2012 Sun Valley Center Wine Auction Live Lots

Live Lots Sun Valley Center for the Arts Wine Auction

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Opening Bid $1,200 Includes Two 9-Liter Bottles Three 1.5-Liter Bottles Tour and Tasting for Four Donor Hugh Davies, Owner Schramsberg Vineyards Calistoga, California

Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, 2005

Nothing says it’s time to celebrate like bubbles, and this big, big bottle of bubbly is chilled and ready to pour. Hugh Davies of Schramsberg Vineyards is donating the traditional Sun Valley Center for the Arts opening lot with this special bottle. Let the bidding begin!

Once this bottle is exhausted, there’ll be no crying over spilled sparkling.

Tonight’s winner also takes home a second giant Salmanazar of the 2005 Blanc de Blancs plus three other bottles from Schramsberg Vineyards: Magnums of the 2003 Reserve and 2004 J. Schram sparkling wines and the 2008 J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2003 Reserve is Schramsberg’s top Pinot Noir–focused brut sparkling wine, with youthful aromas of red apple and juicy pear followed by Rainier cherry. The fruit is accentuated by holiday spices. The 2004 J. Schram has aromas of fresh green apple, apricot and lime and a bit of minerality.

In addition there is a creaminess of vanilla custard and marzipan followed by fresh baguette. The 2008 J. Davies, rated 93 points by Robert Parker, is no longer available, making it even more of a gem.

The high bidder and three friends are invited to visit beautiful Schramsberg Vineyards for an estate tour and tasting in its historic caves in the Napa Valley. Tucked into the densely forested slopes of Diamond Mountain a few miles south of the town of Calistoga, the estate is home to the oldest hillside vineyards in Napa. A registered historic landmark, the estate has been painstakingly restored by the Davies family.

The tour is to be scheduled for a mutually convenient date.

Napa Valley Delivers with Hunnicutt Ding, dong, Napa Valley calling! Experience all that is special about this renowned winemaking destination without leaving the comfort of your own home, if you are the high bidder on this evening full of flavor, fulfillment and a touch of fantasy.

Justin Hunnicutt Stephens and winemaker Kirk Venge of St. Helena’s Hunnicutt Winery, along with Brandon Sharp, Executive Chef of Michelin Star–rated SolBar at Solage Calistoga resort, will astound and surprise you when they arrive at your door to wine and dine you, with a bevy of barrel samples and a quiver of blending tools at the ready. Justin and Kirk will help you and one other person craft a unique, proprietary Napa Valley wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah will all be available to create something truly one of a kind. The best news? You’ll get either a dozen 750ml bottles or one etched Salmanazar of your own personal blend to keep and serve to your family and friends. Can’t you hear yourself boasting, “Yes, this is the wine I created!”

After the blending session ends, invite your six most fun-loving friends over for a Napa-inspired feast for the senses and the stomach. Renowned chef Brandon Sharp—former sous chef at the five-star Gary Danko in San Francisco and chef de partie alongside Thomas Keller at the French Laundry in Napa Valley—will commandeer your kitchen and prepare a signature meal of only the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. During the meal, Justin and Kirk will act as your personal sommeliers. This is no ordinary dinner party!

Just because Justin, Kirk and Brandon must make their way home to the Napa Valley doesn’t mean you will be left with nothing but memories.

Tonight, take home two rare etched Double Magnums: one 2006 and one 2007 Hunnicutt Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are highly rated and favorably reviewed, and no more than 20 etched bottles of either were made.

Date to be mutually agreed upon.

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Opening Bid $3,000 Includes One 9-Liter Bottle or Twelve 750ml Bottles (delivered after blending session) Two 3-Liter Bottles Blending Session for Two Dinner for Eight Donors Justin Hunnicutt Stephens, Proprietor Hunnicutt Winery St. Helena, California Kirk Venge, Winemaker Hunnicutt Winery St. Helena, California Brandon Sharp, Executive Chef SolBar, Solage Calistoga Calistoga, California

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Opening Bid $4,000 Includes Three-Night Stay for Two Five Cultural Experiences for Two Two Dinners for Two One Cookbook

Ultra Exclusive Art This package is a dream come true for art, culture and food lovers who also love the City by the Bay. Tonight’s high bidder and a guest (one couple) will enjoy a three-night stay at any Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property in San Francisco, the launching point for a whirlwind stay of exclusive enjoyment and private access that will be the envy of all your friends.

A highlight of this very special experience is a private tour of the Kramlich Collection, the most important media art collection in the nation. The collection resides at Richard and Pamela Kramlich’s spectacular private residence in Pacific Heights and includes more than 200 pieces, making it one of the world’s largest private collections of video and new media arts. The Kramlichs have been collecting film and video-based art since the late 1980s. Their collection includes pieces by such historical figures as Vito Acconci, Dara Birnbaum, Marcel Broodthaers, Dan Graham and Bruce Nauman, as well as works by leading contemporary artists including Matthew Barney, Stan Douglas, Steve McQueen, Mariko Mori, Keith Tyson and Jeff Wall.

A “Curators Choice” tour of the Hosfelt Gallery with owner Todd Hosfelt is also on the itinerary. His SoMa gallery will offer a new installation beginning September 8, 2012. Both a celebration of the 15th anniversary of Hosfelt Gallery and a preview of programming in the new 8,500-square-foot San Francisco space, Look Both Ways reflects the culture and values of the gallery—centered on the belief that art should change the way you think or feel and make you question your perception of the world.

A one-hour behind-the-scenes tour of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art with the senior curator of painting and sculpture, Gary Garrels, also awaits.

If the visit takes place in early winter 2012–2013, then Jasper Johns: Seeing with the Mind’s Eye will be on view at the museum. Or your tour may include another special exhibit or an in-depth view of the permanent collection.

Finally, you will go “backstage” at Pier 24 at the Embarcadero with a private tour. Pier 24 Photography is an exhibition space that hosts rotating exhibitions and houses the Pilara Foundation Collection. Visitors experience an environment in which to view and quietly contemplate photography. By collaborating with photographers, educators, collectors and curators, Pier 24 shares diverse ideas with the public.

Visual art will make way for performing art with two center box tickets to a production at the San Francisco Ballet during the 2013 season. The oldest

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professional ballet company in America has emerged as a world-class arts organization since it was founded as the San Francisco Opera Ballet in 1933. San Francisco Ballet continues to enrich and expand its repertory and presents approximately 100 performances annually under the artistic direction of Helgi Tómasson.

All of this culture is sure to work up an appetite. Not to worry, you have dinner reservations at two of the city’s finest eateries. One night, settle in at Town Hall to enjoy chef Mitchell Rosenthal’s acclaimed food.

Wine Spectator called Town Hall a “non-stop party with great food.”

You will also receive a signed copy of Mitchell’s cookbook, Cooking My Way Back Home, to encourage your own culinary adventures. Dinner at Perbacco, paired with sublime wines, tops off this fabulous trip.

“Perbacco” is an expression of pleasure and surprise, as well as a reference to Bacchus, god of wine and good times. It is a fitting name for a restaurant so thoroughly steeped in the traditions of Italy, yet with a refreshingly modern feel and attitude.

Guided tours are to be arranged at mutually convenient times. The Kimpton Hotel & Restaurants stay is subject to availability and blackout dates. Stay certificate expires July 31, 2013. Transportation to and around San Francisco is not included.

Donors Todd Hosfelt, Owner Hosfelt Gallery Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Pamela and Richard Kramlich Leslie and Umberto Gibin, Owners Perbacco Ristorante & Bar Pier 24 Gary Garrels, Curator San Francisco Museum of Modern Art The Smelick Family Town Hall

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Opening Bid $1,500 Includes One 6-Liter Bottle Four 1.5-Liter Bottles Pizza Party and Wine for Six Wine Lunch for Six Donors Mark and Jami Grassi, Proprietors Grassi Wine Company Napa, California Robin and Jon Lail and Erin Lail, Proprietors Lail Vineyards Rutherford, California

A Tale of Two Valleys

Grassi Wine Company and Lail Vineyards Sun Valley and Napa Valley are two of the most scenic and luxurious destinations in the world. Both can be yours tonight with this comprehensive fun-lovers’ package brought to you by the Grassi and Lail families.

Grassi Wine Company proprietors Mark and Jami Grassi will personally welcome you and five guests to their stunning Sun Valley property for what can only be described as an over-the-top pizza party! Their legendary hospitality and joie de vivre will set the tone for an unforgettable night of making gourmet pizza while sharing delicious vintages of wine amid the backdrop of the stunning Wood River Valley where summer days last forever and the soft glow of the evening sun makes the world seem just a bit softer. As a taste of what’s to come, tonight’s high bidder will take home four generous, mouthwatering Magnums from the Grassi Wine Company: three bottles of Grassi 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and one 2011 Ribolla Gialla. Antonio Galloni of The Wine Advocate says of the Cabernet Sauvignon that “Layers of expressive fruit emerge from this beautifully delineated Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows great mid palate pliancy and terrific balance.” The Ribolla Gialla is mineral-driven and loaded with personality.

From Sun Valley to Napa Valley: next stop is exquisite Lail Vineyards on magical Howell Mountain outside St. Helena, where proprietors Robin and Jon Lail will share their private paradise with six guests. Part of a true family winery, Robin is a fourth generation vintner who is passing her love of the land and the grape to her children and grandchildren. Start the day with a hike on beautiful Howell Mountain with Robin, Jon and, most likely, their Bernese mountain dog. Then join the Lails at Mole Hill, their estate home, to enjoy a lunch specially prepared by one of the valley’s leading chefs. The meal will be designed around Lail’s acclaimed vintages and it is likely some surprises from the cellar, perhaps even a Magnum of the rare 2007 Mole Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, might find their way onto the table and into the wine glasses. At 1,700 feet, the view at lunchtime promises to be as spectacular as the food and wine. After lunch, it’s time for a rousing game of bocce.

Tonight, an Imperial of Lail Vineyards 2008 J. Daniel Cuvée goes home with the high bidder. Named in honor of third generation owner John Daniel, Jr., who played a major role in the development of the Napa Valley Appellation, this is the winery’s flagship wine. Philippe Melka calls the 2008 “the perfect example of an unconventional vintage where quality of the vineyards and winemaking are key . . . A definitive lay down wine.”

Transportation to Napa and Sun Valley is not included, and lodging is the responsibility of the winning bidder. Dates for both adventures are to be arranged at a mutually convenient time with the hosts.

Ultimate Oregon Retour Wines and More

If you have yearned to learn more about the fine wines of Oregon and to get a true insiders’ look at this region, then this package is for you!

The “behind-the-label” adventure starts with your hostess with the most: proprietor Lindsay Woodard of Willamette Valley’s Retour Wines. You and three guests (two couples) are invited to join the always energetic and effervescent Lindsay on an extraordinary wine country excursion where you will visit the region’s top wineries and meet the personalities behind the labels. And you will do it in style!

A lovely private guesthouse on the grounds of the prestigious Domaine Serene winery awaits your arrival. This hideaway boasts postcard-worthy views in every direction and puts you in the heart of the Willamette Valley and all that it offers. Feel free to open a bottle of the award-winning Domaine Serene Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, a gift to start off the three-night stay on the right (tasting) note. Relax a bit; it’s going to be a busy, busy getaway.

On the schedule? A helicopter tour of Domaine Serene vineyards and the surrounding Dundee Hills. Then it’s back to earth for a VIP tour and tasting of Domaine Serene’s landmark five-level gravity flow winery. At this one-of-a-kind facility, you will meet winemaker Erik Kramer and learn how Domaine Serene’s ultra-premium wines go from grape to bottle. After the tour, sip exquisite Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah in their beautiful dining room.

That evening, Lindsay herself will prepare dinner. As accomplished in the kitchen as in the vineyard, she will create for you a multicourse meal, paired with multiple vintages of Retour Pinot Noir and other local wines. A few hidden gems from her private cellar may also make an appearance.

And that’s only the first day. Did you know that winemakers in Oregon make wines from the same Pinot Noir grape grown more than 7,500 miles away in Burgundy, France? C’est vrai! Fourth generation winemaker Véronique Drouhin-Boss has been doing exactly that in Oregon since 1988 at Domaine Drouhin. Enjoy a tour of the winery and then challenge yourself during seated comparative tasting of five Drouhin wines, accompanied by a selection of fine cheeses. Then go behind the scenes for a private barrel tasting at The Carlton Winemakers Studio, home to nearly a dozen individual vintners that produce some of the region’s most coveted wines under one innovative roof.

Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with some of the region’s freshest local ingredients. Dinner will be an indulgent feast at local hot spot The Painted Lady, often named as the best restaurant in Oregon. Chefs and owners Allen Routt and Jessica Bagley will prepare a seven-course meal featuring local ingredients as Lindsay pours the perfect wine for each course. The setting is an intimate Victorian home in Newberg; the experience is unforgettable!

As winning bidder, you will receive a full case of 2008 Retour Pinot Noir with your name engraved on each bottle. These will surely be a prime conversation piece when presented at an upcoming dinner party. In addition, a stunning hand-etched and painted Rehoboam 2008 Retour Pinot Noir, signed by Lindsay, goes home with the high bidder tonight.

Transportation is not included and the visit is to be arranged for a date convenient for all parties.

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Opening Bid $2,000 Includes One 5-Liter Bottle Twelve 750ml Bottles (delivered after engraving) Two 750ml Bottles (received at time of stay) Three-Night Stay for Four Two Dinners for Four Tasting and Lunch for Four Tour and Tasting for Four Tour, Tasting and Cheese Pairing for Four Helicopter Tour for Four Donors Lindsay Woodard, Proprietor Retour Wines Carlton, Oregon Ken and Grace Evenstad, Proprietors Domaine Serene Dayton, Oregon Véronique Drouhin-Boss, Proprietor Domaine Drouhin Dundee, Oregon

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Opening Bid $4,000 Includes Four-Night Stay for Four Three Cultural Experiences for Four Two Dinners for Four Personal Shopping Experience and Gift Certificate Donors Bonni and Peter Curran J. Crew The James Beard Foundation Barbara and John Lehman Glen Lowry Masa and Bar Masa

Glorious Gotham The sights, sounds and thrilling tastes of New York will surround the winner of this exclusive four-night Big Apple getaway. Two fortunate couples (four people) will have the city at their feet from their home for their stay, Barbara and John Lehman’s lovely two-bedroom condo, boasting spectacular cityscape views from the 27th floor in trendy and terrific Tribeca.

New York is always on the culinary cutting edge, and the visit will include meals at some of the city’s finest establishments. On the first night, how about dinner at Masa, the ultimate in gastronomical greatness and one of the toughest reservations in town? There is no menu at Masa Restaurant, nor is anything a la carte. Everything that comes to the table is Chef Masa’s choice for the evening, depending on seasonal availability.

The always changing and evolving tasting menu consists primarily of raw seafood—mainly sushi and sashimi. It is a dining experience never duplicated.

The foursome will also indulge in dinner at the James Beard House, the ultimate foodie mecca, located in a beautiful brownstone building in historic Greenwich Village. Visiting chefs at Beard’s former home serve up amazing multicourse dinners and equally impressive wine pairings.

But what is a visit to New York without a night at the theater? Four tickets to a current Broadway production are included in this package.

Whether it’s a musical, comedy or tragedy, a classic revival or the newest hit that everyone’s talking about, there will be plenty of choices for a fantastic night in one of Midtown’s storied playhouses.

Another evening of culture at the famed Joyce Theater is also included.

Founded in 1982, the Joyce was created by dancers for dance. Today, it is considered one of the very best performance venues and attracts an annual audience of more than 140,000. Since its inception, the Joyce Theater has welcomed hundreds of dance companies from all over.

Depending on the season, the night’s entertainment could be anything from a well-established company to an up-and-coming troupe, but there’s no doubt it will be a first-rate production.

What else is New York famous for? Why, world-class art and stylish shopping! There will be time for both. Go for a private, insiders’ tour of MOMA’s permanent collection and current exhibitions. Even repeat visitors will benefit from the guide’s encyclopedic knowledge and understanding of the museum’s holdings.

Tonight’s winning bidder also receives a $1,000 gift certificate to J. Crew’s 769 Madison Avenue boutique. The 769 Collection features items available only in that location, with a focus on special occasion wear including cocktail dresses, evening gowns and bridal gowns. A personal shopper will be on hand to customize the shopping experience.

Dates of this trip will be mutually agreeable to all parties. Transportation is not included.

Leonetti Lineage

Leonetti Cellar & FIGGINS The winner of this package will be granted an audience with the royals of Walla Walla wine country, the Figgins family. Three lucky couples (six people) will enjoy a one-of-a-kind insiders’ look at the Figgins wine estate.

For more than 30 years, the family has produced wines of consistently high quality at Leonetti Cellar, which was founded in 1977 by Gary and Nancy Figgins. What started as Gary’s vision to make world-class wines in the region has turned into a true American success story. Today, Leonetti Cellar produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world.

Upon arrival, you will check in to the Marcus Whitman Hotel, where history meets luxury in downtown Walla Walla. Once you have freshened up, tour the Leonetti Cellar estate, tasting the latest releases and enjoying an informal lunch with renowned winemaker Chris Figgins. Following lunch, Chris will personally tour you through the SeVein Vineyards of Distinction at the opposite end of the Walla Walla Valley AVA. There, you will taste special cellar and barrel selections from Leonetti Cellar. The wines are certain to taste even better because you will sip and savor them at the famous Seven Hills Gazebo, which provides jaw-dropping views across the Walla Walla Valley.

That evening, the hospitality continues as you enjoy dinner at WhitehouseCrawford, one of Walla Walla’s top restaurants. There, delight in foods sourced from local farmers and artisans in a uniquely historic dining space that was once a planing mill. To make the evening even more special, the fabulous food will be paired with Leonetti and FIGGINS wines, chosen by the family.

The cultural and historic wonders of Walla Walla are yours to explore the next morning. By late afternoon you may feel the need to return to the family fold, though, and Chris will join you for a guided tour and barrel tasting at the FIGGINS Wine Studio. Immediately thereafter, you will be escorted to the stunning Figgins Estate Vineyards, where you will join the entire Figgins clan for a wonderful al fresco dining experience. Dinner will be served family-style in the vineyard with dessert at the outdoor firepit.

A lifetime of memories are sure to result from this meal served beneath Washington State’s vast canopy of stars.

In addition, each couple will be placed on the Leonetti Cellar and FIGGINS mailing lists and tonight one signed Double Magnum of the 2009 Leonetti Cellar Reserve and one of the 2009 FIGGINS Estate Red Wine go home with the high bidder. The tastes, textures and aromas of these splendid reds will keep this magical Walla Walla journey alive each time a bottle is uncorked.

Stay and activities are to be scheduled by December 31, 2012, for a mutually convenient date between June and September 2013. Transportation is not included.

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Opening Bid $2,500 Includes Two 3-Liter Bottles Two-Night Stay for Six Tour, Tasting and Lunch for Six Tour and Barrel Tasting for Six Two Dinners for Six Three Spots on Two Mailing Lists Donor Gary and Nancy Figgins, Founders Chris Figgins, President and Winemaker Figgins Family Wine Estates Walla Walla, Washington

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Opening Bid $2,000 Includes One 1.5-Liter Bottle Two-Night Stay for Six Tour, Tasting and Lunch for Six Tour, Tasting and Dinner for Six Tour, Tasting and Cheese Pairing for Six Safari Lunch for Six Sea Kayak Tour for Six

Pinot and Paddling, Caves and Coves Your hosts for an unforgettable experience? Ross Halleck, Dan Kosta and Ken Freeman, the A-Team of western Sonoma wine country! Six people (three couples) will be welcomed by these knowledgeable and magnanimous vintners in the Russian River area of the Sonoma Valley for an adventure they will not soon forget.

The three-day adventure begins with a morning tour of Kosta Browne’s brand new winery in The Barlow, located in the center of downtown Sebastopol. The opening of the new production facility will herald Kosta Browne as the first bonded winery within the city limits and will showcase both production and retail for artisan producers. A barrel tasting of what’s to come is included. Lunch, prepared by a renowned Sonoma County chef and paired with Kosta Browne library wines, will follow.

Following what is sure to be lively conversation and a bit of relaxation, your group will be turned over to the capable hands of Ken Freeman.

A tasting in the Freeman Vineyard & Winery cave, then a walk through ancient redwoods to the Freemans’ home, will set the tone for what follows. Chef Sandra Smile will craft dinner at the Freemans’ home and her signature fare will certainly bring a smile to your face.

On this special trip, the next day will be for play, surf, sun and, of course, fabulous food and wine. Join Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard as he hosts a “Safari Lunch” excursion to a remote Tomales Bay beach on the Point Reyes National Seashore. Since the location is accessible only by water, a naturalist-guided kayak tour will put you in the pristine waters of Tomales Bay, atop the famous San Andreas Fault, en route to your picnic. But this luncheon is not in the least rustic! A waitstaff will serve a one-of-a-kind meal, complete with china and fine linens, while you sip wines from Halleck Vineyard. Award-winning chef Austin Perkins of Nick’s Cove will bring a taste of the sea to your table with fresh oysters, provided by Pickleweed Point Oyster Company, and other fabulous fare.

A tour of the quaint Nick’s Cove destination resort follows lunch, and dessert will be served overlooking the Bay. After appreciating the great outdoors, your group will repair to Halleck Vineyard in the afternoon to enjoy local artisan cheeses paired with select wines and coffee. A walking tour of the property provides a lovely end to this momentous day.

The final day is yours to explore beautiful western Sonoma County.

Choose what interests you—perhaps a day of well-being at the Osmosis Day Spa and its enzyme baths in Freestone; hiking through the giant redwoods in Armstrong Woods; driving up the Sonoma Coast; ballooning over the countryside; or taking an aerial tour of the area. The possibilities

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are endless. During your sojourn, your home away from home will be the fabulous Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa. Experience the magnificent wine country lifestyle at this intimate four-diamond, 44-room luxury hotel conveniently located in the heart of wine country. The hotel is so restful, you may simply choose to stay there all day.

These generous hosts would never let you leave empty handed, so tonight, Dan Kosta will hand deliver to your table a very special Magnum from Kosta Browne Winery. The 2010 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, a blend of 11 vineyards situated in cool areas throughout this complex region, is beautifully layered. Many characteristics of the appellation are present, from the range of bright red fruits to aromas of rich warm fennel and sage to crushed black cherries and even a hint of rose petal. Uncork this exceptional Magnum and uncork the memories of your unique adventure.

This trip must be scheduled midweek and expires January 1, 2014.

Transportation to and from Sonoma County is not included.

Donors Ross Halleck, Principal Halleck Vineyard Sebastopol, California Dan Kosta, Michael Browne and Chris Costello, Founders Kosta Browne Winery Sebastopol, California Ken Freeman, Proprietor Freeman Vineyard & Winery Sebastopol, California Vintners Inn

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Opening Bid $2,000 Includes Two-Night Stay for Eight Two Days of Golf for Eight Dinner for Eight Donor Fred and Jill Vogel

Take Stock, Hit the Links The Stock Farm Club in Hamilton, Montana, is an exclusive private golf-based community in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley. For two days and two nights, up to eight people (four couples) will enjoy a wonderful four-bedroom cabin in this idyllic setting, forgetting the cares of the “real” world amid the breathtaking scenery and crystal clear air.

The centerpiece of life at the Stock Farm Club is a Tom Fazio Championship Golf Course. The 7,000-yard masterpiece consistently appears on any list of the world’s premier club courses and is a joy to play, no matter your skill level. The relatively mild Bitterroot climate means golf season typically extends from early March through late November, giving those interested in honing their game the chance for extended play. Tonight’s high bidder will experience two days on this fabled course for two foursomes.

Guests will enjoy dinner at the beautiful Montana Clubhouse Lodge, the hub of the community. This inviting log building is as simple—and every bit as grand—as any historic national park lodge. The welcoming interior is a natural gathering place where members and guests mingle while enjoying meals or casual camaraderie. Gourmet dining options range from Montana bison or trout to fresh seafood or traditional continental fare, all accented with locally grown herbs.

Four (couples) plus fore equals bliss!

Dates to be mutually agreed upon.

