A win win at the 10th Annual WineaPAWlooza
As a proud media sponsor, we are thrilled to report on the tremendous success of Jameson Humane’s 10th Annual WineaPAWlooza wine auction fundraiser held at the picturesque Beckstoffer Farm Center in Napa Valley and hosted by Andy and Betty Beckstoffer. The event, held on June 24, 2023, set the stage for an unforgettable evening of philanthropy, fine wine, and compassion. Generous attendees from all over the nation, including passionate animal lovers, wine connoisseurs, and wine industry leaders, gathered to contribute towards the well-being of animals and humans in need. The auction proved to be an unprecedented success, raising over $1.5 million in funds to support the vital mission of the sanctuary.
The kickoff of the 10th Annual WineaPAWlooza expanded upon the organization’s mission of global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life. A panel discussion bringing together leaders in the wine industry to discuss innovation, behavior, and action-oriented change took place on the evening of Friday, June 23 at the scenic Memento Mori estate in Calistoga. During the evening, celebrity documentary producer, philanthropist, actress, and model, Katie Cleary, previewed her award-winning documentary, Why on Earth, showcasing heroes on the ground fighting to protect our earth’s most endangered species. We also learned about innovations in wine for the good of the planet and dined on plant-based cuisine curated by Chef Daniel Gomez-Sanchez of DGS Culinary.
The Grand Tasting, Animal Parade, & Wine Auction with celebrity guest, Katie Cleary, was held on Saturday, June 24 at the Beckstoffer Farm Center. The Grand Tasting and Wine Auction featured an exceptional selection of renowned and rare wines generously donated by 50+ distinguished vintners and wineries throughout Napa Valley and Sonoma. Visit, www.JamesonHumane.org for a complete list.
The idyllic ambiance of the venue, with stunning vineyard views and the joyful presence of the sanctuary’s rescued and resident animals during the highly anticipated Animal Parade, led by Grand Marshal Steve Bellamy, proprietor of Belse Wine and sponsor of the Grand Tasting, set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
The evening culminated in the much-anticipated live auction of 18 spectacular lots, featuring cult wines, one-of-a-kind experiences, and trips to global wine destinations, led by celebrity wine auctioneer and personality, Fritz Hatton. With each bid, attendees demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the sanctuary’s cause, as well as their appreciation for Napa Valley’s exceptional wines. Dinner included a fully plant-based menu designed and executed by Deborah Blum of Goatlandia Kitchen, a plant-based, organic catering service and event space in Sebastopol, California, committed to supporting local farms and creating seasonal food that nourishes and benefits people, animals, and the planet.
The live auction kicked off with a single bottle of El Negocio tequila that sold for $10K ahead of its debut release; a rare 1999 Screaming Eagle Cabernet 6L, from the cellar of Founder Jeanie Phillips and personalized by winemaker Heidi Barrett – one of only two in the world, selling for $125K; and a Beckstoffer & Bevan custom barrel from Andy Beckstoffer’s personal vineyard, handcrafted by winemaker Russell Bevan who has earned over fifteen 100-point wines, was the largest winning bid on a single lot at $150K.
Said our friend Monica Stevens, co-founder of Jameson Humane with her husband David, “In its 10th year, David and I continue to be both honored and humbled by the support of WineaPAWlooza by our amazing vintner and winemaker friends from Napa Valley, our sponsors, and volunteers. The weekend was beyond exhilarating with guests flying in from all over the country to experience the magic of WineaPAWlooza and support an organization that does so much good for so many.”
As you may have read in a past issue of Venü, WineaPAWlooza is Jameson’s annual fundraiser, an event that has earned its place as one of the top ten wine events in the country according to Wine Spectator magazine. The money raised from this sought-after weekend supplies the critical funds necessary for Jameson’s programs to improve the state of animal welfare and save animals’ lives. Because of WineaPAWlooza, Jameson has been able to help thousands of animals and their humans through vital programs that work across the inextricable web between animal welfare, local communities, and the environment. This year’s event will help ensure these programs thrive as Jameson Humane continues to effect real change for all involved.
You can read more about Monica Stevens and Jameson Humane in a feature article we published in our last issue, #50, All Animals Deserve to be Happy, on page 70. ☐
On a side note, Monica, who has an amazing bespoke concierge service, All Access Napa Valley, that connects wine collectors with the vintners behind the most legendary labels of Napa and Sonoma, has just opened an appointment-only boutique tasting salon. Studio 1299A, to showcase small batch, fine wine producers in customized experiences for interested wine lovers and buyers.
According to Monica, “These are the wines that you may have to know someone in order to taste. Studio 1299A gives vintners and winemakers a wonderful platform to be discovered. And now, collectors can taste and access the best small labels in the Valley, hosted by a passionate soul in the business. It’s a win for all!”
Like everything she gets behind, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Jameson Humane, because, as she admits, “Wine, People, and Animals – and their connectivity – are my heart and soul.”
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