5th Anniversary V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean Raises $3.5M to Fund Breakthrough Cancer Research
Healdsburg, CA (March 30, 2026) – The 5th Anniversary V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean announced over $3.5 million was raised to accelerate lifesaving cancer research. Held March 26–29, the event brought together Sonoma County’s most renowned chefs, wineries, and passionate supporters for a weekend of impact, with 100% of event proceeds going directly into the labs of top scientists at prominent cancer centers nationwide. Since its debut in 2022, Sonoma Epicurean has raised nearly $17 million.
Weekend highlights included:
- Thursday, March 26 featured the Vintner Showcase Reception at Montage Healdsburg, followed by a selection of fine-dining Vintner Dinners hosted at Aperture Cellars, Silver Oak Cellars, Bricoleur Vineyards and Skipstone Wine. Thursday’s festivities concluded with the After Party at Roof 106 at The Matheson on the Healdsburg Square.
- Friday, March 27 offered Epicurean Experiences, where guests had their choice of a fully immersive activity such as The Mind-Body Luncheon with Live Well Lead Well at Montage Hotel, Culinary Theater with Chefs Charlie Palmer and Dustin Valette at Appellation Healdsburg, and golf at the renowned Santa Rosa Golf Club. Friday concluded with the Epic Party at Bacchus Landing in historic Healdsburg, with live music, an array of food and wine stations from notable chefs and vintners, and the Case for Research wine auction featuring Gary Farrell, Rodney Strong and Stonestreet.
- Saturday, March 28 began with Conversations for a Cure, where guests heard from three V Foundation-funded grantees about their groundbreaking work across a range of cancer types and research focuses.
The main event on Saturday evening was the Gala & Auction at wine country’s premium destination, Montage Healdsburg. The Gala was hosted by award-winning ESPN SportsCenter anchor and cancer thriver Jay Harris and recognized two honorees, Ariel Ungerleider Kelley, J.D., MBA, and Shoshana Ungerleider, M.D., distinguished Sonoma County leaders whose work bridges public service, healthcare, and nonprofit innovation.
The auction’s top lot featured a six-night, seven-day private villa experience at Zapotal Golf and Beach Club in Costa Rica, plus a private dinner for 12 at Lando Estate hosted by Sonoma County vintners Sam Lando and Tony Lombardi. Other top lots included: a FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience in a private suite at Levi’s Stadium and a luncheon for four at Quivira Vineyards, including a vertical of Quivira Anderson Ranch magnums; a seven night stay in luxury villa located in the prestigious Mas Nou Golf area of Castell-Platja d’Aro on Spain’s Costa Brava, plus a private Century Tour & Tasting for 8 People at the Ridge Lytton Springs Estate; and an exclusive VIP Formula 1 Grand Prix experience in Miami or Las Vegas, including a Weather Wines tasting for six at the private Church Vineyard Estate in Los Carneros. The excitement continued through the Fund-a-Need paddle raise and in total, the event raised over $3.5 million for lifesaving cancer research.
“Sonoma Epicurean brings together an extraordinary group of people who believe that the fastest way to achieve Victory Over Cancer® and save lives is by investing in the brightest scientists and boldest ideas across the research community,” said Coury Shadyac, Chief Development Officer at the V Foundation. “We are funding incredible projects both locally and nationwide, with $37 million awarded across 102 grants in the Bay Area alone. Through the generosity and support of events like Sonoma Epicurean, we can continue accelerating the best of the best.”
The V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean was proudly presented by Weather Wines and Colossal.
The 6th Annual V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean is set for March 11-14, 2027. For more information, visit v.org/sonomaepic.
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About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded over $458 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.
About Sonoma Epicurean
Sonoma Epicurean is a signature series of events featuring curated and hands-on experiences with Michelin-star and award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners with a focus on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability. Proceeds from the event will fund cancer research and related programs to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit sonomaepicurean.v.org.
