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Supporting Sonoma County First Responders: The 2025 Wine Country to the Rescue Auction

  • Writer: Editorial Staff
    Editorial Staff
  • Apr 4
  • 6 min read

Every year, the Wine Country region's most generous vintners, restaurateurs, innkeepers, and community members come together for one unforgettable night to support the firefighters and first responders who protect our vineyards, our homes, and our families. The 2025 Wine Country to the Rescue auction is no exception.

The 2025 Auction catalog was breathtaking more than 115 items, over $152,000 in estimated value, and dozens of local donor partners,. And 100% of proceeds go directly to benefit the first responders who show up when it matters most.

Here's a look at what's up for bid.


The Lots That Will Stop the Room

Light Up the Night: Ignite the Fireworks Show One lucky bidder gets to be the single person who ignites the Wine Country to the Rescue fireworks finale. You'll stand alongside the master pyrotechnician behind the scenes, then press the big red button yourself. Bragging rights fully included. There is nothing else like this anywhere.

Soaring Over California: A Private Flight for Three A 2-hour private flight with pilot Scott Newman departing from Healdsburg Airport. You and two guests choose your route: south to Half Moon Bay for sweeping coastal views, or north to Shelter Cove above the redwoods. Includes a hangar tour and behind-the-scenes time at the airport. Donated by Newman Agriculture.

Overnight at Jordan Estate + Dinner at Catelli's A chateau suite on Jordan Vineyard's iconic 1,200-acre estate, paired with a private winery tour and tasting, and dinner for two at Catelli's in Geyserville with celebrity chef Domenica Catelli. One of the most complete Wine Country escapes you'll ever bid on.

Handcrafted American Flag from Repurposed Fire Hose A 74" x 47" American flag handcrafted from repurposed fire hose by the sister of a local firefighter, with burned wood framing and patches from six local agencies including CAL FIRE and Healdsburg Fire. A stunning, one-of-a-kind heirloom. Donated by Amber Tansey.


Amber Tansey and her brother Captain James Tovani carry the American Flag that Amber made and donated. This was part of our live auction here in the heart of Sonoma County.
Amber Tansey and her brother Captain James Tovani carry the American Flag that Amber made and donated.

SingleThread Farms Dinner for Two A multi-course dinner with wine pairings at SingleThread, one of Healdsburg's Michelin three-star restaurants, plus a behind-the-scenes tour of the farm where your ingredients are grown. Donated by The Madrona Hotel and SingleThread.


Wine Country Experiences Worth Every Bid

VIP Tour and Tasting for 6 at Silver Oak Cellars — A guided walking tour through Silver Oak's vineyard and production facility, tasting their Alexander Valley and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons and finishing in The Library.

Private Tour and Tasting for 6 at Williams Selyem — One of Russian River Valley's most celebrated producers opens its doors for a private, intimate experience.

Open-Top Hummer Tour Through Chalk Hill Estate — You and three guests on an exclusive off-road tour through the stunning 1,300-acre Chalk Hill Estate, with a premium tasting included. Donated by Foley Family Wines.

Private Winemaker Tasting and Charcuterie for 6 at Mercury Wine — An exclusive experience hosted personally by the winemaker behind Messenger, a boutique Sonoma label.

Legacy Tasting for 4 at J Vineyards and a Magnum to Take Home — A curated Legacy Tasting in the beautiful Russian River Valley setting, plus a magnum bottle of J Vineyards wine.

Private Wine Class for Up to 20 at Total Wine and More — Choose from seven different class formats for a fully hosted, unforgettable group experience.

Behind the Gates of Knights Valley with Ehert Family Winery — A private exploration of one of Sonoma's most beautiful and undervisited wine regions.

Private VIP Tasting for 4 at Mauritson Wines — Access to the Wine Library for a limited-production seated tasting in Dry Creek Valley.

Private Tasting for 6 at Dutcher Crossing Winery — A seated, private experience nestled in the breathtaking Dry Creek Valley.

Tour and Tasting for 6 at Zialena Winery — Four generations of family winemaking in Alexander Valley, experienced up close and personally.


Bottles Worth Bidding For

Magnum of Peterson 2016 Zinfandel, Bradford Mountain Estate — A bold, full-bodied Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel with blackberry, black cherry, spice, and vanilla. Cellared and ready for something special.

J. Rickards Winery Six-Pack: Zinfandel and Grenache Rose — Three bottles of the 2020 Zinfandel Ancestor Selection from old vines, paired with three bottles of the 2023 Ava Rae Grenache Rose.

Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir 1.5L Magnum — A magnum of the celebrated 2022 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir, one of Russian River Valley's most sought-after wines.

