Winesong! is a nationally recognized charity wine auction and tasting attended by more than 1,100 guests from 28 states, who come together to make this one of the most spectacular events on the North Coast. The popularity of this prestigious event guarantees a sellout crowd every year and creates a festive atmosphere in the beautiful Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

The Auction: The auction takes place in a tent on the coastal headlands at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens from 2 pm to 5 pm. The live auction features nearly 110 exciting lots, in addition to the silent auction with more than 120 lots.

Large format bottles, vertical collections, and some hard to find European wines characterize the event, along with some exceptional California cult wines which are always at the auction.

Winesong for Wine Lovers: Each year more and more collectors from around the country have been coming to Winesong! hoping to walk away with cult wines and others unavailable through normal channels. Leading the list of cult wines up for grabs are large bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon from Grace Family, Screaming Eagle, Colgin, Hartwell and Vineyard 29. Rare vintages and special bottles have been offered by Shafer Vineyards, Caymus, Phelps Insignia, Chappellet, Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Diamond Creek and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Recent auctions have included hard to find vertical collections such as twenty vintages of Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon.

Also there is Winewong’s vacation packages to leading wine regions offer unbeatable experiences. There have been trips to France, Italy, and New Zealand all feature visits to world famous wine producers, tastings of older vintages and meetings with winemakers.

 Janice Porter 

Contributing Artists: One of the distinguishing features of Winesong! is that artists, both from the local colony of world famous artists, and others who visit the area, contribute original works of art to the Live and Silent auctions.

Among the art items featured each year are one of a kind painted wine bottles and wine presentation boxes. Ranging in size from 3 liters to 9 liters, these large bottles are filled with wines from Mendocino County’s finest wineries. Appealling to people who enjoy both wine and art, these unique art bottles have become a popular attraction. In addition several artists create original images on wine presentation boxes. Also, the auctions offer original paintings, art glass, limited edition prints and framed photographs.

The Event: The wine tasting is scheduled from 11 am to 2 pm. and is held outdoors along the garden paths. Each year over 100 of california’s highly acclaimed wineries showcase their best vintages. The wine is complemented by samples of the excellent cuisine of over 50 of Mendocino County’s restaurants and food purveyors. To add to the festivities, musical groups perform throughout the gardens in a variety of styles including French, and Irish folk music, classical, jazz, and big band. For additonal information, phone 707-961-4909.