Rock Star Wineries Converge @ #WineRoad World HQ to Bring It for #RedwoodEmpireFoodBank
The famous approach to Wine Road World HQ on this gala evening....Where else in the world can you be up close and personal with 10 wineries with winemakers/owners and delightful hospitality staff to schmooze YOU up?
Closeup- follow these signs to the best times, best wines.....
With temperatures soaring into the high 90′s and harvest occupying minds, the gala Wine Road/Redwood Empire Food Bank Fund-Raising Event flew into our World Headquarters and reminded us all how close-knit and caring a community this is. Each year, Wine Road donates at least $50,000 to the REFB, building that amount from $1/ticket sold to our Barrel Tasting, the largest wine event in California, as well as with raffles, gifts and events such as our Gala. Spreading the word solely via the most social of media, Facebook and Twitter, both Beth and I (TR), and all who picked up the call, were also ably assisted by Healdsburg Patch, which produced an awesome video about the event.
Here is the word via Beth that was geared toward posting on FB and Twitter; just like the guys on Dragnet, Beth went just for the facts, ma’am:
Wine Road hosts Facebook Meetup/Tasting with 10 wineries ~ fundraiser for Redwood Empire Food Bank –
Then folks would click here for the link to details.
The WRHQ warehouse was transformed into a garagiste’s dream. Food catered at a discount by Costeaux French Bakery. $20 at the gate, all proceeds to REFB, first 50 attendees also get a free ticket to our Barrel Tasting, a $30 value. Also Raffle Ticket for fabulous Wine Road schwag. We asked for our winery members to volunteer to be on hand and pour their wines- the first 10 to respond became our STARS:
- Acorn Winery / Alegria Vineyards
- Alexander Valley Vineyards
- Dutcher Crossing Winery
- Frick
- The Meeker Vineyard
- Michel-Schlumberger
- Pech Merle Winery
- Peterson Winery
- Quivira Vineyards & Winery
- Russian River Vineyards
So Beth and Lynn cranked up Pandora, and we cranked up the warehouse door. The vibe was totally urban chic, funky, utilitarian, serviceable, delicious, warm and one-of-a-kind….
Check in.
Our distinctive Wine Road banner as seen on the red carpet at the last Academy Awards....
The doors open to reveal...Wine Road Heaven REALLY condensed....
From left, Bill Nachbaur, Acorn/Alegria, known for his winemaking and canoeing skills (hey, where has Betsy gotten off to?); and Caitlin Santin, hospitality with the mostest from AVV.
Ah, here's Betsy Nachbaur, Acorn/Alegria, working the crowd....
Urban chic signage designed by Beth & Lynn....
The view of the warehouse tasting shot all arty-like from my Wine Road office space....I see some celebrities in here....
Bill Frick himself; Helvetica font name-tag resplendent. The One Man Rhone Band Rock Star....
Jamie Peterson! He had his sweet Seamus with him at the start....
From left to right, Dutcher Crossing, Frick and Jim Morris, nearly our current Mr. Healdsburg, from Michel-Schlumberger....
Left to right, Meeker, Pech Merle, Peterson....
From left, John Pepe and Bruce Lawton from Pech Merle; they claimed to really be Bert & Ernie, but they cannot fool me....
From left pouring, Mary from Quivira and Lauren from Russian River Vineyards....Lauren even recalled my love of sauvignon blanc....
Beth ramps up for the raffle...
One of our Big Checks to REFB....
From left, Lee Bickley, REFB, and Beth Costa, Fearless Leader/ED Wine Road, in front of the famous Wine Road Banner....
Thank you all participants. (Wine Road: home to truly approachable, friendly, knowledgeable staff, wine-makers and proprietors- these folks are finest kind- it does not get any better than this….)
Here’s looking at you, kids.
TR
WE WERE THERE!
The generosity of Wine Road Northern Sonoma County, as well as all of the attendees continue to make Sonoma County one of the most compassionate places on earth. On behalf of 78,000 people who receive our help every single month, we say Thank You.
David Goodman
Executive Director
Redwood Empire Food Bank
Thank you, Dave! REFB is near and dear to Wine Road! TR