Food & Wine VII: Auction Items

Host the Salon Event of the Year at Your Home!

From the moment they see the valet parking at your front door, your guests will know that they are in for a special evening, and you can sit back and relax, because we have handled all of the work!

Invite 20 guests for dinner and a private concert in your home with Grammy award-winning Piano master, David Benoit.

The elegant evening begins with valet parking courtesy of Corinthian Parking. Following sumptuous appetizers, dinner, and dessert provided by Cosmopolitan Catering, your guests will have the privilege of a private 45 minute concert by David Benoit. Caterer will provide all linens and china and Flower Divas will provide 2 sumptuous centerpieces for your table. Date to be mutually agreed upon; winning bidder must have a grand piano. No piano? Concert can be scheduled on a weeknight in the main hall of the Villa.

Value: Priceless
Donated by: David Benoit :: Cosmopolitan Catering :: Corinthian Parking :: Flower Divas

Treat yourself to the fabulous Napa Valley Festival del Sole!

First, pick up your Bentley or Aston Martin on Friday evening at Los Gatos Luxury cars and pack for two glorious days in Napa. Check into your deluxe room at the Michelin 3-Star Napa River Inn and prepare to savor one of the premiere art, wine and music festivals. The winning bidder receives 2 exclusive VIP passes for opening weekend July 17 and 18, 2010 to savor:

Saturday, July 17

During the day, "A Taste of Napa" at Calistoga Ranch, showcasing some of the region’s finest wines and food. Also on hand is nutrition specialist and Fit TV’s diet doctor Melina Jampolis to lead the first in a series of wellness programs.

In the evening, Far Niente opens its historic gates for the winery’s 125th anniversary celebration, with performances by jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and violinist Joshua Bell, the cuisine of top chefs and dancing in the Carriage House.

Sunday, July 18

Enjoy Sunday brunch at Anita and Ron Wornick’s Seven Stones Winery, designated by The Wine Spectator as one of Napa’s Rising Star wineries. During your visit, you’ll want to take in the fine art pieces installed throughout the property – including the signature seven-stone sculpture from which the winery takes its name.

In the afternoon, glory to the music of the Russian National Orchestra (ranked among the top 20 in the world!), with conductor Omer Wellber, Joshua Bell and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. The 4:00 pm concert at Lincoln Theater includes a VIP intermission reception. Afterwards, it’s on to Meadowood for the festival’s 5th Anniversary Gala. The celebration offers a sparkling wine tasting, an Artists vs. Vintners match on the property’s championship croquet lawns, performance of the RNO Brass, and dinner showcasing Meadowood’s superb cuisine paired with an array of fine wines.

Want to stay longer? The winning bidder also receives a generous discount on VIP passes for additional Festival days, July 16-25.

VIP passes valid July 17 and 18, 2010 only. Use of the Bentley is limited to 500 miles; must be a licensed drivers over 25 years of age.

Value: $5,000
Donated by: Festival Association Napa Valley :: Los Gatos Luxury Cars :: Joe and Kathy Beyers

Not one but two fabulous dinners prepared by star chef Peter Armellino of the Plumed Horse Restaurant. Peter will come to your home and prepare dinner for 8 for you and your guests. On a separate occasion, you can bring another 7 guests to the Plumed Horse for a champagne reception and dinner at the Chef’s Table. Winner of a Michelin Star for 2010.

Value: $4,500
Donated by: The Plumed Horse Restaurant

Choose the concert of your choice to invite 9 friends for wine and munchies in the Griffin Room, 10 tickets in the Senator’s Box with catered heavy hors d’oeuvres, a case of J Lohr wine and private concierge service. Includes 5 parking passes. Choose from Joan Baez, Chris Botti, Al Jarreau, Lily Tomlin, Dave Koz, Robert Cray, Bill Maher, or Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