Award-Winning Wines from Shone Farm Winery — Six bottles from the student-led Shone Farm: three bottles of 2022 Rose and three of 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, both gold medal winners at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.


A display of wine and other donations, as part of the silent auction at Wine Country to the Rescue. A fundraiser to support firefighters.
Silent Auction items from Wine Country to the Rescue

Nalle Winery Rose and Ranch Red Four-Pack — Two bottles of the 2024 Cara Mourvedre Rose alongside two bottles of the 2021 Estate Ranch Red, a bold field blend rooted in Dry Creek Valley heritage.

Alexander Valley Vineyards Mixed Four-Pack — A curated selection of their 2023 Rose, 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 Syrah, and the iconic 2020 Sin Zin Zinfandel.

A. Rafanelli 2023 Zinfandel Three-Pack — A coveted three-pack from one of Dry Creek Valley's most limited-production, loyal-following wineries.

Hawley Winery Six-Pack: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir — Three bottles of 2023 Chardonnay from Hopkins Vineyard and three bottles of 2022 Pinot Noir from Oehlman Vineyard.

Showa Farm Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil — Three bottles of locally produced Showa Farm EVOO, ranked among the best olive oils in North America.


Dining and Overnight Escapes

Dinner for Two at Hazel Hill, Montage Healdsburg — A seasonally inspired multi-course dinner paired with local wines at Montage's acclaimed restaurant.

Cyrus Sunday Family Meal for Two + Signed Cookbook — Two seats at the exclusive Cyrus Sunday Family Meal in Healdsburg, plus a signed copy of Chef Douglas Keane's Culinary Leverage.

One Night at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa — A Fairmont King Room with a bottle of wine on arrival, a daily Sonoma Valley tasting in the lobby, and access to the legendary natural mineral hot springs.

One Night at The Lodge at Bodega Bay — A beautifully appointed ocean view room on the stunning Sonoma Coast for two guests.

Two-Night Stay at the Geyserville Inn — A charming retreat in the heart of Sonoma County wine country, surrounded by vineyards and mountain views.

Napa Valley Wine Train Lunch or Dinner — A luxurious 3-course meal aboard the iconic Wine Train, rolling through the heart of Napa Valley in beautifully restored vintage rail cars.

Hog Island Oyster Farm Tour in Marshall — A behind-the-scenes tour at Hog Island in Tomales Bay, with plenty of fresh oysters to enjoy on site.

Two Tickets to Dave Matthews Band at the Shoreline — Live music on the lawn at one of Northern California's best outdoor venues. Donated by Wine Country Radio.


One-of-a-Kind Local Treasures

Fire Department Quilt by Teri Sears — A 62" x 73" handcrafted quilt made from shirts representing fire departments across Sonoma County. A true heirloom tribute to those who serve.

Turned Oak Bowl from Rockpile Road — Elegantly turned from oak trees once rooted along Sonoma County's Rockpile Road, this bowl carries a story of place and purpose. Crafted by Susie and Earle Cummings.

Guy Fieri Foundation Bundle — An autographed Guy Fieri collectible package from the Guy Fieri Foundation.

Food Network Behind-the-Scenes Experience — An exclusive chance to go behind the scenes of one of Food Network's most popular productions, offered by Michael Pigoni.


Wine Country Adventures and Sonoma Activities in this Auction

Round of Golf for 4 at Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club — A private round on one of Sonoma County's most prestigious and exclusive courses.

Guided Safari Drive for 4 at Safari West — Explore 400 acres of African wildlife habitat in Santa Rosa aboard an open-vehicle safari, for two adults and two children.

Tour and Tasting at Young and Yonder Distillery + 4 ABBA Tribute Tickets — A personalized spirits tour and tasting for 6 at Young and Yonder's Healdsburg distillery, plus four tickets to Summer Night City at The Mystic in Petaluma on August 16, 2025.

E-Bike Rental from Getaway Adventures — A fun, eco-friendly exploration of the Dry Creek Valley wine trail by electric bike.

Behind-the-Scenes Coffee Tour at Wolf Coffee, Geyserville — A 90-minute roastery tour and tasting with the owner and roaster behind one of Wine Country's most beloved small-batch coffee brands.

4 Tickets to the San Jose Earthquakes — Four seats to a regular season home game. Donated by the Quakes Foundation.

Two Tickets to San Francisco Ballet — Two Dress Circle seats for select 2025-2026 season performances.


Be Part of Something Bigger

Every bid, every paddle, and every donation at Wine Country to the Rescue auction goes directly toward supporting the firefighters and first responders in Sonoma County who protect this extraordinary region we call home.

Tickets and information are available at www.winecountrytotherescue.com. We hope to see you there.

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