Wineapawlooza Raises $1.4 Million To Aid Animal Rescue

Photo Credit: Emma K Morris

Animal-loving wine drinkers were out in full force last weekend at the fifth annual Wineapawlooza event in Napa. The gala fundraiser was put on by the wine country-based charity Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch (JARR), a state of the art animal rescue facility that provides relief to animals harmed in disasters. The organization helped save many horses that were at risk during last fall’s wildfires. In raising $1.4 million for the cause, this year’s event—which was held at Gamble Family Vineyards—exceeded expectations.

Photo Credit: Matthew Baum

“Now in its fifth year, the magic of Wineapawlooza never ceases to amaze me,” Monica Stevens, the co-founder of JARR said at the start of the evening. “The culmination of our wine community, spectacular wine, top chefs, animal lovers, staff and volunteers who all come together to support JARR’s mission and better the lives of all animals is truly wonderful.”   

Photo Credit: Remy Krey-Rebentisc

Sportscaster and television personality, Bonnie-Jill Laflin, served as the evening’s emcee. She led a pet parade of dogs available for auction that stared Honey, Haute Living San Francisco’s former editor Kelly E. Carter’s adopted chihuahua, and Mr. Moo, a 200-pound pot belly pig. The event consisted of a walk around tasting of some of the Valley’s most sought-after wines followed by a thrilling live auction led by Fritz Hatton. The top selling lot was a barrel of wine made with fruit from the 100-point vineyard, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane, by winemakers Russell Bevan and Philippe Melka. The unique barrel went for $200,000. Chef Casey Thompson, of Top Chef fame, provided delicious plant-based bites.

Photo Credit: Emma K Morris

Notables in attendance included Russell Bevan, Amanda Harlan, Tor Kenward, Julien Fayard, Juan Mercado, Andy Beckstoffer, Shannon Staglin, Will Phelps, Jasmine Hirsch, Larry Fairchild, Mark and Sherri Carter and the host of the event, Tom Gamble— all of who are dedicated to the mission of JARR.