Value: $2,500
Donated by: Montalvo Arts Center

Award winning portrait artist, Jennifer Welty, has become one of America’s most sought after portrait artists. In 2005, she was the only female finalist out of 10 selected to exhibit in Washington D.C. in the International Competition sponsored by the Portrait Society of America. She has been recognized 5 times by the Portrait Society of America, twice selected a top-ten finalist, as well as receiving Honorable Mention, Certificate of Merit, Certificate of Excellence and Best Portfolio awards. She was a two-time finalist winner in the Artist Magazine, and her work has appeared in International Artist Magazine, American Artist Magazine, and Folio Magazine. In 2009, she was nominated and accepted into the 2009 3oth Edition of Who's Who Among American Artists. Notable commissions have been Julie Inkster, LPGA Golf Hall of Fame Recipient; Tony Holbrook, CEO of Advanced Micro Devices; Roy Nichols, of Huntsville's Business Hall of Fame; Maria Bartiromo, Wall Street Managing Editor; M. Dyrdahl, Adobe CFO, and the founders of Intuit.

The winning bidder will win a 16 x 20 custom head and shoulders portrait for yourself or a loved one. The package includes a 1 hour photo session in your home.

Value: $9,500
Donated by: Jennifer Welty

You and three other couples can join Peter Thompson, owner of Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards, for a sunset dinner for 8 on his three level, 1000 square foot redwood deck on top of Diamond Mountain, overlooking the Napa Valley. Peter will act as your chef and wine sommelier for the evening featuring an outdoor country style vineyard dinner including grilled specialties, and a vertical tasting of the Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, the lucky bidder will take home a signed 3 liter bottle of 2005 Andrew Geoffrey Cabernet Sauvignon.

Valid through Oct 31, 2010. Date subject to agreement with Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards. Value $2500.

Value: $2,500
Donated by: Peter Thompson and Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards

Leave your car at home, pack your bags and get ready for an amazing weekend stay at one of the best view apartments in San Francisco. You will be staying on the 15th floor overlooking Lombard street and across to Alcatraz, all the while captivated by the spectacular sight of the Golden Gate and Bay bridges. Just step outside your front door and catch a cable car to Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf. You decide! Slumber to the sounds of the barking seals at Fisherman's Wharf and wake to the spectacular views of this amazing city! Don't miss this opportunity to see San Francisco the way you've never seen it before!!!

In the evening walk a few blocks for a gourmet dining experience at award winning Restaurant Gary Danko, the epitome of sophisticated contemporary cuisine.

Value: $2,500
Donated by: Eric and Kristy Brandenburg :: Roxanne and David Peterschmidt

Unearth the hidden secrets of two gems of the medieval hilltops of the region of Umbria, Italy: Assisi and Spello, with Anne Robichaud of www.annesitaly.com, the only authorized American Guidea Regionale dell’Umbria. Enjoy a banquet wine-tasting, olive-oil tasting and gourmet-foods tastings in Spello at Umbria’s top wine cellar.

Continue the experience just outside the charming hill town of Corciano at the Villa Pieve Historical Residence and Country House where for three days and two nights you and your guest will enjoy the hospitality of Rossella Vasta. Situated in the Umbrian hills in front of the Pieve Castle, Villa Pieve enjoys the most privileged view of the ancient fortress, the green valley and the medieval town of Corciano, providing a historical and inspirational atmosphere.

During your stay, Rossella Vasta, a prominent Italian artist who won first prize at the 2003 International Florence Biennale, will teach you to make your own ceramic. You will also enjoy Italian cooking lessons, a wine tasting outing, as well as a guided visit to nearby Corciano and to the Atelier of a local Umbrian artist engraver. You are kindly invited to visit the website for the Pieve School, which will host your lessons and tours.

Dates to be mutually agreed upon.

Value: $2,250
Donated by: Anne Robichaud and Villa Pieve

Indulge yourself in your own home as Montalvo’s culinary chef, Michelle Fuerst, creates a stunning meal in your kitchen. Whatever mood you hope to create, Michelle will work with you to craft a perfect menu for a memorable evening. A widely coveted residency, the culinary fellowship at the Sally and Don Lucas Artist Residency Program is offered to mid-career and emerging chefs selected through an exhaustive juried process.

Dates to be mutually agreed upon.