New Zealand’s Master of Wine There’s no need to spend a day traveling halfway around the world to New Zealand to experience the flavors of Craggy Range wines and bask in Southern Hemisphere hospitality. Tonight’s high bidder will have both the taste of Craggy Range wines and the meticulous care that goes into their creation delivered to his or her door in the person of Steve Smith, a founder of Craggy Range and its Director of Wine and Viticulture, who will show up at the lucky bidder’s home or the restaurant of his or her choice to host what will be a superlative evening of fine wine, fine food and conviviality.

The high bidder and up to eleven friends will dine with Smith, one of the most well-respected viticulturists in the world. No passports are required as Steve transports the party to the “land of the long white cloud.” In 1996, Smith became a Master of Wine, the only specialist viticulturist in the world to have this distinction, which is now regarded as the pinnacle of academic achievement in the industry. He was described by Decanter Magazine as one of the 50 most influential people in the world of wine going into the next millennium. Steve focuses specifically on anything to do with “growing and making,” continually pursuing his love of viticulture and the Bordeaux red varieties in which he specializes. Imagine him showing up at the door, ready to host a catered wine pairing dinner for which Craggy Range has made all of the necessary arrangements. Or— winner’s choice—he’ll meet the group at a top American restaurant of your choosing.

Plan to make room at the table for another special guest or two. Schedules permitting, either Terry Peabody, chairman and owner of Craggy Range, or his son, T. J. Peabody, Managing Director of Sales and Marketing, will join the party for this exclusive dinner. With luck, both may attend!

Tonight, take home a taste of what’s to come. The winner of this package will receive a big bottle of 2007 Le Sol Syrah from Craggy Range’s storied Gimblett Gravels Vineyard. This very special Double Magnum is sure to tantalize and delight. Perhaps Craggy Range’s greatest Le Sol Syrah yet, the wine is intense and powerful with plum, dark berry, chocolate, cracked black pepper, star anise and plenty of classy oak flavors. Rich, ripe and fleshy, with great fruit and alcohol sweetness, this vintage is perfectly balanced by firm tannins. It’s absolutely seamless.

Date and location for the dinner to be mutually agreed upon in calendar year 2013.

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Opening Bid $2,500 Includes One 3-Liter Bottle Wine Tasting Dinner for Twelve Donor Steve Smith, MW, Wine and Viticulture Director Craggy Range Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

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Opening Bid $12,000 Includes Two 1.5-Liter Bottles Five Flight Hours on Avantair Piaggio Avanti Aircraft Three-Night Stay for Four Winemakers Dinner for Four Two Dinners for Four Private Barrel Tasting and Tutorial for Four Day of Private Tours and Tastings with Car and Driver for Four

In the Lap of Luxury, All the Way Tusk Estates and Avantair

This extended wine lovers’ stay in the Napa Valley simply defines “exclusive.” Two lucky couples (four people) will spend three days and nights enjoying superlative wine, transcendental food and sumptuous accommodations, all courtesy of Tusk Estates. As a part of its mission statement, Tusk Estates asserts, “There are those who regard luxury, and those who live it,” and tonight’s high bidder will be among those living it.

The trip begins with the ultimate in luxury: travel by private aircraft. Arrive in style when Avantair, one of the leaders in private air travel, whisks the winner and three friends away to Napa. A total of five flight hours are available to the party of four. One of the fastest and most stylish aircraft in the world, the Piaggio Avanti has a spacious stand-up cabin that’s whisper quiet, with oversized buttery-soft leather captain chairs. Go ahead, indulge!

The pampering continues upon arrival in the Napa Valley at the exquisite, private House of Tusk in Oakville with a late afternoon wine tasting with one of Tusk’s proprietors. Seated high above the valley, amid manicured lawns and spectacular landscaping, the foursome will drink in the unforgettable view along with equally unforgettable wine.

This lavish manse is ringed with balconies and shaded by centuriesold trees. Inside, the décor and art are as deluxe as the surroundings.

That evening, the couples will travel to nearby Yountville to Michael Chiarello’s restaurant, Bottega, located on the grounds of one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley. Both rustic and refined, the restaurant offers a selection of the best dishes from across Italy, anchored by artisanal, heritage and house-made ingredients.

The next morning begins an entire day of wine tasting and touring, all with the added comfort and convenience of a private car and driver. The team at Tusk Estates will introduce the quartet to some of their personal friends and their unique wine properties. The highlight of the day will most likely be a private barrel tasting tutorial with Philippe Melka. Philippe is legendary in the Napa Valley, where he has devoted the past 15 years to winemaking, both as a consultant to the most highly regarded estate wineries and as co-proprietor of Melka Wines. His recent designation by Robert Parker as one of the top nine wine consultants in the world is an honor he calls “humbling.” Tusk is considered Melka’s finest masterpiece, believed by many to be the next great luxury brand.

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Dinner that evening will be a private affair at the House of Tusk. Local chef Misty Phelps will prepare a handcrafted meal and Tusk Estates owners Michael Uytengsu and Tim Martin will join the party. Tusk wines, including a few gems from the proprietors’ personal cellars, will be poured and matched to perfection at this gastronomical gala.

Day three begins with rest and relaxation. Sleep in and wander the amazing grounds of the House of Tusk, lounge by the swimming pool or—for the energetic—take a hike. Additional wine tastings can be arranged at other local wineries. Dinner at Lucy’s Restaurant at Bardessono in Yountville will provide a splendid finale to the trip. Lucy’s leverages the Bay Area’s reputation as the “local food movement” capital of the world. The culinary philosophy at Lucy’s is ruled by the seasons, with an emphasis on local production and sourcing.

All good things must come to an end, but at least this unforgettable trip ends in the lap of luxury. Drive to the airport, skip those pesky check-in and security lines, park on the tarmac and smile at the Avantair pilots as you board. The Napa Valley getaway will end as beautifully, and as stress-free, as it started.

Tonight, the high bidder goes home with two 2008 Tusk Estates Magnums, a very rare prize indeed, as only 120 were produced. Intense, powerful, opulent and sophisticated, this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon should age gracefully for many years.

All events are subject to mutually agreed upon dates. Some blackout dates apply for the Avantair flight hours. Flight booking must be done 30 days in advance.

Donors Tim Martin and Michael Uytengsu, Owners Tusk Estates Oakville, California Philippe Melka, Owner and Winemaker Tusk Estates Oakville, California Avantair, Inc. Beau Tours

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Opening Bid $3,500 Includes Private Bordeaux Wine Dinner for Eight Donors Kipp Nelson Chris and Rebecca Kastner, CK’s Real Food Mark and Betty Ervin, Professional Wine Services

How Grand!

Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé You will definitely want a seat at this table. Join host Kipp Nelson at his spectacular home in Adams Gulch for an incredible Bordeaux Grand Cru Wine Dinner for eight. A beautiful setting, coupled with some of the very best wines on the planet, and you have the ingredients for what will surely be a night to remember.

The indulgence begins as you step inside Kipp’s home, where you will be greeted with a flute of Louis Roederer Champagne en Magnum.

Following a “top-up,” wander through the estate. You are sure to appreciate the home’s décor and art, as well as its signature modern stone outdoor amphitheater, the stage for many much-talked-about theatrical and musical events.

Next, stop in the state-of-the-art kitchen, where chef Chris Kastner of Hailey’s CK’s Real Food will be hard at work on one of his culinary creations. Savor the aroma of what is to come: an elaborate five-course gourmet extravaganza is in the works. Chris uses only the freshest seasonal ingredients, relying on the finest artisanal, organic and sustainable producers in the Pacific Northwest. You will most likely taste flavors of France in the meal as well, as Chris brings his extensive travels to his menus. His passion for pairing the finest in local ingredients with great classic French wines will define the evening.

When dinner is served, sit back, relax and prepare to be seduced. This celebration of the great Grand Cru Classé wines of Bordeaux promises to be, well, intoxicating. Wine consultant Mark Ervin will orchestrate the wine selections and service. There will be a chance to try a number of special wines with Chris’s fine cuisine including some beautiful Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachet from Domaine Colin-Deléger from the noteworthy 2002 vintage.

But the focus of the night will be on a series of courses, and wines, that are the best of Bordeaux. These heralded selections have been immaculately cellared and are at the peak of perfection. You will taste first-growth Château Lafite Rothschild heads up against Château Mouton Rothschild from 1993, then drop back a decade to the magnificent 1983 from Château Margaux. Chris’s main course will showcase a flight of the most famous vintage wines from France in the last 50 years, the justly legendary 1982 Bordeaux from both the La Rive Droite and La Rive Gauche. Included will be Château Palmer 1982, Château Cheval Blanc 1982 and Château Trotanoy 1982. Feeling transported yet? Pause, sit back, and enjoy your favorites accompanied with the chef’s special selection of fine cheeses.

The grand finale: a handcrafted dessert paired with 1983 Château d’Yquem.

Dinner will be scheduled between January and April 2013 on a mutually convenient date.

Living La Vida Vintner

CONSTANT—Diamond Mountain Vineyard One lucky couple will live the life of a vintner when they join Fred and Mary Constant at their jewel of a vineyard atop Diamond Mountain. It is as close as you can get to heaven in the Napa Valley.

CONSTANT straddles the Napa/Sonoma county line 2,121 feet above sea level, which makes it the highest vineyard estate in Napa Valley. Robert Parker calls it “one of the most beautiful sites in an area known for spectacular vistas.”

Morning fogs blanket the valley below while majestic Mount Saint Helena rises from the ocean of clouds. Sunsets are equally spectacular, especially when viewed from the proprietors’ exquisite estate home, wine in hand.

Tonight’s high bidder will experience it firsthand. Home-away-from-home for this three-night stay will be Monte Vista, the Constants’ beautifully restored 1890s farmhouse where privacy and luxury await. The entire “sky-high” property is yours to enjoy during your stay. You may chose to float in the beautiful infinity pool, challenge yourself to a brisk game of tennis or take a lap around the vineyards in Freddy’s prize Pinzgauers. Tour the sleek modern winery where the magic happens and visit the wine cave that resembles a structure from 16th-century France. You’ll have to join your hosts for a spirited game of bocce since this is probably the only time you will do so on top of a winery. A glass of CONSTANT is a perfect accompaniment to this ancient game.

The night you arrive, Mary will welcome you with a home cooked meal. Of course, Mary is not your average home cook! Ingredients will likely be sourced from the local farmers’ market and Mary’s own gardens, incorporating the flavors, sights and smells of this lovely region. While Mary chops and dices, Fred will choose some wine gems from his private cellar to bring to the table.

As difficult as it will be to leave the vineyard, the Constants have plans to lure you off-property. You will join them at the local V Foundation event scheduled for either August 3–4, 2012 or August 2–3, 2013. This year includes host Lou Holtz and the musical talents of Chris Isaak. Two full weekend passes are yours to this annual gathering that brings sports, high tech and wine industry notables together for an event dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. You will attend the Friday Night Wine Celebration featuring top Napa wineries and world famous cuisine as well as all Saturday events, including the live auction dinner and concert. Chauffeur service will ferry you to and from all V Foundation activities.

A taste of Diamond Mountain goes home with the high bidder tonight because the Constants would never want to leave you thirsty! A vertical of the 2001, 2002 and 2003 CONSTANT Estate Cabernet Sauvignon are yours in fantastic Magnums. Under the direction of winemaking consultant Paul Hobbs, CONSTANT wines are normally available only to mailing list members. The 2001 wowed the critics, who called it “massive . . . ripe . . . opulent.” The 2002 is no slouch, either, boasting a gorgeous silky texture with layers of currant, black licorice, blackberry and wild berry fruit. Not to be outdone, the 2003, a Cabernet-driven wine, is Bordeaux-like in style with an expressive nose and a nice balance between acid and fruit. They are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Your top-of-the-world stay is to be scheduled during the dates of The V Foundation event, either in 2012 or 2013. Transportation to Napa is not included.

