Napa Valley’s Hautest Charity Events In 2019

Doug Wamble and Morgan James, 2018 Festival Napa Valley finale at Alpha Omega Winery

Photo Credit: Bob McClenahan

Sipping world-class wine at swank wineries will always be the number one thing to do in Napa Valley. For oenophiles who also want to give back while enjoying California’s famous wine-producing region, I offer you my list of the hautest events with a purpose that you should plan to attend in 2019.

Loco-Motion, March 9

The Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition’s annual fundraising event is a special evening of good times and doing good to raise money to continue building a Class 1, paved trail that is family-friendly, dog-friendly and simply everyone friendly. www.vinetrail.org

10th Hall Cabernet Cookoff, April 27

Hall Wines hosts this exciting food and wine pairing challenge, benefiting local nonprofits and featuring celebrity judges, a silent auction and a VIP Preview. www.hallwines.com

Atmosphere, 2018 Inspire Napa Valley Wine Weekend

Photo Credit: Bob McClenahan

Inspire Napa Valley Wine Weekend, May 3-5

You’ll be wowed at the second annual Napa Valley Wine Weekend, created to advance research to end Alzheimer’s and dementia and enhance care for those living with the disease. www.inspirenapavalley.org

¡Salud! A Celebration of Ole Health, May 4

This lively, Latin-inspired fiesta, taking place at The Ranch in St. Helena, supports Ole Health’s mission of providing high-quality primary health care to the entire Napa Valley.  www.olehealth.org

The Inaugural Neighborhood Table: Nourishing Our Community, May 11

Let the St. Helena Hospital Foundation feed your soul during this al fresco dinner at one long table set up in downtown St. Helena. www.shhfoundation.org

Danica Patrick, 2018 Auction Napa Valley

Auction Napa Valley, May 30 – June 2

The jewel of Napa Valley’s illustrious charitable necklace, Auction Napa Valley is arguably the world’s most celebrated wine event. 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of Napa Valley Vintners, making this year even more special.  www.auctionnapavalley.org

Festival Napa Valley, July 12-21

It’s not hyperbole to call this culture and cuisine-filled event “the 10 best days of summer.” Alpha Omega winery hosts the finale for the third consecutive year. Festival passes go on sale in February. www.festivalnapavalley.org

Wineapawlooza, July 19-20

Go beyond helping just dogs and cats at Wineapawlooza, where animal lovers gather annually to raise money for Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch, a no-kill rescue and sanctuary in the Napa Valley for companion and farmed animals in need. www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org

Scott Hamilton, Robin Roberts, Joe Theismann, Mike Krzyzewski, 2018 V Foundation Wine Celebration

V Foundation Wine Celebration, August 1-4

Host Duke basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski and Chef Emeril Lagasse team up for the 21st edition of this very impressive weekend which has raised more than $108 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. www.winecelebration.org

Harvest Stomp, August 17

Kick up your heels at the harvest party of the year while you support the Napa Valley Grapegrowers’ mission to preserve and promote their world-class vineyards and help farmworkers advance. www.napagrowers.org

Calistoga Harvest Table, September 8

Benefitting Calistoga Cares food bank and featuring Calistoga AVA wines, this culinary extravaganza takes place at 1,000 feet of tables in the center of Calistoga’s picturesque downtown. Tickets go on sale in July and last year sold out in 102 minutes. www.visitcalistoga.com/calistoga-harvest-table

Alice Eve, Billy Bob Thornton, Laurence Fishburne, 2018 Cinema Napa Valley

Photo Credit: Bob McClenahan

25th Music Festival for Brain Health, September 14

Join the Staglin family at their Rutherford estate for an amazing day that raises funds (more than $380 million thus far) to support neuropsychiatric brain disorder research and includes a scientific symposium, wine tasting reception, concert performance and VIP dinner under the stars. www.music-festival.org

Napa Valley Film Festival, November 13-17

For the ultimate VIP experience at the Napa Valley Film Festival, splurge on the Movie Mogul pass. Your generosity will help this nonprofit celebrate the cinematic arts and enrich the community by presenting an annual world-class festival and year-round education and outreach programs. https://www.napavalleyfilmfest.org/

I hope to see you this year at some of these fabulous fundraisers!