Value: $2,500
Donated by: Montalvo Arts Center

Somewhere in Southern California – a world of movies, magic, and make believe – is Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage. Spread across two low-slung buildings cooked by the sun, is one of the world's great car collections and one of the world's best-equipped garages custom-built from the ground up to keep everything running in tip-top shape.

The winner of this package will get two passes to visit the Big Dog Garage.

You will also receive two passes for reserved seats at the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. All guests must be 16 and over. 

Complete your experience with a dinner at the Red O Restaurant, the new Los Angeles restaurant of Chicago’s famed chef, Rick Bayless. In 2009, Rick Bayless was the winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” beating out 23 other world-renowned chefs. Gift certificate value $200.

Certificate for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno is good Monday through Thursday only. Expires June 6, 2011

Donated by: NBC and Roberta Robins

Make your bid really count this year!

Your $350 donation is fully tax-deductible and will fund a scholarship for a needy child to attend one of our popular summer camps.

Every year Montalvo receives more requests for scholarships than we can accommodate. Your gift will give a child the gift of art.

Value: $350

:: Dominican Republic - 7 days on the beach at the Paradisus Palma Real ::

Put your money away when you arrive at this sumptuous resort. Enjoy 6 nights/7 days at the Paradisus Palm Real Resort in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. This all-inclusive experience gives you access to:

Scuba diving (for certified divers), horseback riding($), sailing, windsurfing, kayak and more
($= additional charge)

Does not include airfare.Must book by July 31, 2010 and travel by 6/1/2011 (excludes holidays)

Value: $6,000

Minimum bid: $4,000
Donated by: Liccardo Travel

:: Victoria British Columbia - 6 nights, 7 days in a condo on the water across from the Empress Hotel ::

Getaway to beautiful British Columbia for 6 nights/7 days in the enchanted city of Victoria. Stay in this two-bedroom, two bath condo that can sleep up to six people located directly on Victoria's Inner Harbour. Experience the city's distinctive English flavor, world class dining, exquisite sunsets, and the magnificent Butchart Gardens. The condo is only walking distance from the world famous Empress Hotel, whale watching cruises and the Royal British Columbia Museum. Package also includes a gift certificate ($150 Canadian dollars) to dine at the Blue Crab, a fabulous four-star restaurant very close to the condo. Expiration date: June 2011. (Some blackout days may apply.)

Value: $1,800
Donated by: Kathy Martinelli

Pajaro Dunes - 4 days/3 nights in an ocean-front townhouse

A Cypress unit at Pajaro Dunes. Located in the center of Monterey Bay, right on the beach. View of Monterey to the left, Santa Cruz to the right. If lucky, porpoises and otters in front.

2 king bedrooms, 2 twin bedrooms, 3 ½ baths. Maximum 8 people. Date by mutual agreement with owner. Expires May 31, 2011.

Value: $1,500
Donated by: Kathie and Bob Maxfield

:: Experiences ::

• Poker night party for 12 with xxx at the home of Jeri and Jim Finch
• Indy A Grand Prix - four grandstand passes for three days with pit and garage passes at Infineon Raceway Aug 20-22
• Four Sharks Tickets “on the glass”
• Two 3-day passes to Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca Raceway
• Napa Sonoma Valley Bike Tour for 2
• Windy Oaks Estate Vineyard and Barrell Tasting
• Five hour tasting tour of Healdsburg
• 4 Giants vs. Mets Tickets July 17 with VIP Parking Pass

:: Jewelry ::

• Gold and Pearl Cocktail ring from Diamonds by Filice
• $2500 gift certificate for a custom-made piece by Vardy’s Jewelers
• $3000 strand of Pearls from Lustre Pearls and Gems
• Handcrafted necklace by Jan Dempsey

:: Food & Wine ::

• A Taste of Saratoga: Gift certificates from an assortment of your favorite Saratoga restaurants.
• A Taste of Los Gatos – gift certificate from an assortment of your favorite Los Gatos dining spots
• Vintners selection of their favorite wines
• Chef’s Selection of their favorite wines
• Basket of Wine from Uncorked
• Two magnums of Ridge Vineyard wine
• Dinner at Piatti after a day at the spa