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Opening Bid $2,500 Includes Three 1.5-Liter Bottles Three-Night Stay for Two Full Weekend Tickets to The V Foundation Event for Two Chauffeur Service to The V Foundation Events Donors Fred and Mary Constant, Proprietors CONSTANT—Diamond Mountain Vineyard Calistoga, California The V Foundation

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Opening Bid $3,500 Includes Six 750ml Bottles Two-Night Stay for Sixteen Winemakers Dinner for Sixteen Tour and Tasting for Sixteen

Pétanque Tournament for Sixteen Donor Ned Morris, Winemaker and General Manager Basel Cellars Estate Winery Walla Walla, Washington

The Place is All Yours Basel Cellars Estate Winery

Pack your bags and get ready to take over. You and 15 of your favorite people are invited to make yourselves at home at the eight-bedroom Basel Cellars Estate Lodge where you will relax and enjoy fine wine, excellent food and a friendly pétanque (pronounced “pay-tonk”) competition. The picturesque Basel Cellars is situated on a hilltop between Yellowhawk Creek and the Walla Walla River south of downtown Walla Walla. The grounds are stunning, the estate buildings are lovely and the views are nothing short of panoramic. This must-see vineyard was voted “Best Destination Winery” by Seattle Magazine in both 2005 and 2006. You may never want to move out.

During the invasion, your group will be treated to a VIP tour and tasting at Basel Cellars’ winemaking facility, including barrel tasting of upcoming vintages. You will all enjoy a wine dinner with winemaker Ned Morris, who brings years of production experience from some of Washington State’s highest quality vineyards to his pivotal role at Basel Cellars. His depth of knowledge and attention to detail will surely enrich the evening.

Don’t forget about the above mentioned pétanque tournament, one of Europe’s most popular outdoor games. A cousin to both horseshoes and the Italian bowling game bocce, pétanque is a game in which the goal is to throw hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball.

This rousing pétanque tournament is the centerpiece of your fun-loving Washington wine country weekend, crafted by Basel Cellars Estate Winery. You probably don’t need to be too worried about the rules, though.

Basel Cellars’ winemaker, vineyard manager and other local winemakers and industry professionals will be on hand to keep order—just don’t let them keep score. Chances are, once you start sipping the wonderful wine of Basel Cellars between turns, the rules will somehow seem less important!

Tonight’s high bidder will take home six different Basel Cellars wines to help mentally (and perhaps gastronomically) prepare for this Walla Walla stay, or extend the memories once back home. The 2006, 2007 and 2008 Merriment, as well as the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Inspired, are included in this generous package. These delicious handcrafted verticals may be enjoyed young and vibrant or cellared and graceful.

Dates for the stay and activities are to be scheduled for a mutually convenient date and are flexible. The pétanque tournament may be replaced by another activity according to the season. For instance, if the high bidder would prefer to visit in the fall, Basel Cellars will arrange a memorable harvest-oriented excursion or activity.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

Lindstrom Wines

You, of course! Eight people (four couples) are invited to the riverfront Sun Valley home of Greg and Carol Lindstrom of Lindstrom Wines for an extraordinary dinner featuring Celia Welch’s amazing wines paired with outstanding cuisine by Chris Kastner of CK’s Real Food. Greg and Carol will personally welcome you to what promises to be an evening of superb wine, creative food and great conversation. Award-winning Napa Valley winemaker Celia Welch will also welcome you and will personally pour wines from the labels she so meticulously oversees, including Keever Vineyards, Hollywood & Vine Cellars, Lindstrom, her own Corra, and of course, Scarecrow. Chances are, each pouring will be accompanied by a good story!

Of course, really, really fine wine is even better with really, really fine food.

That’s where Chris Kastner of Hailey’s CK’s—a first-choice dining spot for those in the know—comes in. While you are savoring Celia’s wine, he will be in the kitchen preparing his globally inspired, locally sourced, organic, seasonal and sustainable fare. Just wait until the two come together!

Two Magnums of exceptional hand-selected wine also go to tonight’s high bidder. The 2009 Lindstrom Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon garnered 95 points from The Wine Advocate, while Celia Welch’s 2009 Corra Wines Cabernet Sauvignon merited a 94 from Wine Spectator. It is yours tonight in a beautiful wooden box.

Dinner party is to be scheduled for a mutually convenient date.

Transportation is not included.

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Opening Bid $1,500 Includes Two 1.5-Liter Bottles Wine Dinner for Eight Donors Greg and Carol Lindstrom, Proprietors Lindstrom Wines Napa, California Celia Welch, Owner and Winemaker Corra Wines St. Helena, California

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Opening Bid $8,000 Includes Eight-Night All-Inclusive Stay and Tour Package for Four

Bienvenue à la belle France If you are a lover of all things Burgundy, Bordeaux and Rhône—and who isn’t?—get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This all-inclusive, fully guided nine-day, eight-night oenophile extravaganza will take you to the legendary places that make Burgundy, Bordeaux and Rhône world famous. Two couples (four people) will join French native Claude Guigon of Barrique 33 Wine Tours for a highly personalized look at these fabled regions.

Upon arrival, Claude will greet your group. Start right in with a lunch and tasting at Château Pape-Clément, the first of many wine estates on the itinerary. A jewel of the region, it is the perfect preview of what is to come.

Later that day, check into a private estate overlooking the Gironde estuary, your home base for the next four nights, and enjoy dinner and conversation at Chez Olga, a top local restaurant.

Day Two will begin with a traditional petit dejeuner and a journey to Graves, a region famous for its smoky, supple, approachable reds. In the morning, visit the exquisite Château Smith Haut Lafitte for a tasting and a peek at its renowned private cellar. Enjoy lunch in Gradignan before heading out to taste the best of Château Carbonnieux and Château La Louvière. A little rest and relaxation may be in order before you embark on another culinary adventure, dinner at local gem Au Sarment.

Day Three your party ventures to Saint-Émilion, a city whose winemaking history dates back to the Romans. En route, stop in Fronsac (the oldest winegrowing region in Bordeaux) to visit Château de la Rivière’s underground 14-acre cellar, which holds an eye-popping 900,000 bottles. A visit and tasting will follow at Château-Figeac before you pause for lunch in the heart of historic Saint-Émilion. Claude will provide insight, history and anecdotes as you tour the town before engaging in another tour and tasting of your choice. A night off, in the comfort and beauty of your private estate, provides much-needed R&R after such a busy day.

Kick off your shoes, settle into a comfortable chair and enjoy a cocktail or local wine while a dazzling meal is prepared especially for you. Local winemakers will join you for the meal to discuss their craft and their passion for the grape.

Day Four demands a hearty breakfast before your group boards the ferry to cross the Gironde en route to legendary Médoc, on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. First stop on the other side: Château Lynch-Bages, where you will taste Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc with very fine pedigrees and a history as rich as the region. Lunch at Café Lavinal in Paulliac, well off the beaten tourist track, will provide welcome respite. The afternoon is wide open; what you decide to explore, with Claude’s expertise and direction, will be determined over lunch. Then it is back to Bordeaux, where you will admire the historic and grand architecture and indulge in yet another memorable meal.

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You are certain to sleep well after all the excitement and fresh air!

During the second half of your adventure in Provence and Burgundy, you will stay at the best private estates in the region. Intimate, refined and elegant, the châteaux at which you will overnight will be chosen according to the season of your visit.

What is a trip to France without a real cassoulet? No worries, it is on Day Five’s lunch menu. You will enjoy this classic casserole in Carcassonne, a fortified city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The history of Carcassonne dates back to 3500 BC and the city is a feast for the eyes, imagination and intellect, as well as the palate.

The day’s final destination? Legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the most famous appellation in the southern Rhône wine region. The slope of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is between Orange and Avignon, in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence. What better welcome to Provence and all its magnificent sights, smells and tastes?

On Day Six, journey to Tain-l’Hermitage. There, you will enjoy a visit and tasting before luxuriating over lunch in the Rhone Valley’s resplendent wine country. The afternoon and evening will include a trip to Beaune in the heart of Burgundy.

Days Seven and Eight are all about simple indulgence in the pleasures of Burgundy, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Aloxe-Corton, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Echézeaux, Vosne-Romanee, Vougeot and Gevrey-Chambertin. It’s almost like a poem, and you and your group will write the stanzas as your days unfold.

The agenda of Day Nine, your final day, will be decided by your group and Claude. Additional sightseeing, tasting or travel are all possible.

The tour is to be scheduled in advance and some restrictions may apply.

Transportation to and from France is not included.

Donor Claude Guigon, Barrique 33 Wine Tours

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Opening Bid $4,000 Includes Slumber Party at Seattle Ridge Lodge for Twelve Gourmet Dinner for Twelve Donors Sun Valley Resort Taite Pearson, Co-Owner della MANO

Seattle Ridge Sleepover This is the sleepover to end all sleepovers. Picture this: you and eleven of your most worthy friends settle in at the spectacular Seattle Ridge Lodge on Sun Valley’s Bald Mountain while Ski Patrol coaxes everyone else out and down the slopes. The mountain is closing for the day. But your evening is just beginning. Get comfortable and enjoy the late afternoon light. Find the perfect spot from which to watch the sun set and the stars rise. Or perhaps it is a snowy night and the flakes swirl beneath the outdoor lights, creating a peace only deep snowfall can bring.

A fire blazes in the four-sided fireplace. While your group gathers around the hearth for a glass of fabulous wine and equally fabulous conversation, chef Taite Pearson of Ketchum’s acclaimed della MANO restaurant will be hard at work in the kitchen, creating one of his creative signature meals.

Pearson is almost obsessed with fresh, local ingredients and crafting them into one-of-a-kind taste experiences. The aromas from the kitchen will mingle with those of the fire, whetting your appetite for the meal to follow.

Dinner lasts forever. Your glass is always full. Suddenly it is late. Then just like in years past, you tuck in for the night. There will surely be telling of tales, laughter and shared confidences before you drift off to sleep.

First tracks are yours the following morning when the mountain opens for operation. Whether the trails are perfectly groomed or covered in powder, the skiing will be fantastic and the experience life altering. This is every skier’s fantasy. Tonight, you can make it your reality.

The fine print: The sleepover will be scheduled for a mutually agreed upon time during non-peak dates of the 2012–2013 ski season. Guests need to arrive at Seattle Ridge Lodge prior to the lift closing at 2:45pm and must remain in the vicinity of the Lodge at all times. In the interest of guest safety, no skiing will be permitted until Ski Patrol opens the area the following morning. Guests must be 25 years of age or older.

“First Light, Take Flight” 18th Anniversary Collection

A vibrant, gaily colored hot air balloon rises effortlessly above manicured greens and mountains so high they kiss the clouds. It is early morning and the air is still and chilly, but the first fingers of a warm summer sun promise a beautiful day to come. The aerial view stretches for miles: north over the Sawtooths, east out Trail Creek; a unique and pleasing panorama that could only be Sun Valley. This serene scene is depicted in this very special lot created exclusively for the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction.

Designed by Sharon and Tom Pyle and based on artwork created by local artist Kerrin McCall, the 18th edition of this lot is called “First Light, Take Flight.” These bottles are sandcarved and hand-painted by the talented artists of Fresh Northwest Design of Gig Harbor, Washington, and are so fresh and evocative that the seven bottles together tell a story without ever whispering a word.

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Opening Bid $7,000 Includes Seven 6-Liter Bottles Hot Air Balloon Ride and Champagne for Two Donors Atkinsons’ Market Col Solare

Celebrating seven fabulous wines from the Northwest, these never-to-beduplicated Imperials are true works of art both inside and out. This year’s lot includes the following wines:

Côte Bonneville

Col Solare Columbia Valley Red Wine, 2008

Leonetti Cellar

Côte Bonneville DuBrul Vineyard Yakima Valley Red Wine, 2008 L’Ecole N° 41 Perigee Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, 2009 Leonetti Cellar Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Quilceda Creek Winery Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Va Piano Vineyards Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 Woodward Canyon Winery Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Apropos to this year’s theme, the high bidder will experience ballooning firsthand during a ride over Boise. Two lucky people will go up, up and away over the City of Trees during a peaceful yet eye-popping cruise.

Come back down to earth and enjoy a bottle of champagne with the flight crew. As they say, “ballooning is a great sport if you don’t care where you are going or how long it takes to get there.” Let it all go and enjoy!

The Sun Valley Center for the Arts extends heartfelt thanks to Sharon and Tom Pyle, together with Atkinsons’ Market, for supporting the arts and culture in our Valley throughout the years.

L’Ecole N° 41

Quilceda Creek Winery Va Piano Vineyards Woodward Canyon Winery Footelights Balloons

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Opening Bid $3,000 Includes One Barrel of Antica 2012 Chardonnay Twelve 750ml Bottles Two-Night Stay for Two Tour, Tasting and Lunch for Two Olive Oils and Antinori Family Cookbook Donor Antica Napa Valley Antinori Family Estate Napa, California

Roll Out the Barrel!

