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Don’t Miss the 18th Annual
Hands Across the Valley
by Michael Rockich
WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINE COUNTRY NEWS
Hands Across the Valley will perform its 18th incarnation in Napa
Valley on September 10th. The event began in 1994 when community
leaders organized this annual fundraiser to raise funds for Napa Valley
food programs for needy families in Napa County. This registered nonprofit
organization has brought in more than $3,000,000 since its
debut and “is committed to working toward the goal of a community
without hunger.” The site will be The Ranch Winery at 105 Zinfandel
Lane in St. Helena.
Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with a wine and food reception. Top
local wineries will pour their vinous treasures. In concert, outstanding
local food establishments and restaurants will provide gourmet treats.
Booths are organized in aisles outdoors on the lawn to permit easy
strolling. If the past is any indication of what is to come, expect an
eclectic blend of exotic fare, the more conventional and hearty grilled
meat, too.
For the deft the idea is to negotiate as many of the wine booths and
food pavilions as possible before the actual dinner begins. The mating
of wines with various food types is not a bad experience to augment
one’s ability as host and sommelier.
For those able to persevere the foregoing, Chef Kevin Miller will do
the honors on the buffet dinner. This has always been a delicious affair.
Chef Miller graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute in Portland,
Oregon. After serving at several impressive restaurants, in 2007
he became Executive Chef for The Vintage Estate in Yountville.
A sit-down dinner is available for sponsors featuring the special
touch of Chef Bob Hurley, proprietor of Hurley’s restaurant in food
center Yountville.
Auction lovers will have the choice of a silent auction or a live
auction. The avid will choose to participate in both. On the block will
be gourmet dinners with outstanding chefs, overnight packages,
artisan and “cult” wine lots, wine tasting experiences, and retail offerings.
The Pio Rodas – Richard, Rely and Gina – will wield the
auctioneer’s gavel. Hopefully bidding action will be fast and furious.
One celebrity host this year is Mark Ibanez, with KTVU Channel 2.
He is the longest running sports reporter and anchor in the Bay Area.
Mark has received three Emmy Awards for his work. He also wrote a
best-seller, “Mark’s Remarks,” with proceeds benefiting the American
Cancer Society.
The other celebrity host is Kellie Fuller of KVON and KVYN Radio.
Kellie grew up in Napa and showed childhood interest in music. She
later studied opera with accomplished tenor, William Gorton, and
eventually performed.
Once dinner is done many will be dancing under the stars to David
Martin’s House Party band. They have a reputation for enthusiastic
performances and wide musical variety.
To order tickets, or for further information please go online to
www.handsacrossthevalley.com.
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com
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