Over $3 Million Raised at V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean Weekend
Funds support game-changing research at top cancer centers across the United States.
The fourth annual V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean weekend, held March 27-30 in Sonoma County 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. This year’s event raised over $3 Million.
“We have now raised more than $13 million at Sonoma Epicurean since its start in 2022 to fund research that leads to breakthrough cancer 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.”
Vintner Reception and Dinners
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.
Epicurean Experiences
Friday’s events featured the Epicurean Experiences, where guests enjoyed a variety of fully immersive activities 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.
Wellness Breakfast
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.
Gala & Auction at Montage Healdsburg
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.
Emmy Award winning radio & TV personality Liam Mayclem auctioned off over 20 exclusive lots, 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.
