A weekend of world-class wine, wellness, and wonder in the heart of Sonoma—raising over $3 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research
Healdsburg, California | March 27–30, 2025
$3 Million Raised
3 Days of Curated Experiences
Special Guests: Aloe Blacc, Russell Wilson & Ciara
100% of Proceeds Support Cancer Research
There’s something magical about springtime in Sonoma. The air is crisp, the vines stretch skyward, and the culinary community gathers with a mission far greater than gastronomy. From March 27–30, the Sonoma Epicurean weekend unfolded with flair, philanthropy, and flavor—raising over $3 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Thursday: Vintners, Visionaries & Vineyard Magic
The weekend kicked off at the luxurious Montage Healdsburg with a sparkling Vintner Reception, where wines from Ferrari-Carano, MacRostie, and Gary Farrell Winery flowed freely. Guests later broke off for private Vintner Dinners hosted by acclaimed chefs including Dustin Valette, Shane McAnelly, and Jason Pringle, each course carefully paired with Sonoma’s finest wines.
As the sun set, the festivities continued with the Epic After Party at Roof 106 at The Matheson—an evening that mingled rooftop views, craft cocktails, and live music into one unforgettable welcome.
Friday: Pickleball, Pinot & Purpose
Friday offered a dynamic blend of wellness and whimsy. The debut of the Wilson Celebrity Pickleball Classic, hosted by Russell Wilson and Ciara, brought star power and good-natured competition to the court. The event supported both the V Foundation and the couple’s Why Not You Foundation.
From there, attendees explored the Epicurean Experiences—whether teeing off at Mayacama, attending Culinary Theater with Chef Valette, or embracing sustainable wellness at Silver Oak Cellars with speakers from Live Well Lead Well.
The evening concluded with the Epic Party at Bacchus Landing, where guests enjoyed a grand tasting, live entertainment from Aloe Blacc, and a “Case for Research” wine auction featuring rare pours from DuMOL, Aldina Vineyards, and Pride Mountain.
Saturday: Science, Stories & A Starry Gala
Saturday’s Wellness Breakfast and Cancer Research Symposium provided a meaningful counterpoint to the indulgence, offering insights from V Foundation-funded scientists on cancer prevention and interception.
That evening, the Gala & Live Auction returned to Montage for an inspiring finale. Guests watched a heartfelt tribute to honorees Dustin and Johanna Valette, introduced by Ciara and Russell Wilson. Dustin announced a new initiative: 10% of all new sales from Valette Wines will be donated to the V Foundation through March 2026.
Emmy-winning auctioneer Liam Mayclem drove the evening’s high-energy auction, with standout lots like The Cabo Dream from Aperture Cellars ($220K) and surprise experiences from the Wilsons pulling in an additional $277,500.
A Weekend to Remember. A Mission That Matters.
Now in its fourth year, Sonoma Epicurean has raised over $13 million since its inception. Its impact goes far beyond Healdsburg’s hills, funding life-saving research at premier cancer centers across North America.
Mark your calendars: the fifth annual Sonoma Epicurean returns March 26–29, 2026.
Learn more or get involved: v.org/sonomaepic