Antica Napa Valley

The centerpiece of this fantastic package from Antica Napa Valley, part of Antinori Family Estate, is literally a barrel of fun, fun and more fun!

Tonight’s high bidder will win a Barrel of Antica 2012 Chardonnay— the equivalent of a full 20 cases. Let’s hope he or she has lots of special occasions coming up—or wants to make any ordinary occasion special.

Also making its way into the high bidder’s cellar is a mixed case of Antinori Family Estate wines. The lucky winner of this lot will receive six bottles of 2010 Cervaro della Sala and six bottles of 2010 Antica Napa Valley Chardonnay. This unique lot brings together two of the Antinori family’s iconic wine estates, showcasing the products of 26 generations of committed, passionate Antinori family winemakers.

One lucky couple (two people) will travel to Napa Valley to visit Antica.

Located high on Atlas Mountain in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, the breathtaking 600-acre estate produces only small lots of Antica Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Taste current releases of both with the estate’s winemaking team. General manager Glenn Salva will also offer a vertical tasting of the Antica Cabernet Sauvignon, including some vintages that were never released. Following a tour of the winery, enjoy lunch on the beautiful property before retiring for a two-night stay at a boutique Napa Valley hotel.

The lot also includes olive oils from Antica Napa Valley and Antinori as well as an Antinori family cookbook, for a taste of Tuscany any time.

Tasting, tour and stay to be scheduled on mutually convenient dates.

Slopes and Sanctuary Kosta Browne Winery

This is a Sun Valley getaway like no other! Invite your seven closest friends for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to be wined and dined by Kosta Browne Winery founder Dan Kosta and celebrated chef Beau MacMillan. The renowned vintner and chef will travel to the winning bidder’s home in Sun Valley, where they will host an intimate reception and dinner pairing the fine wines of Kosta Browne with Chef MacMillan’s out-of-this-world cuisine.

Chef “Beau Mac” developed his signature style at the Ranch on Camelback, now Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, in Scottsdale, Arizona. There, he opened the acclaimed elements restaurant.

You might also recognize him as winner of the Food Network’s Iron Chef program (beating Bobby Flay) or from his appearances on NBC’s Today Show. Trained at Johnson & Wales University and in top kitchens from Florida to California, Beau has cooked at the James Beard House, the Aspen Food & Wine Classic and as private chef to “the Great One,” Wayne Gretzky. He has prepared meals for presidents and international dignitaries. Now he will cook for you.

But the meal is just part of the deal. Add in Kosta Browne’s carefully crafted, intensely flavored and balanced wines, orchestrated from the finest regions in California including the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations. Kosta Browne—awarded Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year—produces some of the most sought after New World Pinot Noirs, which will be poured especially by the sommelier-with-the-most, Dan Kosta himself.

Lest the eating and imbibing make you yearn for fresh air and open expanses, a day on world-famous Bald Mountain is also on the docket.

The party will move to the slopes on the following day to enjoy skiing, and more bonding, with Dan Kosta. Lift rides, as everyone knows, provide a wonderful opportunity to chat! Boasting terrain from groomed runs accessible to novice skiers to the most exhilarating and challenging big mountain runs in the nation, Baldy has it all. Pair that with Idaho’s typical bluebird skies and sunny days, and you have an excellent adventure in the making.

Four very special Magnums of Kosta Browne Winery wine go home to the high bidder’s cellar this evening. The wines include Gary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Kanzler Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir 2009 and Koplen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009. Each is signed, etched and presented in a beautiful wooden box.

The wine dinner offered in this package may also take place anywhere in the continental United States. Dates are to be mutually agreed upon. If the party is scheduled in Sun Valley, dates will be during the winter ski season 2013. Lift tickets and transportation are not included.

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Opening Bid $2,500 Includes Four 1.5-Liter Bottles Winemakers Dinner for Eight Skiing on Baldy for Eight with Dan Kosta (if dinner is scheduled in Sun Valley) Donors Dan Kosta, Michael Browne and Chris Costello, Founders Kosta Browne Winery Sebastopol, California Beau MacMillan, Executive Chef elements restaurant Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Opening Bid $8,000 Includes Ten-Day Stay for Eight Donor Venetia Kontogouris and Zoran Djokic

Dionysian Idyll Traveling to Greece is a journey of body, mind and soul. Shrouded by myth and legend, the other-worldly Greek Isles are among the most historic and storied in the world. The winner of this extraordinary package will be privileged to experience the beauty, the sights and the phenomenal tastes of Greece firsthand. Two villas on the island of Kefalonia, which together sleep as many as eight people, will be the setting for a rapturous 10 day stay. This adventure is perfect for a gathering of friends, a family reunion or multiple families traveling together. In this landscape of cliffside pools, redolent gardens and views of that famously azure Mediterranean sea, the possibilities for pleasure are endless.

Known as the “Martha’s Vineyard” of Greece, Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Sea. Here, near the town of Argostoli, the group will enjoy what many consider the best beaches in the Greek Isles, the most famous of which is Myrtos. Kefalonia is an island as attractive to walkers as it is to sunbathers, with acres of inland forest-covered mountains to explore and one charming village after another.

But let us not forget that the ancient Greeks celebrated and revered a god devoted to wine and revelry. In Greek mythology, Dionysus was the god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, and of ritual madness and ecstasy. In his honor, this enchanted island stay includes wine tours and tastings from at least two of the local wineries, which include Metaxas, Gentilini and Robola Vineyards.

This journey to an ancient world with all the modern amenities is to be scheduled for dates mutually convenient to the villas’ owners and the travelers. Dates are flexible and could include the first ten days in August of 2012 or 2013. A car and driver may be arranged (at cost).

Divine Wine Dinner

Saddleback Cellars and Woodward Canyon Winery The unbeatable troika of Saddleback Cellars, Woodward Canyon Winery and the Ketchum Grill are throwing a dinner party never to be duplicated.

You and seven lucky guests will be treated to a wine dinner featuring vintages from two of the country’s most iconic wineries, paired with fare from one of the Sun Valley area’s most beloved restaurants. In addition, tonight’s high bidder will take home eight outstanding bottles of red to cellar and enjoy at dinner parties to come.

Invite your favorite friends to your home, or invite yourself to theirs (who would say no?), and prepare to be spoiled. Nils Venge, dubbed the “King of Cabernet,” brings his energy and zest to the party. Nils has been making stellar Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as many other varietals, since the establishment of Saddleback Cellars in 1982. His devotion to winemaking for Saddleback requires that his wines reflect the best qualities that Napa Valley has to offer. Since 1981, Woodward Canyon’s Rick Small has consistently produced premium, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Chardonnay. His guiding principle is that quality takes precedence over quantity.

These highly awarded overachievers are your sommeliers for the evening.

Add to this the creative, locally sourced and handcrafted food of the Ketchum Grill and your palate is ready to party. The Ketchum Grill, founded in 1991 by Scott and Anne Mason, represents the best in American cuisine, relying on Idaho’s seasonal riches. It is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, and the Masons are certain to create a signature meal to complement the signature wines being poured.

The following wines will also go home with the winner of this gustatory gala: from Saddleback Cellars, Double Magnums of 2005 and 2007 etched Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a Magnum of the 2006 Napa Valley Merlot and a Magnum of 2006 Napa Valley Nils 25th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon; from Woodward Canyon Winery, a Double Magnum each of the 2004 and 2008 etched Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon and a Magnum each of the 2005 and 2006 Walla Walla Valley Estate Reserve.

The dinner will be scheduled for a mutually agreeable date in the Ketchum/ Sun Valley area. Please schedule the event at least three months in advance.

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Opening Bid $1,500 Includes Four 3-Liter Bottles Four 1.5-Liter Bottles Wine Dinner for Eight Donors Nils Venge, Winemaker Saddleback Cellars Oakville, California Rick Small and Darcey Fugman-Small, Owners Woodward Canyon Winery Walla Walla, Washington Scott and Anne Mason, Owners Ketchum Grill

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Take Part for Art It’s time for everyone to raise their paddles high and “take part for art”! With this lot, we ask you to reflect on your own experiences with art, music, dance and literature and consider how they enrich your life.

Now consider how important they are to a child’s development. Think beyond the enjoyment of paintings, performances and books, to the imagination it takes to invent something new, the openness it takes to communicate with people of differing perspectives and the creativity it will take to solve the problems facing the world today. The arts build these skills in us all.

Raise your paddles now to donate directly to The Center’s educational outreach and scholarship programs and take home the satisfaction of knowing you gave thousands of children opportunities to be enriched by world class arts and cultural programs for another year.

Tremendous Trefethen Two terrifyingly good 2009 Trefethen wines are making their Sun Valley debut right here, right now: a rare Double Magnum of 2009 Harmony Chardonnay and a Double Magnum of 2009 Dragon’s Tooth. The year 2009 was an excellent, even-keeled vintage in Napa Valley, where consistently mild weather throughout the growing and harvest seasons resulted in stress-free vines, long grape hang times, and fruit with finely developed flavors at lower-than-normal sugar levels. Ten years in the making, the small production wines offered tonight are the product of this great year, special vineyard blocks, innovative clonal selection and top-notch winemaking. Taste them for yourself: the synthesis is amazing.

Dragon’s Tooth is a Malbec blend from a section of vineyards filled with flakes of obsidian that resemble the toothy smile of the red dragon, guardian and symbol of winery “First Lady” Catherine Trefethen’s ancestral home of Wales. Catherine’s love for wine, gardens and family was the inspiration for the estate in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District, and her presence and inspiration are still felt, especially in the cool foggy mornings when mist envelops the vineyard. This third vintage of Dragon’s Tooth is deep purple in color with aromas of black currant, blackberry and cinnamon. The palate is full of plum, cherry and chocolate flavors.

This voluminous wine finishes with balanced, structured tannins that emphasize the rich fresh fruit and hints of spice. It pairs beautifully with red meat and stands up well to spicy Mexican, Cajun or Italian dishes.

The Harmony Chardonnay grapes grow in a special section of the Trefethen estate known as Katie’s Acre. A tribute to Catherine Trefethen’s favorite 200-year-old walnut tree—the centerpiece of the special Chardonnay block—this vineyard was replanted in 2005 with fantastic results. Pineapple, peach and stone fruit, just like a classic fruit cocktail, take center stage in the flavor profile of the limited production 2009 Harmony vintage. The wine is bright and spicy on the palate with lingering aromas of cut apple, gardenia and tarragon. It remains lush, bright and dense without being buttery.

Both wines represent the best from a world-class winery and symbolize three generations of a family’s passionate quest to create the best possible Napa Valley wines while sustaining the earth and encouraging others to do the same. During the past three decades, Trefethen Family Vineyards wines have amassed a cornucopia of major awards and accolades. These two Double Magnums are great examples of why.

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Opening Bid $1,000 Includes Two 3-Liter Bottles Donor The Trefethen Family, Proprietors Trefethen Family Vineyards Napa, California

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Opening Bid $5,000 Includes Four 3-Liter Bottles Three-Night Stay for Four Private Helicopter Tour and Tasting for Four Picnic Lunch for Four Donor Christopher Carpenter, Winemaker Lokoya Oakville, California

Drop In, Drink Up Lokoya

You have heard of heli-skiing, but what about heli-tasting? Intriguing, no? This package, courtesy of Lokoya, will make the hot air balloon trips ubiquitous to wine country seem, well, a trifle old fashioned. If you are tonight’s high bidder, you’ll see the Napa Valley like never before. A private helicopter will whisk you and three others (two couples) from mountain vineyard to mountain vineyard, providing access to the incredible, rugged, remote terroir where world-class Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder wines originate. Accompanying you will be winemaking master Christopher Carpenter. His insight and knowledge are sure to illuminate and educate.

Lokoya produces minute quantities of appellation-specific Cabernet Sauvignon from low-vigor vineyard sites. Each is farmed to accentuate the unique attributes that Christopher will be sure to point out from the air and on the ground. But you don’t only get to see the vineyards; you get to drink them, too! Each stop will serve up the flavors and textures of the mountaintop grapes for you to taste, discuss and enjoy. And don’t worry about lunch—a magnificent mountaintop picnic is included in this unforgettable experience.

