By Alexis Berry By Alexis Berry | May 16, 2022 | Lifestyle, Feature,
The weekend-long gala will raise funding and awareness for early-detection cancer research amid celebratory bites and sips along with an exclusive performance by Grammy award winner Jon Batiste.
Jon Batiste
Mark your calendars: the 24th annual V Foundation Wine Celebration is making a grand return to Napa Valley this summer. Over a weekend of unique culinary and vintner-hosted events, this thought-provoking gala will benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research, having raised more than $130 million for early-detection cancer research since 1999. This year’s theme, Choose Courage, pays homage to the Arthur Ashe Courage Award and reflects the charity’s commitment to the fight against cancer.
The party kicks off Thursday, Aug. 4 in the heart of wine country. Stop in for the popular Humanitarians & Founders luncheon prepared by renowned Bay Area chef Andre Villahermosa alongside refreshing, expertly paired wines by famous winemaker Martha McClellan. The following Dinner with the Docs at Far Niente winery is a must-experience hallmark offering guests a stellar feast with some of the nation’s leading physicians and research scientists.
Sauteed sea scallops, arugula salad and balsamic vinegar reduction courtesy of Bistro Laurent
The jubilee continues into Friday, Aug. 5 with the Rock the V concert, featuring bites from famed restaurateurs and an exclusive performance by Grammy award-winning artist Jon Batiste. Batiste’s wife, Suleika Jaouad—celebrated journalist and author of her cancer journey memoir Between Two Kingdoms—will also make a moving appearance.
ESPN Sports Center anchor Sage Steele at the 2021 V Foundation Wine Celebration Answer for Cancer Symposium
The pinnacle: an impassioned Answer for Cancer Research symposium and lunch at The Estate Yountville on Saturday, Aug. 6 followed by an evening bash at Nickel & Nickel winery in Oakville. An unforgettable dinner and auction with appearances from Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, former NFL defensive end Devon Still, and Food Network superstar and executive chef Charles Phan will demonstrate the V Foundation’s signature commitment to progress and boldness.
Photography by: COURTESY OF V FOUNDATION WINE CELEBRATION