More than $4.2 Million Raised for Cancer Research at 2nd Annual Sonoma Epicurean Event

The V Foundation for Cancer Research is celebrating the success of their 2nd Annual Sonoma Epicurean weekend. This year they raised over $4.2 million! This luxurious, fun and meaningful event was held in gorgeous Sonoma wine country from March 9 – 12.

Guests enjoyed curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans and world-class vintners throughout the long weekend.

Proceeds from Sonoma Epicurean benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive award process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee.

It’s with great pleasure that I share a selection of event photos with you. Revisiting them, I can feel the excitement in being part of this extraordinary time all over again. These pictures document a successful mission that saw like-minded individuals collaborate together and bond in support of a shared goal – Don’t Ever Give Up in the fight against cancer.

(All Photos Courtesy: V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean)

2023 Sonoma Epicurean Epic Feast and Auction at the Montage Healdsburg in Sonoma County, CA.

This year’s Sonoma Epicurean Chair Stuart Bryan kicks off the Epic Feast and Auction.

“Cancer knows no boundaries.  It knows no appellations.  We all need to join together in the Fight Against Cancer!”

Stuart Bryan, 2023 Sonoma Epicurean Chair

Super Bowl winning quarterback Russell Wilson and GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter Ciara co-hosted the auction.

Legendary four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon pledges $1.5 million to co-fund three V Foundation All-Star grants for pediatric cancer research.

“I’ve learned from my years in auto racing that the way you go and attack a problem, and solve that problem, is to do it as a team. We believe our collaboration with the V Foundation has the power to truly catapult discoveries in the treatment of childhood cancer.” 

Jeff Gordon, Four-Time NASCAR Cup Series champion

Jeff Gordon receives standing ovation after pledging $1.5 million to the V Foundation.

Auctioneer Liam Mayclem, event honoree GRAMMY & Tony award-winning entertainer Christian Hoff and the Sonoma Epicurean event committee celebrate over $4.2 million raised.

“The room was electric auction night! The anticipation of Year Two, the setting at Montage, the host speaker group plus the auctioneer team of Liam and Christian–all the attendees were just so positive and supportive.”

Stuart Bryan, 2023 Sonoma Epicurean Chair

Patricia Decker celebrates a winning bid.

Guests were inspired and motivated by the impactful words of Shane Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation.

(L-R) Chrissy Delisle, John Truchard, Michele Truchard, Allison Katz, Jesse Katz celebrating at auction!

Eye-catching Neon signage prominently visible in the entrance of the auction.

Guests eager to bid on Live auction items. The night was exciting and memorable.

Artisan Experiences, Cancer Moonshot Breakfast, EpiCUREan Symposium

Chef Dustin Valette of Valette and The Matheson and Tara Jasper Founder of Sipsong Spirits during the Artisan Series.

Felix Y. Feng, M.D. Vice Chair for Translational Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, UCSF at the EpiCUREan Symposium.

Greg Simon, former President of the Biden Cancer Initiative, at the Cancer Moonshot Breakfast.

The Epic Party at Mayacama Golf Club at the 2023 V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean weekend in Sonoma County, CA.

The entryway into Mayacama Golf Club where guests were invited to The Epic Party to eat, drink and mingle.

Guests experienced an unforgettable evening with live music that was highly praised.

L-R: Bettina Sichel of Laurel Glen Vineyard, Actor Teri Hatcher, Prema Kerollis Behan of Three Sticks Wines, and Whitney Fisher and Cameron Fisher of Fisher Vineyards kick off the Barrel Auction.

Plentiful charcuterie platter featuring a variety of delicious choices.

Guests sample a variety of wines, which is an opportunity to experience and learn about different Sonoma wineries and their offerings.

Enjoying red wine.

Perusing unique silent auction items. Bidding on these pieces provides an exciting opportunity to acquire something special.

(L-R) Jesse Katz with his arm around his father Andy Katz at The Epic Party at Mayacama Golf Club. Andy is a renowned photographer and Jesse is the Founder and winemaker of Devil Proof Vineyards, Aperture Cellars and The Setting Wines.

Friendly and talented Chef Dustin Valette chats with guests.

Exquisite Vintner Dinners at Vérité with Chef Charlie Palmer, Benovia Winery with Chef Dustin Valette, Bricoleur with Chef Thomas Bellec.

Guests attend a picturesque vintner dinner. The culinary experience was filled with rich flavors and aromas.

Delectable scallop dish. A mouthwatering meal for seafood lovers.

Chef Charlie Palmer chatting with Chris and Ariel Jackson.

John Truchard, Proprietor of Weather Wines.

“As our company and portfolio of brands expands, it’s an honor to support the great work of the V Foundation, while deepening our commitment to the communities where we make our wines. We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in Sonoma Epicurean and raise funds in the fight against cancer that touches so many of us.”

John Anthony Truchard, Founder and CEO John Anthony Family of Wines

Guests enjoy a luxurious dinner featuring caviar. A delicious addition to the multi-course menu.

Guests indulged in culinary delights from a specially curated menu. A variety of wines were selected to complement the dishes.

L-R: Dr. Susanna F. Greer, Ph.D. Chief Scientific Officer of the V Foundation, Chef Charlie Palmer, Developer Todd Zaploski and guest Sarah Collins at the Verité Vintner Dinner.

“The V Foundation funds outstanding cancer research and researchers. Our funding model pairs intense competition with our goal to fund high risk, high reward research during the most challenging points in a researcher’s career. Events like Sonoma Epicurean ensure the V Foundation continues our steady march to Victory Over Cancer.”

Susanna F. Greer, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of the V Foundation

Chef Charlie Palmer welcomes guests and presents the evening’s menu.

David Duncan, Proprietor/Chairman & CEO, Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars and his wife, Kary Duncan, M.D.

A variety of delicious desserts enjoyed by all. The sweetest way to end a meal.