This package also includes a three-night stay at a private estate in Napa Valley for four. Let this be your launching point for everything the region offers.

Every bit as amazing as the views from the mountaintop vineyards are the wines tonight’s victor will take home. A Double Magnum of the 2008 vintage from each of Lokoya’s four vineyards will enable you to begin celebrating this unique Napa Valley adventure right away. The lot includes one large format bottle each of 2008 Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain, Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain and Mount Veeder.

Each was rated between 92 and 97-plus points from The Wine Advocate and will surely transport you to those remote mountains with the first sip.

Heli-tasting and stay will be scheduled for a mutually convenient date.

Transportation, other than the helicopter, is not included.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Grab your favorite friends and head down to Louisiana for some fantastic food, southern hospitality and, hopefully, a Saints victory on the gridiron.

New Orleans is an American city like no other, and the French Quarter is perhaps the nation’s most original neighborhood. Tonight’s high bidder will enjoy a quintessential New Orleans experience during a three-night stay for four (two couples). Your hosts are Billy and Sis Weidner, whose three-story French Quarter home dates back to 1825 and evokes everything you think of when you think of New Orleans. Their home will be your headquarters and there, every comfort and amenity will be at your fingertips, and you will be surrounded by incredible art on every wall.

The Big Easy is world famous for its food, and rightly so. Packed with flavor and fire, the cuisine of New Orleans is a nonstop adventure. During the stay, you will dine at two of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants.

The first, Patois, is a quaint, romantic neighborhood restaurant featuring classic French cuisine with a patois, or local accent. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Aaron Burgau, the menu encompasses tastes as diverse as Louisiana crawfish tails, moules frites, sauteed sweetbreads and Mississippi rabbit terrine. Critics and clientele just can’t get enough of Patois.

And what is New Orleans without Emeril Lagasse? The face, voice and personality most associated with the city’s gastronomical grandeur is also the eponymous proprietor of Emeril’s New Orleans. Nestled in a renovated pharmacy warehouse eight blocks from the Vieux Carre, the eatery’s rustic interior features exposed brick and glass walls flanking one side of the main dining room, with plaster-lathe wood forming a wine wall on the other.

Work by local artists creates an energetic and warm atmosphere that reflects the feel of the neighborhood. Twenty years since bursting onto the culinary scene, it is still the talk of the town.

But there’s more to New Orleans than food. The Weidners invite you to join them at their Saints suite for any of the following 2012 games: September 9 versus the Redskins, September 23 versus the Chiefs, October 7 against the Chargers or November 5 when the Saints play the Eagles. The 2009 Super Bowl champions, the Saints are poised for a great season. There is no more luxurious way to take in the game than in a suite where food, beverages and the best views in the house are yours and the action is so close you can nearly touch it.

In your down time, explore the French Quarter with its marvelous antique boutiques and find time to take in some live jazz. Certainly the Weidners will be happy to recommend their favorite off-the-beaten-path clubs. Just promise to keep them a secret!

This visit to New Orleans must take place on a date convenient to all parties and during one of the above-specified dates when the Saints will be playing on home turf. Transportation is not included.

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Opening Bid $5,000 Includes Three-Night Stay for Four Suite and New Orleans Saints Tickets for Four Two Dinners for Four Donors Billy and Sis Weidner Emeril Lagasse, Owner Emeril’s New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana Pierre Touzet, Owner Patois New Orleans, Louisiana

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Opening Bid $2,000 Includes Private Pre-Release Preview of a Lionsgate Movie for Ten Private Dinner for Ten Two VIP Passes to the 2013 Sun Valley Film Festival Donors Tim and Candy Johnson Lionsgate Sun Valley Film Festival Tyler Stokes, Owner and Chef dashi

Dinner and a Movie “Dinner and a movie” may be the understatement of the year when you consider what this package makes possible! You and nine guests are invited to a private pre-release screening of a Lionsgate film in Tim and Candy Johnson’s lavish home theater in the Valley.

Settle into the oversized seats at Tim and Candy’s, wait for the lights to dim and then let the party begin! Lionsgate recently released the blockbuster Hunger Games and is the name behind many highly anticipated movies currently in production. Past titles include American Psycho, Gods and Monsters, Affliction, Saw and Fahrenheit 9/11. The date of the party will determine the titles available for the sneak peek.

More than popcorn and candy will accompany this special screening.

After the movie, Tim and Candy will host a magnificent meal as well as pour some incredible wines. Chef Tyler Stokes of Ketchum’s popular dashi restaurant will cultivate and coax a wide range of flavors into a wine dinner that you won’t soon forget. Tyler focuses on organic and sustainable products and brings to these choice ingredients a combination of a modern Asian flair and New American flavors. With a strong commitment to local products and farmers, Stokes cooks by the season and the inspiration each one brings.

The film aficionado lucky enough to win this lot will also receive two VIP passes to the 2013 Sun Valley Film Festival, scheduled for March 14–17. The festival brings the best of independent film and filmmakers to Sun Valley for a thrilling calendar of events. Screenings include unreleased studio films and many premieres of documentaries, dramas, comedies, children’s programming, television and web series from all over the world, plus much more. The Sun Valley Film Festival 2013 VIP pass will allow the holder access to all festival films with priority seating before regular ticket holders may enter. In addition, the SVFF 2013 VIP pass provides access to exclusive festival events, parties and VIP lounges.

Festival “swag” and other exciting perks will also be yours.

The screening and dinner will be scheduled for a mutually agreeable date.

Travel to and from Sun Valley is not included.

Superlative Seattle Chateau Ste. Michelle

What comes to mind when you think of Seattle? The Space Needle? Pike Place Market? The Seattle Art Museum? Fabulous wine and food? You will check all these boxes and many more, with this amazing package that includes the very best of what this city has to offer, courtesy of Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State’s oldest and most acclaimed winery.

The whirlwind experience for two couples (four people) begins upon check-in at the city’s gracious Grand Hyatt, where the rooms provide panoramas from Puget Sound to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. You will find a welcome basket from Chateau Ste. Michelle in your room. Then enjoy cocktails, appetizers and a not-to-be-replicated view from the Sky City Restaurant at the famous Space Needle. Take in the entire expanse of Seattle as the restaurant takes a slow 360-degree lap, constantly providing something new to catch your eye.

The next day begins with a visit to world-famous Pike Place Market, where you will be treated to a food and cultural behind-the-scenes tour of this bustling venue. The vendors, the flowers, the characters! Each booth tells a story. Next stop? The Seattle Art Museum, at which you will be admitted to the current special exhibition as well as the permanent collection. Feel free to spend the entire afternoon surrounded by beauty.

The evening brings a feast for the senses at historic Canlis Restaurant. Hear the music, see the art, enjoy the view and absorb the ambiance. Embark on a journey of culinary pleasures, made even more remarkable with the pairing of limited release and reserve wines from Chateau Ste. Michelle.

Your third and final day will be packed full with historic sites, wine tasting and live music. Travel in style from Seattle to Woodinville in a private car to the estate of Chateau Ste. Michelle. Winemaker Bob Bertheau will act as your host for a private tour followed by a taste of the winery’s latest releases. There will be time to do a little Woodinville wine tasting on your own, followed by lunch at the Barking Frog at Willows Lodge. That evening, return to the winery to enjoy live music en plein air. Bob will rejoin your party for a VIP pre-concert reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and Chateau Ste. Michelle’s award-winning wines. Then relax and enjoy a Chateau Ste. Michelle Summer Series concert from your seats in the Field Reserve section of the scenic outdoor ampitheatre.

So the anticipation doesn’t become overwhelming, tonight’s winner of this extraordinary package will take home a limited edition etched and hand-painted Double Magnum of 2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Red Blend, rated 91 points by Wine Spectator.

Dates of stay are to be scheduled for mutual convenience and are subject to availability. Round-trip transportation from the Seattle airport to the Grand Hyatt and from Seattle to Woodinville is included. Some concerts may not be available for this package and this package is good for the 2013 concert season only. Airfare is the responsibility of the winner of the package.

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Opening Bid $3,000 Includes One 3-Liter Bottle Three-Night Stay for Four One Dinner for Four One Lunch for Four Cocktails and Appetizers for Four Tour and Tasting for Four Two Cultural Experiences for Four VIP Reception and Concert Tickets for Four Two Round-Trip Town Car Transports Donor Ted Baseler, President and CEO Chateau Ste. Michelle Woodinville, Washington

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Opening Bid $6,000 Includes Four 1.5-Liter Bottles Transportation on Private Aircraft to and from Sonoma for Four Three-Night All-Inclusive Bike Tour and Wine Package for Four

Tour de California, Wine Country Style FAILLA Wines, Hirsch Vineyards and Peay Vineyards

Step into your Spandex and warm up your olfactory “muscles” because you are off for an experience of a lifetime that requires both! If you love road and mountain biking, exquisite wine, gourmet cuisine and access to top names in all these areas, then this package has your name on it. This three-night, four-day stay for four (two couples) is a rare opportunity to spend quality time with some of the biggest names in American biking and northern California winemaking.

A truly one-of-a-kind adventure is waiting on the far western coast of Sonoma County, and you will arrive in style. FAILLA Wine’s proprietor and winemaker, Ehren Jordan, will personally fly your group to Santa Rosa on his private plane. There, Scot Nicol, president of Ibis Cycles, mountain biking Hall of Fame inductee and overall demi-god to the two-wheel set, will act as your personal guide and coach as you wind your way through some of the most challenging and storied bike routes in northern California. The adventure begins on a stretch of the Tour of California route between Healdsburg and Peay Vineyards on the far reaches of the Sonoma coast. Expect breathtaking views to accompany the breathtaking climbs.

But there is respite at the end of the road as you reach your destination: a tasting and tour at Peay Vineyards. Owner Andy Peay will assume hosting duties as you settle onto his front porch overlooking the majestic coastal ridges to sip and savor current Peay vintages. That evening, watch the fog roll in while you relive the day’s ride. War stories, anyone? While you compare notes, chef Rob Hunter will prepare one of his signature meals in the property’s Barn House, sourcing ingredients from farms within a 10-mile radius. Indulge—you have earned the right to enjoy every bite!

You need not exert any more energy finding your bed for the night, though, as the Barn House will serve as your private hotel for the evening.

Stretch out the next morning and saddle up for a ride along Tin Barn and King Ridge roads, which hug the ridges of the Sonoma Coast as they wend their way up to Hirsch Vineyards. This promises to be a heart-pumping, eye-popping route. Upon arrival at Hirsch, however, click into a slower gear to enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as a tour and tasting with the always-hospitable Hirsch family. The afternoon ride is all downhill.

Coast your way to the Russian River Valley where a reservation in your name has been made at the famed Farmhouse Inn, Restaurant & Spa. Luxuriate in a four-course meal plus wine pairings at this restaurant known for its seasonal flavors, textures and colors that reflect the region’s incredible diversity of agriculture and artisan producers. A luxury room in the tranquil newly built “barn” is your sanctuary for the night.

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The next morning, trade your skinny wheels for fat ones as Scot and Ehren take you on a mountain biking adventure on Mount St. Helena. The single track leads through scenic and challenging terrain. A private tasting of FAILLA’s wines will be incentive to finish the ride. That evening, Ehren and Anne-Marie will host you for an unforgettable meal prepared by chef Gary Penir, who has worked in kitchens in Napa and Sonoma counties for many years. A Level 1 Certified Wine Professional as well as Level 1 Sommelier, Penir is also a Level 2 Chef de Cuisine through the American Culinary Federation. Needless to say, with that pedigree, his food will be exceptional. So will the wine. During your meal, Ehren and Anne-Marie will pour from their personal library to accompany each course. The location of this memorable meal will be subject to the season, but FAILLA’s gorgeous outdoor courtyard, wine caves or Anne-Marie and Ehren’s new cellar on the Silverado Trail are all possibilities. Ehren and Anne-Marie, again depending on the date of your visit, will choose your home for the night but rest assured, the choices are all distinguished and deluxe.

When your muscles are “tired” and your palate is sated, it’s time to wrap up the tour. Return home in the same style in which you arrived, ferried

by Ehren in his plane.

To help you begin training, you will take home tonight four Magnums of wine. The 2010 Pomarium Estate Pinot Noir and 2009 Les Titans Estate Syrah from Peay Vineyards, as well as the 2009 and 2010 San Andreas Fault Estate Pinot Noir from Hirsch Vineyards, will capture the taste and spirit of your Sonoma adventure well after it has ended.

