Last Saturday, the fifth annual WineaPAWlooza took place at Gamble Family Vineyards. The charity event and wine auction raises funds for the animal rescue organization Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch (JARR). According to Gamble Family Vineyards, the event exceeded expectations and raised $1.4 million, which will help JARR’s mission of building a state-of-the-art, cage-free animal rescue and sanctuary in the Napa Valley and will assist with implementation of programs and to aid disaster preparedness, response, and relief for animals.
Owner and founder of Gamble Family Vineyards, Tom Gamble, has hosted the event since it’s inception. Gamble has always been an animal lover, and even named a wine in his portfolio after his beloved rescue dog, Cairo.
“We were honored to host this incredible auction benefiting such an important cause,” said Tom Gamble. “Having been surrounded by loving rescues my whole life, hosting WineaPAWlooza allows us to give back and have a good time doing so. I believe caring for rescues allows us to be our better selves.”
The evening included a two-hour grand tasting of valley wines, plant-based bites created by Top Chef star, Chef Casey Thompson, a star-studded pet parade emceed by Bonnie-Jill Laflin (sportscaster, TV personality, star of “Basketball Wives,” model) and a high-energy live auction led by renowned wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton. Auction lots ranged from luxury, one-of-a-kind travel experiences, to a collection of some of Napa’s rarest and finest wines. The evening concluded with a musical set by Napa Valley-based rock band, Wristrocket.
In attendance were many Napa Valley vintners and wine-making notables such as Russell Bevan, Amanda Harlan, Tor Kenward, Julien Fayard, Juan Mercado, Andy Beckstoffer, Shannon Staglin, Will Phelps, Jasmine Hirsch, Larry Fairchild, Mark and Sherri Carter and host of the event, Tom Gamble – all dedicated to the mission of JARR.
Photo Credit: Emma K. Morris