14th Annual Project Zin Event Raises $400,000 to Support Down Syndrome
The celebratory weekend held August 17, offered a series of dining events hosted by Chef Palmer, Clay Mauritson and some of the industry’s most elite winemakers
Brady Mauritson’s proud grandmother watched her grandson take the stage at the 2024 Project Zin Live Auction, which, together with the silent auctions, raised over $400,000. “He’s a special child,” she said. “He loves people, he loves life, he loves everything, and he does everything with love.”
Brady’s parents, Owners and Winemaker Clay and Carrie Mauritson of Mauritson Wines teamed up with James Beard Award-winning Chef Charlie Palmer to launch Project Zin in 2010 when Brady was two. The purpose of the project is to raise awareness and advocate for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome, like Brady.
Project Zin is an annual food and wine fundraiser to support the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA). As of 2024, the funds raised have surpassed $2.5 million, solidifying Project Zin’s place as a key event in Sonoma County’s philanthropic calendar. These funds will aid DSCBA’s mission to provide support, education, and resources to empower individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community through essential programs, services, and advocacy efforts.
Sixteen-year-old Brady, the event’s inspiration, said, “Seeing everyone come together to celebrate and support people like me means the world and fills me with joy. When a community comes together, anything is possible!”
The two-day event included an exclusive ‘Behind the Scenes’ afternoon at Rockpile Ridge Vineyard for VIP package holders, which included a picnic lunch and vertical tasting of rare Mauritson Zinfandels. The main event on Saturday offered attendees a chance to sample exceptional wines, enjoy live music, and participate in live and silent auctions.
Co-founder and Chef Charlie Palmer expressed enthusiasm for Project Zin’s growth. “The caliber of food and wine at Project Zin is truly exceptional, and continues to improve each year,” Palmer remarked. “But what’s even more impressive is how this event has evolved into a true celebration of community and inclusivity, showcasing the incredible talent of our chefs and winemakers while supporting a cause so close to our hearts.”
All proceeds benefit the Down Syndrome Connection Bay Area (DSCBA). Down Syndrome is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. It is a genetic condition that causes physical and intellectual development delays and is unrelated to race, nationality, religion, or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know is that very little separates individuals with Down Syndrome from those without it. It occurs in one in every 691 live births. Individuals with Down Syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46, and an extra copy of Chromosome 21 affects normal development.
Project Zin partners with Hotel Healdsburg, H2Hotel and Harmon Guest House to offer two-night lodging packages, including a two-night stay, a welcome wine reception, tour and tasting events, and more, benefiting DSCBA.
DSCBA develops services that align with members’ needs and strives to continuously break down barriers to success by providing resources, technology, and education through direct services. Their Down Syndrome Education Alliance, Expression Connection and Communication Readiness Programs, Peer Development Classes, Medical Outreach Alliance, public policy outreach, education advocacy, new parent outreach, support groups, and more reflect their members’ diverse needs.
The event took place August 17th at beautiful Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor, California. It brought together wine enthusiasts, renowned chefs, and a community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The sold-out crowd enjoyed world-class Zinfandels from 21 top producers, cuisine from renowned chefs, and a lively auction, resulting in shared purpose, joy, and celebration.
“What started 14 years ago as an intimate gathering has grown into something truly remarkable,” said Clay Mauritson, founder of Mauritson Wines and co-host of Project Zin. “The way our community of chefs, vintners, and wine lovers comes together year after year to support this cause is incredibly humbling. It truly speaks to the power of inclusivity and shared purpose.”
The 21 participating wineries included A. Rafanelli Winery, Aperture Cellars, BACA Wines, Bedrock Wine Co., Bella Winery, Bricoleur Vineyards, Carlisle Winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, Flambeaux Wine, Gamba Vineyards and Winery, Kokomo Winery, Limerick Lane Cellars, Martinelli Winery, Mauritson Wines, Pedroncelli Winery, Portalupi Wine, Ridge Vineyards, Robert Biale Vineyards, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Turley Wine Cellars, and Zialena Winery. The number 21 is significant as it represents the extra chromosome in individuals with Down syndrome.
The culinary lineup was equally impressive, featuring dishes from renowned local restaurants such as Acorn Café, Wine & Roses, managed by Appellation Hotels, Arandas, Catelli’s, Downtown Bakery and Creamery, Dry Creek Kitchen, John Ash & Co., Little Saint Healdsburg, Maison Porcella, Molti Amici, Monti’s, Nothing Bundt Cake, Quail & Condor, SingleThread, Soco Cheese Boards, Spoonbar, Sweet T’s Restaurant + Bar, Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, The Parish Cafe, Troubadour, Valette, The Matheson, and Volo Chocolate.
Project Zin has become a must-attend event in Sonoma County, as evidenced by the selling out of all tickets prior to the event. Attendees and contributions have increased substantially since its beginnings in 2010. Next year, it will celebrate 15 years of fundraising to support Down Syndrome.
