Project Zin, an annual food and wine event, raised over $400,000 to benefit the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA) at its 14th annual celebration on August 17. Held at Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor, California, the event united wine enthusiasts, renowned chefs, and a community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Project Zin’s origin in 2010 was sparked by a family’s personal journey. When Clay and Carrie Mauritson’s son, Brady, was diagnosed with Down syndrome at two and a half years old, they teamed up with renowned chef Charlie Palmer, owner of Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg, to create a charitable event to champion inclusivity for individuals within the extended Down syndrome family. Over a decade later, Project Zin has evolved into a pivotal Sonoma County tradition.
The sold-out crowd enjoyed world class Zinfandels from 21 top producers, cuisine from acclaimed chefs, and a lively auction, culminating in a feeling of shared purpose and celebration. This year’s success brings the total funds raised since the event’s inception to over $2.5 million. One hundred percent of funds raised will support DSCBA’s mission of providing support, education, and resources.
The live auction, hosted by the Golden State Warriors’ “hype man” Franco Finn, raised over $250,000. Auction lots included exclusive travel experiences, such as an escape to Les Bourdeillettes in the Dordogne region of France, a private jet trip to Aspen for a ski getaway in the Rocky Mountains, and a wine, culinary and ski weekend in Park City centered on the 2025 Red, White & Snow experience. Several lots featured wine collections, including the ultimate Lodi getaway, plus Project Zin’s 21 winery bottle collection which featured rare and large format bottles from Project Zin’s participating wineries. In a special moment, after a lot featuring a signed rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 Year Whiskey sold for $18,000, Julian Van Winkle himself came to the stage with an additional bottle, allowing 16 attendees to bid $2,000 each for the opportunity to enjoy a shot of the rare whiskey.
Project Zin will return for its 15th year in 2025.