This excursion is not available during the months of September or October and expires June 2013. The Farmhouse Inn stay and dinners valid for Thursday nights only (excluding holidays). Tax and gratuity are the responsibility of the purchaser at the Farmhouse Inn dinner.

Donors Ehren Jordan and Anne-Marie Failla, Winemaker and Owners FAILLA Wines St. Helena, California Jasmine Hirsch, Owner Hirsch Vineyards Cazadero, California Andy Peay, Owner and Founder Peay Vineyards Cloverdale, California Scot Nicol, Founder Ibis Cycles Santa Cruz, California Farmhouse Inn, Restaurant & Spa

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Opening Bid $2,500 Includes One Day Guided Heli-Skiing and Lunch for Six One Day Guided Skiing on Bald Mountain for Six Two Pairs of K2 Skis Donors Zach Crist Mike Hattrup Sun Valley Heli Ski Guides

Ski with the Kings of the Mountain Perhaps nowhere in the world can you find ski guides as accomplished, trustworthy and qualified to get the adrenalin pumping as Sun Valley’s Mike Hattrup and Zach Crist. If you have seen a recent Warren Miller film or flipped through the pages of a skiing magazine, you know these two are among the most expert shredders in the world. There they stand in rare moments of stillness, poised on powder precipices from the Himalayas to New Zealand, Bolivia to Norway, ready to explode into downhill action. Yes, them. Mike and Zach will be your personal guides for two days of skiing adventure right here in their own corner of the world.

The first day, grab five friends and join Mike and Zach for 10,000– 12,000 vertical feet, all from the comfort and unbelievable convenience of a Sun Valley Heli Ski helicopter. Where there is fresh snow, they will find it—the greater Sun Valley area boasts some of the most epic backcountry in the Lower 48. Lunch is provided and will probably be enjoyed atop a snow-covered peak with the world, literally, at your feet.

There is terrain available to any skier who can ski Baldy.

The group’s second day under Zach and Mike’s careful custody will be spent on Bald Mountain. With 2,054 skiable acres, 14 lifts and runs appropriate to any level of skier, this day on Baldy will be the best of the season. Any day on this hill—with the most consistent vertical, best snowmaking and greatest grooming in the country—is a good one.

But with these amazing guides leading the way, this day will be a very, very good one. You are sure to find a line or two you have never tried, a bump run that suddenly becomes effortless with a little coaching or those top-to-bottom groomer runs that define exhilarating.

Mike currently works as the Global Director for K2’s Adventure category and as a consultant for Outdoor Research. Named to Backcountry magazine’s Hall of Fame and one of Powder magazine’s “48 Most Influential Skiers of Our Time” (and also among its “50 Best Skiers in North America”), Mike surely has a few pointers to pass on to anyone.

A former mogul specialist for the U.S. Freestyle Ski team, Mike guides in the European Alps, Canada and Washington’s Cascades. For fun, he skis here.

Zach is Sun Valley skiing royalty. A member of the U.S. Ski Team from 1991 to 1998, Zach competed on the World Cup circuit for seven seasons. In 1999, he shifted his focus to the emerging event of ski cross.

After nine X Games appearances, Zach brought home gold, silver and bronze medals, establishing himself as one of the sport’s pioneers alongside brother Reggie. Beyond competitive pursuits, Zach loves to explore the world as a backcountry skier and guide. He will be thrilled to introduce you to some of the most exciting runs in his own backyard.

Not to worry if your old equipment isn’t worthy of a trip this great— tonight’s winning bidder will click into brand new K2 skis and take home a pair for a companion, too. K2 has been a leader in the industry for 50 years, producing some of the most technically advanced and coveted equipment around. Go ahead, be the envy of all your friends!

Private Kauai Hawaii’s Garden Isle awaits. Luxuriate for a full week at this awesome private home on the most tropical of the Hawaiian islands. Salty breezes kiss the oceanfront estate, while the gently breaking waves encourage a great night’s sleep. Lush, aromatic gardens surround the house, providing a steady dose of heady Hawaiian scent.

The high bidder and up to seven guests (eight total) will be pampered on this dream property. The house boasts two master suites as well as two guest bedrooms, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, two covered ocean-view lanais and a separate one-bedroom guesthouse. It is situated on two desirable miles of white sand beach on Kauai’s north shore near Anini.

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Opening Bid $5,000 Includes Seven-Night Kauai Stay for Eight Donors Tim and Robin Wolff Chad and Susan Morse

Explore the extravagant beauty of the island, from Waimea Canyon to the Na Pali Coast. Kayak on the Hanalei River. Stop along the river bank for a short break, and maybe steal a kiss in this hidden location voted one of the best places to kiss in Hawaii. Enjoy a walk through forests filled with waterfalls. Find adventure on the Puuokila Trail, one of Kauai's hidden gems. The trail begins at the Puuokila Overlook and quickly turns into one of the most extreme hikes found on any of the Hawaiian Islands, with some of the most jaw-dropping views anywhere as your reward.

Pop into the picturesque towns of Kilauea or Hanalei. Eat wonderful food, drink wonderful drinks, sample Hawaiian shave ice. Turn your face to the sun. Do nothing all day. How you spend your time is entirely up to you.

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Opening Bid $4,000 Includes Eighteen 750ml Bottles Two-Night Stay for Six Master Cooking Class for Six Flora and Fauna Tours for Six Tour and Tasting for Six Donor Barry and Tracy Schuler & Bill and Dawnine Dyer, Partners Meteor Vineyard Napa, California

DIY in Coombsville Meteor Vineyard

Love fantastic food? Covet celebrated wine? Fascinated by farm to table? Then this package is for you. Three couples (six people) will travel to the majestic Meteor Vineyard in Coombsville—the newest appellation in Napa Valley—in the eastern portion of the Napa Valley, where their wildest expectations of transcendent food and wine will be exceeded.

The trip begins with a restful evening spent at the Meteor Vineyard Guest House. The next day, vineyard manager Mike Wolf will lead a tour and discussion of the attributes that make Coombsville and the Meteor Vineyard unique in the region. Legendary winemaker Dawnine Dyer will then showcase her expertise during a personally supervised tasting. This will be a full vertical tasting of Meteor Vineyard wines plus a sneak peek at the vintages still in the barrel.

By now, you are probably working up an appetite. Enter chef Stuart Brioza. During his tenure at San Francisco’s Rubicon Restaurant, he was renowned for his innovative cuisine, his devotion to small farms and his tireless search for magical combinations of food and wine. He has taken this passion to a whole new level at his recently opened San Francisco hot spot, State Bird Provisions. Chef Brioza will join your party at the famed Hudson Ranch, where bon vivant Lee Hudson will lead a culinary tour of one of the most singular farms and vineyards in Northern California.

You will revisit Hudson Ranch again later in the day, when their exquisite wines are presented at dinner.

At Hudson Ranch, you will collaborate to create the evening’s menu, sourcing and harvesting what is at its absolute peak. Moving from flora to fauna, the next stop on this insiders’ tour is the Fatted Calf, considered by many to be the finest butcher on the West Coast. Here, you will learn about the process of butchering, curing and preparing a broad range of succulent cuts, and then choose what pairs best with the vegetables you harvested at Hudson.

Your basket of ingredients will be taken to the snazzy kitchen at Meteor Vineyard (designed by innovative kitchen designer Fu-Teng Chung), where you will be treated to a master cooking class with Chef Brioza. The day’s bounty will be transformed into what is sure to be one of the most amazing meals of your life. Meteor and Hudson Vineyard vintages will flow, including a few treasures from Meteor Vineyard’s proprietors Barry and Tracy Strong Schuler’s personal cellar. Don’t be surprised if the principals from Hudson Ranch and Meteor Vineyard join the party.

Tonight, the high bidder will take home an armload of wine from Meteor Vineyard. This includes three “3-packs” of 2005 Meteor Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Inaugural Release selections. These 3-packs contain two bottles of 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and one bottle of Special Family Reserve. The other three 3-packs contain 2006 Meteor Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon selections; specifically, two bottles of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and one bottle of Special Family Reserve.

Transportation is not included. Date of visit is to be mutually agreed upon.

Summer months are best and the trip must take place by July 2013.

(Grocery) Shop ‘til You Drop!

Main Street Market Challenge

Here is the most innovative way ever devised to make the chore of grocery shopping fun! How is that possible? Well, follow along. Tonight you can guarantee a berth in the Main Street Market cART Dash, a groundbreaking event that is sure to be the talk of the town for months to come. Ketchum’s newest specialty food store, Main Street Market, will be the stage for a contest of epic proportions, pitting three teams against each other for the chance to win a $5,000 Main Street Market gift certificate. Your team will join two others, carts at the ready, at the Main Street Market on September 15, 2012. With the clock set to three minutes, your team will race around the store, cheered on by supporters, filling your basket with the most expensive grocery checkout. You ring up the biggest tab—you win! And did we mention the trophy? A grocery cart designed and personalized for the lucky winner. The cart will have “VIP” parking for a full year.

But it’s not all about winning; it’s also about getting there and being there.

As tonight’s high bidder, you and/or your team will be ferried to the event in style in a chauffeur-driven car. At the Market, up to 20 friends and family members will receive VIP seating during the competition, nibbling on specialty appetizers and enjoying lively libations. Outside, a street fair will bring hundreds to Main Street Market where a DJ, live raffles and food will all create a supercharged atmosphere. And, if you don’t see yourself as much of a “cART Dashian,” you may appoint a team to represent your interests.

Following the fierce competition, you and three others will walk across the street to enjoy a restorative meal and a hand-created cocktail at Ketchum’s Cornerstone Bar and Grill. There, you can relive the day’s glory.

But there’s a lot more! Tonight’s high bidder wins not only the chance for glory in the cART Dash, but also an $8,000 Main Street Market gift certificate. No matter the outcome of the race, you may use this gift certificate to stock the pantry with the Market’s gourmet specialty items and basics. The store boasts a very comprehensive wine department, with many special and rare vintages. Take your pick! Other desirable items include an array of fine cheeses, meats and an extensive prepared-food selection. Everything is fantastically fresh and made on the premises.

Prefer to cook? Main Street Market’s fish and meat are top quality, and the helpful butcher will recommend what is best that day. Need milk, eggs or produce? These basic items are, of course, also available.

The cART Dash promises to be one of the most uproarious events Ketchum has seen. Feed your stomach and your philanthropic soul with this truly one-of-a-kind package.

The event takes place on September 15, 2012. The participating team must be in Ketchum on that date.

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Opening Bid $6,000 Includes $8,000 Gift Certificate to Main Street Market Two-Person Team to Participate in the cART Dash Dinner for Four VIP Seating for Twenty Friends at the Event Private Transport Day of Event Donors Steven and Karen Holzman, Owners Main Street Market Erik and Meg Vorm, Owners Cornerstone Bar and Grill

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Opening Bid $3,000 Includes Three 3-Liter Bottles Two-Night Stay for Four Winemakers Dinner for Four Doubleback Weekend Tickets for Four Round of Golf for Four Donor Drew and Maura Bledsoe, Owners Doubleback Walla Walla, Washington

An All Access Pass to Doubleback Doubleback is a true collaboration between former NFL star quarterback Drew Bledsoe and his close friend and expert winemaker, Chris Figgins.

Their combined passion for wine and attention to perfection is evident in every bottle Doubleback produces. Be among the lucky few to participate in the annual Doubleback Weekend, scheduled for June 21–23, 2013. Two fortunate couples (four people) will receive an all-access pass to this top winery in Walla Walla, Washington, where they will get an insider’s look at both the mechanics and the vision that go into making this special wine.

Upon arrival in Walla Walla Friday evening, the couples will enjoy a private tour of Doubleback with Drew and his wife, Maura. See the facility where Doubleback is produced and have the opportunity to barrel-taste future vintages. The tour will be followed by an intimate dinner with the Bledsoes and fellow wine aficionados participating in weekend events. The Bledsoes are sure to share stories about what it means to run a vineyard and create their cherished wines. After this memorable meal, retire to the Marcus Whitman Hotel in downtown Walla Walla, a historic property that has been accommodating guests in luxury for more than 80 years.

