© Photos by Tim Carl, unless otherwise noted
A Record-Setting Weekend Where Napa Valley’s Finest Wines Met an Extraordinary Outpouring of Compassion
In Napa Valley, generosity is often measured in bottles shared, paddles raised and the collective willingness of a community to rally behind a meaningful cause. At the 13th annual WineaPAWlooza, that generosity reached remarkable new heights.
Held June 19 and 20, WineaPAWlooza 2026 raised $1,925,625 for Jameson Humane, marking one of the most successful weekends in the organization’s history. The two-day celebration also welcomed its largest crowd to date, bringing together acclaimed vintners and winemakers, collectors, culinary talent and animal advocates from across the country. At the center of it all was a shared belief that caring for animals strengthens families, communities and the world around us.
The weekend opened Friday evening at the new Vice Versa winery in Calistoga, hosted by vintner-owners Patrice and Samantha Breton. Guests were greeted with an exceptional tasting devoted to Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, featuring wines from Lithology, Revana, TOR, Vida Valiente and Vice Versa.
Few vineyard names carry the history and mystique of To Kalon, and the evening offered an opportunity to explore its legacy through the perspectives of those who know it most intimately. Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin moderated a discussion with legendary grape grower Andy Beckstoffer; vintners Tor Kenward, Alex MacDonald, Graeme MacDonald and Patrice Breton; and Master Sommelier Matt Stamp.
Wine discussion panel at Vice Versa winery in Calistoga
The conversation extended beyond the wines themselves, touching on the land, people and decisions that have helped shape one of Napa Valley’s most storied vineyard sites. It also set the tone for a weekend rooted in connection, with many of the region’s most respected wine figures gathering not simply to pour celebrated vintages, but to support Jameson Humane’s expanding work.
One of Friday evening’s most anticipated auction opportunities, “Lunch With a Legend,” honored Beckstoffer with an intimate experience for just 30 guests. The seats sold in approximately two minutes at $5,000 each, raising $150,000 before the weekend’s main auction had even begun.
Andy Beckstoffer and Monica Stevens | Photo by Paulene Lorenzo
Following the tasting and conversation, guests traded wine-country contemplation for the energy of a live concert by WRISTROCKET, Napa Valley’s beloved rock-and-roll band. The performance brought the opening celebration to a spirited close and prepared guests for the following evening’s main event.
On Saturday, WineaPAWlooza returned to the picturesque Castellucci Estate in Oakville, hosted by the Antonio Castellucci family. A record 384 guests gathered for the seated dinner, the largest attendance in the event’s 13-year history.
The evening began with a Grand Tasting showcasing dozens of Napa Valley producers, with vintners and winemakers pouring directly for guests. Established estates stood alongside smaller-production labels and cult favorites, creating an unusually personal experience for collectors who could discover new wines while reconnecting with many of the people behind Napa Valley’s most sought-after bottles.
The tasting was followed by a vegan dinner created by Chefs Daniel Gomez Sanchez of DGS Culinary and Elliot Bell of Charlie’s. Both chefs are alumni of The French Laundry, bringing a level of refinement and imagination to a menu designed around plant-based ingredients.
As the sun settled over the Oakville landscape, the focus shifted to the live auction led by veteran auctioneer and vintner Fritz Hatton. Known for his ability to read a room, build momentum and inspire one more raised paddle, Hatton guided guests through 17 announced lots and four additional surprise offerings.
The evening began on an artistic note when live painter Amy Burkman took the stage to create an original work in real time. The completed painting became an auction lot of its own, bringing together art, performance and philanthropy before the wine collecting reached its dramatic peak.
Ten-year-old fashion designer Max Alexander also joined Hatton onstage, helping to rally bidders for a custom dog garment he designed for the occasion. The young designer’s presence offered one of the night’s most charming reminders that creativity and compassion can emerge at any age.
