The 4th Annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean Weekend Raises Over $3 Million

The fourth annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean weekend, hosted March 27-30 in Sonoma County, raised over $3 million. These funds will support game-changing research at top cancer centers across North America, with 100% of event proceeds directly benefiting cancer research.

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The V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean Steering Committee celebrates over $3 million raised at the 4th annual Gala Auction, held Saturday, March 29th in Healdsburg, CA. (Image courtesy of V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean - Will Bucquoy, photographer)

Sonoma Epicurean, co-presented by Weather Wines and Colossal, is a signature event series that features three days of curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans and Sonoma County’s top vintners, with a focus on lifestyle, wellness and sustainability, all while benefiting lifesaving cancer research through the V Foundation.



“We have now raised more than $13 million at Sonoma Epicurean since its start in 2022 to fund research that leads to breakthrough discoveries,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “Our sponsors, attendees, and so many members of the local community come together each year in Sonoma County with a singular goal: to accelerate Victory Over Cancer. Together, we’re providing world-class scientists with the resources to continue pursuing bold ideas that will impact patient lives for generations to come.”

The events included Friday’s Epicurean Experiences, where guests enjoyed a variety of fully immersive experiences focused on wellness, sustainability and staying active including the debut of the Wilson Celebrity Pickleball Classic hosted by V Foundation Board Members Russell Wilson and Ciara and their nonprofit, the Why Not You Foundation.

Saturday’s events included the Wellness Breakfast and Cancer Research Symposium, where attendees learned from V Foundation-funded scientists about research highlighting cancer interception and prevention, and culminated with the Gala & Auction at Montage Healdsburg where 2025 Honorees Johanna and Dustin Valette announced a new partnership with Valette Wines to benefit the V Foundation through March 2026.

"Supporting the V Foundation’s vital work has always been a cause close to our hearts,” said Dustin Valette. “Through this new initiative, where 10% of all new customer sales from Valette Wines will be donated through March 2026, we hope to contribute to the Foundation’s mission and help further their life-changing efforts. It’s our honor to play a small part in such an important cause."

Event co-chairs Stuart Bryan and Jessica Kilcullen introduced auctioneer and Emmy award-winning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem, who generated excitement and competitive bidding at the live auction including the evening’s top lot, The Cabo Dream with Aperture Cellars that sold for $220,000. Russell Wilson and Ciara kicked off the live auction with three surprise lots featuring a Yankee’s experience, a Duke trip and a NY Giants adventure garnering $277,500. In total, Sonoma Epicurean raised over $3 million for lifesaving cancer research.

The fifth annual V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean weekend will take place March 26-29, 2026. For more information, please visit v.org/sonomaepic.

(Additional images available upon request)

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Don't give up, don't ever give up - Jimmy V