5th Anniversary V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean Raises $3.5M to Fund Breakthrough Cancer Research

HEALDSBURG, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 5th Anniversary V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean announced over $3.5 million raised to accelerate lifesaving cancer research. Held March 26–29, the event united Sonoma County’s 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 2022 debut, Sonoma Epicurean has raised nearly $17 million.

Weekend highlights included the Vintner Showcase Reception at Montage Healdsburg, a selection of Vintner Dinners hosted at Aperture Cellars, Silver Oak Cellars, Bricoleur Vineyards and Skipstone Wine, and an After Party at Roof 106 at The Matheson.

Epicurean Experiences provided guests with a choice of immersive activities, including 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 Santa Rosa Golf Club, concluding with the Epic Party at Bacchus Landing and the Case for Research wine auction featuring Gary Farrell, Rodney Strong and Stonestreet.

Saturday featured Conversations for a Cure, where V Foundation-funded grantees presented their groundbreaking work across a range of cancer research topics, and the Gala & Auction at Montage Healdsburg hosted by award-winning ESPN SportsCenter anchor and cancer thriver Jay Harris. The event recognized Ariel Ungerleider Kelley, J.D., MBA, and Shoshana Ungerleider, M.D., for their work bridging public service, healthcare, and nonprofit innovation.

The auction’s top lot featured a seven-day private villa experience at Zapotal Golf and Beach Club in Costa Rica, plus a private dinner 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 at Quivira Vineyards, including a vertical of Quivira Anderson Ranch magnums; a week-long stay in a luxury villa located in the Mas Nou Golf area of Castell-Platja d’Aro on Spain’s Costa Brava, plus a private Century Tour & Tasting at the Ridge Lytton Springs Estate; and a VIP Formula 1 Grand Prix experience in Miami or Las Vegas, including a Weather Wines tasting at the private Church Vineyard Estate in Los Carneros.

“Sonoma Epicurean brings together extraordinary people who believe the fastest way to achieve Victory Over Cancer® is by investing in the brightest scientists and boldest ideas,” 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 support of events like Sonoma Epicurean, we’ll continue accelerating the best of the best.”

Sonoma Epicurean was proudly presented by Weather Wines and Colossal. The 6th annual event is March 11-14, 2027. Learn more at v.org/sonomaepic.