The evening’s headline lot was a rare six-liter bottle of 1994 Screaming Eagle, donated by the winery’s founder, Jean Phillips. Secured by an out-of-state buyer through a proxy bid, the bottle sold for an extraordinary $290,000.
It was a defining moment in an evening filled with exceptional wines, but it also reflected something greater than the value of a legendary Napa Valley vintage. In the hands of WineaPAWlooza’s bidders, one remarkable bottle became funding for veterinary assistance, food, emergency response, adoption support and other services that directly affect the lives of animals and the people who love them.
Among the evening’s other standout offerings was a golf outing and cellar dinner with vintners Tor Kenward and Alex MacDonald, which sold for $80,000.
Two separate ten-case offerings from the historic Martha’s Vineyard raised a combined $100,000. The 120-bottle collections were handcrafted by acclaimed Napa Valley winemaker Russell Bevan, whose longstanding relationship with Jameson Humane has made him a familiar and generous presence at WineaPAWlooza.
2026 WineaPAWlooza Grand Auction
Additional lots included a multi-estate “Collector’s Dream Weekend” and a collection of 50 magnums, offering bidders rare access to the wines, estates and personalities that continue to define Napa Valley.
Also in attendance was Shelly Sun Berkowitz, an active bidder and longtime supporter of WineaPAWlooza. Shelly’s philanthropic commitment to Jameson Humane is a poignant example of the enduring sense of community and shared passion that drives the event’s fundraising year after year.
The evening also recognized Bill and Ginger Nemerever of Nemerever Vineyards with the Jameson Humane Philanthropic Hero Award. The honor celebrated the Oakville vintners’ longstanding commitment to the organization and their belief in supporting animal welfare through sustained community involvement.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” Jameson Humane founder and president Monica Stevens said, invoking the words of Helen Keller as she thanked the community.
“This year’s celebration was nothing short of extraordinary,” Stevens continued. “From start to finish, the weekend captured the heart, generosity and resilience that make Napa Valley so special. Our donors and guests traveled from all over the country to support Jameson Humane and our wine industry.”
Beyond the Auction
The figures from WineaPAWlooza are impressive, but the event’s significance is best understood through the work the proceeds make possible.
Founded in 2014 and named for Monica and the late David Stevens’ adopted Great Pyrenees, Jameson, the nonprofit approaches animal welfare through the interconnected needs of animals, people and the planet.
Funds raised during WineaPAWlooza support nine principal programs, including spay and neuter surgeries, wellness clinics, behavioral and training assistance, the Community Animal Assistance Program, the Community Pet Pantry, Grants for Global Stewardship, Ella’s Cathouse & Adoption Center, Senior Citizens Pet Wellness and a seven-day-a-week community helpline. Jameson Humane also maintains a disaster-response program that has mobilized during every major Northern California wildfire and emergency since 2015.
The scope of that work continues to grow. Jameson Humane has facilitated approximately 2,500 spay and neuter surgeries since 2022 and served 11,700 animals in 2025 alone. Those numbers represent companion animals receiving medical care, families finding the resources to keep beloved pets at home and communities receiving critical support during moments of uncertainty.
WineaPAWlooza’s success is made possible by a network nearly as expansive as the services it supports. The 2026 event brought together veteran committee member Vanessa Conlin MW, the WineaPAWlooza Steering Committee, Jameson Humane’s board and staff, participating vintners and sponsors, and more than 100 volunteers.
Last year’s WineaPAWlooza raised $1.302 million, making the leap to nearly $1.93 million in 2026 particularly significant. Yet the spirit of the weekend remained consistent: exceptional wine offered in service of an organization working to improve the lives of animals and their human companions.
With every glass poured, every seat purchased and every paddle lifted, WineaPAWlooza demonstrated what can happen when one of the world’s great wine communities comes together around a common purpose.
Planning is already underway for the 14th annual WineaPAWlooza, returning to Napa Valley June 18 and 19, 2027.
For more information or to get involved, visit:
Leave a Reply