On Saturday, the foursome will attend the Doubleback weekend openhouse wine tasting, held in McQueen, the estate vineyard. There, beneath the cornflower-blue Washington sky, savor Doubleback’s new releases.

Capping off the weekend is a round of golf for four at Walla Walla’s premier course, the Wine Valley Golf Club. The stunning Dan Hixson design unfolds on a grand scale, playing over rolling hills in the shadow of the Blue Mountains. Each hole affords multiple lines of play, ensuring a pleasant round for every golfer and a true challenge for those who seek it. Here, the lucky quartet will experience one of America’s most exciting new courses.

Tonight, preview the splendor of Washington State in early summer with a special vertical of Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon from 2007, 2008 and 2009. The bottles are made even more valuable as they are signed by Drew Bledsoe and Chris Figgins. These are rare Double Magnums; only six of each vintage was produced.

Transportation for this package is not included.

Urban Rhythm One lucky winner (and three even luckier pals) has a date with country music superstar Keith Urban. The high bidder on this package will receive four VIP tickets to any Keith Urban concert in 2012 or 2013.

Included? Premium seats and the opportunity to meet this international idol. Urban was recently inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and has also been honored with Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award, an American Music Award and Australia’s coveted Aria Award. He is an electric performer with whom audiences immediately connect.

In order to really relax and enjoy this experience, there will be no rushing home once the applause has ended. Instead, this package includes a night in a top-notch hotel in the city where Urban performs. Stay out late, explore the town, and then sleep in!

Transportation to and from concerts not included.

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Opening Bid $2,000 Includes One-Night Stay for Four VIP Tickets to Concert for Four Donor Gary Borman, Owner Borman Entertainment

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Opening Bid $1,500 Includes Dinner for Forty Putting Tournament for Forty Short Game Clinic for Four Summer Ice Show & Buffet Tickets for Four Dinner for Two Donor Sun Valley Resort

Your Short Game, Perfected This tournament takes “putt putt” to a whole new level. Start off your winning afternoon with a one-hour short-game clinic for four taught by one of Sun Valley’s excellent PGA instructors. You will be amazed at how a few tips will greatly improve your chances for sinking that perfect putt.

Now that you have a leg up on the competition, let the party begin!

Gather 40 of your favorite folks (including you) and head back to Sun Valley Resort’s Sawtooth Putting Course to sink some balls and engage in a bit of friendly competition during a putting tournament. Once the victor of the putting tournament is crowned and the prizes are distributed, this movable feast travels to the sophisticated Sun Valley Club to enjoy cocktails and a delectable dinner. With floor to ceiling windows looking out on the golf course and superb mountain vistas, plus food and drink as amazing as the views, it promises to be a fantastic night.

Did we mention prizes? The top four putters will win tickets to the spinetingling Sun Valley Summer Ice Show. These shows are a favorite summer tradition that bring reigning skating champions and perennial favorites to center ice to shine beneath the stars. Tickets also include rinkside seating and the terrific dinner buffet on the Sun Valley Lodge terrace.

An additional prize is dinner for two at Sun Valley’s Ram Restaurant to be used anytime in 2012 or 2013. Enjoy the Ram’s outstanding locally sourced, handcrafted food and a glass of wine on the terrace overlooking the idyllic swan pond. It isn’t summer in Sun Valley without dinner at the Ram. Tournament and party will be scheduled for a mutually convenient date during the golf season of 2012 or 2013. All players are requested to wear appropriate golf attire, flat-soled shoes and to BYOP (bring your own putter).

Bali High The name says it all. Villa Paradiso is an exquisite, private four-bedroom home, recently built on the tranquil eastern coast of Bali in the village of Amed. This slice of heaven features stunning ocean and river valley views and lush surroundings. The flowers are incredibly fragrant, the colors brilliant.

The staff of Villa Paradiso will warmly welcome eight people (four couples); their wish is to exceed expectations. The villa features a full kitchen, indoor/ outdoor living and dining areas, marble tiled bathrooms and air conditioning throughout. With three canopied bedrooms (two with king beds and one with two twin beds), there is plenty of room to spread out. In addition, a fully self-contained cottage by the pool with a private outdoor shower is also at your disposal. A private 40-foot swimming pool beckons you to cool off, and a smaller shallow pool, perfect for young children or a quick dip, is also located on the property. Daily housekeeping is provided and there is even a washer and dryer.

Your stay includes breakfast for up to eight people every morning at Bar Pazzo, the property’s open-air café. Tucked next to a swimming pool, fountains and tropical gardens, you can plan the rest of your day at leisure.

Would it be the perfect day for a full body massage for each member of your party? Great! One is included for up to eight people. Maybe a diving or snorkeling excursion in Bali’s famed blue waters is in order. This is also part of the package, including all equipment. Not a diver or swimmer?

A half-day excursion around the island may be substituted instead. One evening, you will also enjoy dinner for your group at the bright and warm Bar Pazzo.

In addition, you are welcome to arrange countless other activities during your stay. Discover the astonishing beauty of Bali by exploring nearby Hindu temples, visiting Balinese ceremonies and festivals, renting motorbikes or bicycles, taking a fishing excursion or setting out on local hikes and walks. The attentive staff at Villa Paradiso will be happy to help you with any request.

During your stay, you have complete access to the full service restaurant and dive center at Villa Paradiso’s sister hotel, Apakabar Villas, located just down the road, as well as full food and beverage service at Bar Pazzo.

Rob and Stacey Friedman, owners of Sojourn Ventures, offer a unique “concierge” service to winning bidders. They will work hand-in-hand with the winners of this trip, from the time of purchase to the end of their stay, making themselves available to advise on most aspects of trip planning.

All additional meals, drinks, phone service, excursions, transportation and gratuities are not included. Accommodations are based on availability and trip must be used within two years of purchase date.

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Opening Bid $4,000 Includes Seven-Night Stay Package for Eight Donor Rob and Stacey Friedman, Owners Sojourn Ventures Portland, Oregon

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Night at the Museum and the Best of Seattle Tenor Wines

Opening Bid $1,500 Includes One 1.5-Liter Bottle Two-Night Stay for Four Dinner for Four Private After-Hours Tour of Seattle Art Museum for Four Donors Cliff and Diane Otis, Owners Tenor Wines & Matthews Estate Woodinville, Washington Denny Fitzpatrick, General Manager Hotel 1000 Seattle, Washington Chris Nishiwaki

This two-night trip to the Emerald City is ideal for someone who wants to enjoy all downtown Seattle has to offer. But it is not exactly a typical tourist itinerary. Thanks to Hotel 1000 and Tenor Wines, the superpremium brand created by the winemaker for Matthews Estate Wines, two couples (four people) will enjoy a two-night stay at Hotel 1000, a boutique property featuring well-appointed guest rooms, unparalleled service and heart-of-the-action location. Included in this package is dinner at BOKA Kitchen & Bar, conveniently located at Hotel 1000.

BOKA’s menu features ingredients from local fishermen, farmers and ranchers and is guided by the principles of sustainability. The restaurant is beautifully designed, cozy and comfortable, and the meal will be paired with wines from Tenor.

Thanks to Chris Nishiwaki, you will also be treated to your own private night at the Seattle Art Museum, where a very special after-hours tour has been arranged for your party. Take in the impressive permanent collection or walk right into whatever the exhibit of the moment is. There will be no lines for you!

Tonight, take home a Magnum of 2008 Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon and prepare to be impressed. Tenor abides by a somewhat contrarian creed in winemaking. Instead of offering a lineup of different varietals each year, Tenor offers only what the vineyard gives. For example, in 2007 Tenor made a Merlot and a Malbec. In 2008, it made a Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. Additionally, while many wineries blend in larger or smaller percentages of other varietals, Tenor wines are 100 percent varietal.

The intention is to show the true expression of that particular varietal in that particular vintage, according to Tenor Wines and Matthews Estate winemaker Aryn Morell.

The trip will be scheduled for a mutually convenient time. Transportation is not included.

Midnight in Paris, Sun Valley Style Immerse yourself in the glamorous world of postwar Paris with this fun one-of-a-kind package. Tonight’s high bidder and nine others (five couples) will arrive at Steve Shafran’s beautiful private home in Ketchum and cross the threshold into the City of Light. There, with Steve as your charming host, you will rub elbows with members of the Lost Generation, portrayed by the very talented actors of local theater group Company of Fools.

Sit back, sip a specialty cocktail and be part of this historic period come to life in a performance staged especially for your group. Chances are, larger-than-life characters from Picasso to Dali, Gertrude Stein to Ezra Pound and Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald will take to the stage to tell their tales. During the 1920s and early 1930s, young Americans flocked to Paris hoping to become a part of the thriving experimental art community. It was an explosive time—the beginning of a number of major artistic movements including Dadaism and Surrealism. Along with the intellectuals went the wealthy elite, recent college graduates, art students, and disenchanted war veterans. This evening, you can fancy yourself any of the above.

Your immersion in this unique period of history continues after the performance. Now that you have heard and seen Jazz Age Paris, you will taste it, too. A multicourse dinner paired with wines will be innovatively created and prepared with care by Michel Rudigoz and Executive Chef Laurent Loubot of Ketchum’s esteemed Michel’s Christiania Restaurant, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway back in the days he lived in Sun Valley. In Michel’s signature style, the flavors will be elegant yet simple and true to classic French gastronomie. The menu will depend on the season but is sure to transport you directly to a French brasserie without ever leaving the comfort of Steve’s lovely home. Wine and period aperitifs will be paired with the fabulous food. At least for this night, you’ll agree with Hemingway: Paris really is a moveable feast.

This dramatic dinner is to be scheduled for a mutually agreeable date for all parties and must be scheduled with a minimum of 90 days advance notice.

Transportation to Sun Valley is not included.

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Opening Bid $3,000 Includes Themed Multicourse Dinner for Ten Performance by Company of Fools DonorS Steve Shafran and Stephanie Murray Company of Fools Michel Rudigoz, Owner Michel’s Christiania Restaurant

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Opening Bid $3,000 Includes Two 3-Liter Bottles Three-Night Stay for Eight Tour and Tasting for Eight Winemakers Dinner for Eight Private Wine, Charcuterie and Cheese Tasting for Six Donors Tom Gamble, Owner Gamble Family Vineyards Oakville, California Peter Thompson, Owner Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards Saint Helena, California Garret Murphy, Owner Vintner’s Collective Napa Valley Napa, California

Napa Valley Like Never Before Gamble Family Vineyards and Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards

You may have been to Napa, but you’ve never been to Napa like this! Bring your favorite seven people (four couples) and enjoy a visit like no other, courtesy of Tom Gamble, Peter Thompson and the Vintner’s Collective.

Your home base for your stay is the Gamble Family Vineyards’ secluded Yountville Appellation guesthouse. Tucked along the Napa River, this “cottage” features a private pool, tasteful décor, views in every direction and lovely landscaping. During your stay, vintner Tom Gamble will be your host for a tasting at his private home before he invites you to climb aboard his 1963 GMC flatbed for a tour of the vineyard. Don’t forget your glass! Tom’s family has farmed nearly 1,000 acres between Yountville and Oakville since 1916 and he will provide insight into the grapes, vines and agricultural practices that distinguish Gamble Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet and Bordeaux Blend. Tom is first and foremost a farmer, which is fitting: good wine begins on the vine.

Peter Thompson, owner of Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards, next takes on host duties. Join him for a sunset dinner on his three-level, 1,000-square-foot redwood deck on top of Diamond Mountain. The view of the Napa Valley is expansive and breathtaking, and this al fresco meal is one you will never forget.

Tonight’s high bidder will take home a taste of these magnificent properties in an etched Double Magnum of Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards 2004 Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a Double Magnum of 2009 Gamble Family Vineyards “CAIRO” Oakville Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon.

Also included in this Napa insiders’ package is a private tasting for six (three couples) at the Vintner’s Collective Napa Valley. This forwardthinking tasting room houses a select group of boutique Napa winemakers who share the space. The Vintner’s Collective caters to wine lovers who are passionate about the grape and want to develop a better understanding of the connections between winemakers, wineries, vineyards and the consumer. Here, charcuterie and cheese will be paired with excellent wines.

Stay package and the Vintner’s Collective tasting are to be scheduled for dates convenient to all parties. Transportation to the Napa Valley is not included.