Sonoma-Cutrer® Joins Forces with Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area to Host Wine Country Event to Raise Record-setting $773,000 for Foundation

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards and Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area once again teamed up to host 700 guests for an event to raise funds for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses while showcasing some of the best wine and food Sonoma County has to offer. Wishes in Wine Country, held Saturday, May 17^th, at Sonoma-Cutrer, set a new fundraising record—over $773,000 (including cash and in-kind contributions) which equals roughly 69 wishes that will be granted.

The croquet lawns of the Sonoma-Cutrer winery were the backdrop of the festive day to support the fundraising event for Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. More than 35 local restaurants and wineries offered guests small tastes and pours during the Grand Tasting which was followed by the Sunset Dinner and live auction.

Sonoma-Cutrer donated 300 bottles of its special release wine Legacy to Make-A-Wish and 100% of the proceeds went to the foundation. Event attendees were the first to have the opportunity to taste and purchase the Winemaker's Release Legacy wine which is the creation of three of the winery's past and present winemakers, and is a cuvee Chardonnay made from 2012's best barrels.

"We are so honored and humbled to be a part of the Wishes in Wine Country event and for our ongoing partnership with Make-A-Wish," said Tracy Thornsberry, Sonoma-Cutrer brand manager. "This foundation is truly making a difference for these amazing and deserving children and we are just thrilled to get the chance to experience this firsthand and in such a celebratory way."

Sunset Dinner guests were introduced to Sam Tageson, the 18 year old from Martinez who suffers from hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and who along with his mother Lisa spoke to the sold-out crowd, choking back tears as they described Sam's condition and what his wish meant to him. Following this, the live auction featured a wide array of extraordinary trips, wine themed items and experiences. The biggest lot, and always the most meaningful, is the Adopt-A-Wish^® lot, during which guests can make a donation to help make a child's wish come true. This inspired $165,000 in contributions for this lot – an event record and enough to grant 22 wishes.

"This is one of my favorite events all year. We have so many loyal donors who join us each May at Sonoma-Cutrer to help raise money for wishes," said Patricia Wilson, Executive Director Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area.  "But the reason for our event remains the same—hundreds of children in our home towns face life-threatening medical conditions that forever change their lives, and the lives of their families. So I was moved to tears when I saw the sea of paddles go up during our Adopt-A-Wish lot, which goes entirely to granting more wishes."

About Make-A-Wish^® Greater Bay Area:

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.  In 2014 Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area celebrates 30 years fulfilling magical wishes.  During its first year of operation, in 1984, the chapter granted 27 wishes.  Now one of the largest chapters nationwide, the Greater Bay Area grants over 300 wishes per year and has granted over 6,000 wishes to date.  The chapter covers 17 Northern California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Marin, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano and Sonoma.  The goal of Make-A-Wish is to grant a wish to every eligible child in its territory.  Anyone can suggest a child for a wish. For more information or to refer a child for a wish, please call 415/982-9474 or visit www.SF.Wish.org

Sonoma-Cutrer is one of the fine wines produced and marketed by the Brown-Forman Corporation. For more than 140 years, Brown-Forman has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands.  The company's brands are supported by nearly 4,000 employees and sold in approximately 160 countries worldwide.  For more information about the company, visit www.brown-forman.com. Please enjoy our wines responsibly.

© 2014 Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Windsor, Sonoma County, California

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140602/93270

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140602/93262

SOURCE Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards