.

The celebration culminated with the Gala & Auction at Montage Healdsburg, which was filled with many personal stories, including a touching video tribute to 2025 Honorees Johanna and Dustin Valette, introduced by special guests Russell Wilson and Ciara. During the program, Valette announced a new partnership with Valette Wines to benefit the V Foundation through March 2026. As proprietors of Valette and The Matheson restaurants in Healdsburg, the Valettes have been an integral part of the Sonoma Epicurean team since its inception.

“Supporting the V Foundation’s vital work has always been a cause close to our hearts,” said Dustin Valette. “Through this new initiative, where 10% of all new customer sales from Valette Wines will be donated through March 2026, we hope to contribute to the Foundation’s mission and help further their life-changing efforts. It’s our honor to play a small part in such an important cause.”

Event co-chairs Stuart Bryan and Jessica Kilcullen introduced auctioneer and Emmy award-winning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem, who generated excitement and competitive bidding at the live auction including the evening’s top lot, The Cabo Dream with Aperture Cellars that sold for $220,000. Russell Wilson and Ciara kicked off the live auction with three surprise lots featuring a NY Yankees experience, a Duke trip and a NY Giants adventure garnering $277,500. In total, Sonoma Epicurean raised over $3 million for lifesaving cancer research.

The fifth annual V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean weekend will take place March 26-29, 2026. For more information, please visit v.org/sonomaepic.

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About the V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean

The V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean is a signature series of events featuring curated and hands-on experiences with Michelin-star and award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners with focus on lifestyle, wellness and sustainability. Proceeds from the event will fund cancer research and related programs to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. For more information on the event, visit v.org/sonomaepic.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. The V Foundation has been awarded 13 consecutive 4-star ratings (out of 4) by Charity Navigator, placing it in the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more or donate, visit v.org.