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+--- Thread: Classic Wines Auction Celebrates Two Decades of Philanthropy (/thread-2740.html)
- Sarah Bode - 12-10-2003
Ranked fifth among the top 10 charity wine auctions in America by Wine Spectator magazine, the Classic Wines Auction has set the 2004 dates for its annual wine event series. Since its inception 20 years ago, the Classic Wines Auction has raised nearly $8.7 million benefiting children and families in the Portland area. Auction Co-Chairs Sheryl Manning and Mike Ellis, Sr. Vice-President of Fred Meyer, Inc., are committed to continuing the outstanding record of success.
Gourmet fare, rare wines and local philanthropy are paired with internationally known winemakers and master chefs for one of the largest charity events in Oregon benefiting Metropolitan Family Service, The Christie School and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon & SW Washington.
The three-day celebration includes:
• The Classic Wines Auction – featuring rare and fine wines from Oregon and around the world – on Saturday, March 6 at the Portland Marriott Hotel, with more than 800 guests expected from across the nation;
• An exclusive Ambassadors Dinner on Friday, March 5 at the University Club, a private Portland club founded in 1898 that will serve as the host facility on this special evening; and
• Intimate Winemaker Dinners at 10 select Portland restaurants on Thursday, March 4.
Wines for the Classic Wines Auction and Ambassadors Dinner are provided by honorary international and regional wine ambassadors, and feature some of the most prestigious names in the wine world. Honorary ambassadors include:
• Cristom Vineyards (Oregon ambassador);
• Matthews Cellars (Washington ambassador);
• Lago di Merlo Vineyards & Winery (California ambassador); and
• AXA Millésimes Group, (international French ambassador representing Pichon-Baron, Suideraut, Quinta du Noval, Canetec-Brown, and others).
The Classic Wines Auction includes pre-dinner wine tasting, select wines from honorary ambassadors, silent and oral auctions, and a five-course dinner prepared by top culinary talent. Featured chefs include Pascal Sauton of Carafe, Eric Laslow of Laslow’s Northwest, Mark Hosack of Hudson’s Bar & Grill, Caprial and John Pence of Caprial’s Bistro, and Rob Pando of The Red Star Tavern & Roast House.
Wines to be auctioned are donated by private collectors, winemakers, retailers and distributors, and often are not available to the public. Already in the 2004 lineup of auction lots are trips to Australia and France’s Bordeaux region, a private multi-day cruise on a luxury yacht – complete with chef, and more.
The featured artist is Richard Hoyen, represented by Portland’s Pulliam Deffenbaugh Gallery, who has created a group of three oil paintings that will sold during the oral auction.
At the exclusive Ambassadors Dinner, 150 guests mingle with honorary wine ambassadors and enjoy cuisine from visiting celebrity chef Richard Reddington of L’Auberge du Soleil restaurant in Napa Valley.
Kicking off the event line-up are intimate Winemaker Dinners hosted by Oregon and Washington winemakers. The dinners are held at Portland’s top restaurants.
Tickets for the Classic Wines Auction are $250 per person, or $500 for both the Ambassadors Dinner and Classic Wines Auction, with a portion tax deductible. Seats for Thursday evening Winemaker Dinners are $125 and are sold separately. For more information on the Classic Wines Auction or related events, contact Judy Anderson, Auction Director, at 503.232.0007 x106 or judya@metfamily.org.