On Saturday, March 25, 2023, NorCal Public Media will hold their first ever Food & Wine Awards for Heroes and Makers Who Give Back.

 

Some of the region’s most well-regarded benchmark farmers, educators, community activists, game changing wine makers and philanthropic leaders will be featured at the event. Honorees include farm-to-community leaders Duskie Estes, Kyle and Katina Connaughton, Deborah Bertolucci, farmers Lou and Susan Preston, the Bernier family, county supervisor Lynda Hopkins, winemakers Julie Lumgair, Nova Cadamatre, Bettina Sichel, enologist/wine researcher Anita Oberholster, child/animal therapy pioneer Carol Rathmann, and legendary environmentalist Dr. Marty Griffin.

 

NorCal’s commitment to environmental programming and local, Bay Area coverage will be highlighted at the gathering at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts.

 

The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Grand Award for her life of activism and inspirational efforts in the world of food education and social justice presented to the legendary Alice Waters. The award will be presented by longtime Sonoma County cheese makers Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, founders of Cowgirl Creamery. 

 

Leading wineries and other local businesses and organizations have stepped up to sponsor the nonprofit fundraiser. They include Bank of America, Garden of Eatin’ Program of North Bay Children’s Center, J Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Sonoma County Ag+OpenSpace, Iron Horse Vineyards & Winery, Preferred Sonoma Caterers, Dutcher Crossing, Vintners Resort, Cline Family Cellars, Palmeri Wines, Artesa, Annadel Estate Winery, Domaine Carneros, Ehlers Estate, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, Dry Creek Vineyard, Paradise Ridge Winery, Cowgirl Creamery, Carol Shelton Wines, Sonoma Land Trust, Cuver Brewing , Costeaux French Bakery, Culligan Water, Jackson Family Wines, Trestle Thirty One ,and Fiadh Ruadh wines.

 

 

Earlybird ticketing priced at $150 per person ends March 23.