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Project Zin raises over US$400k for Down Syndrome
Annual food and wine event Project Zin has raised over US$400,000 to benefit the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA) at its 14th annual celebration.
The event, which was held at the Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor, California, united wine enthusiasts, 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 began when Clay and Carrie Mauritson’s son Brady was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and saw them team up with chef Charlie Palmer to create a gathering that evolved from a US$25,000 fundraiser into a Sonoma County tradition, championing inclusivity and support for individuals with disabilities.
This year’s event brought the total funds raised since the event’s inception to more than US$2.5 million. The funds raised are set to support DSCBA’s mission of providing support, education, and resources to empower individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, and the community.
Speaking about the event, Mauritson Wines founder and co-host of Project Zin Clay Mauritson said: “What started 14 years ago as an intimate gathering has grown into something truly remarkable. The way our community of chefs, vintners, and wine lovers unite year after year to support this cause is incredibly humbling. It truly speaks to the power of inclusivity and shared purpose.”
Brady Mauritson, the inspiration behind Project Zin, explained: “Seeing everyone come together to celebrate and support people like me, means the world and fills me with joy. This event proves that anything is possible.”
This year, attendees enjoyed Zinfandels from 21 top producers, cuisine from chefs, and took part in the celebrations. The day began with an afternoon event at Rockpile Ridge Vineyard for VIP ticket package holders which featured a picnic lunch and a vertical tasting of rare Mauritson Zinfandels before the main event followed.
Chef Charlie Palmer, who co-founded the event with Mauritson, expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s growth and added: “The calibre of food and wine at Project Zin is truly exceptional, and continues to improve each year. But what’s even more impressive is how this event has evolved into a true celebration of community and inclusivity, showcasing the incredible talent of our chefs and winemakers while supporting a cause so close to our hearts.”
The live auction, hosted by the Golden State Warriors’ Franco Finn, raised more than US$250,000. Auction lots included travel experiences, such as an escape to Les Bourdeillettes in the Dordogne region of France, which sold for US$26,000, a private jet trip to Aspen for a Ski Getaway in the Rocky Mountains, which sold for US$17,000, and a wine, culinary and ski weekend in Park City, Utah.
The 21 participating wineries included: A. Rafanelli Winery, Aperture Cellars, BACA Wines, Bedrock Wine Co., Bella Winery, Bricoleur Vineyards, Carlisle Winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, Flambeaux Wine, Gamba Vineyards and Winery, Kokomo Winery, Limerick Lane Cellars, Martinelli Winery, Mauritson Wines, Pedroncelli Winery, Portalupi Wine, Ridge Vineyards, Robert Biale Vineyards, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Turley Wine Cellars, and Zialena Winery.
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