The Sansum Diabetes Research Institute’s 14th annual Taste of the Vine will remain virtual for a second year, but will add an online “wine and wine experiences” auction from Aug. 21-23.
Among the auction lots are a tour and tasting at Grimm’s Bluff, a winemaker dinner with Paul Lato at Nella Kitchen, a yacht cruise for 10 along the Santa Barbara coast, a private wine tasting with winemakers Bob Lindquist and Louisa Sawyer Lindquist, a private tasting for eight with winemaker Ernst Storm, a VIP experience in the Fess Parker Winery barrel room for 10 and lunch, many magnums of wine, and rare, sold-out Paul Lato Wines.
All of the funding raised for Taste of the Vine supports SDRI’s mission of providing research, education, and care to those impacted by diabetes, in Santa Barbara County and beyond, said Wendy Theis Sell, event chairperson.
The focus of SDRI has not wavered despite the pandemic: It continues to improve the health and quality of life for men, women and children living with diabetes. Almost 34 million in the United States alone are diabetic, and 1.7 million Americans are diagnosed each year. Since its founding in 1944, SDRI has made advances in research, education, care, pediatrics and pregnancy.
Locally, Wes Hagen of the Miller Family Wine Company and a Taste of the Vine committee member, has gone “above and beyond this year,” Theis said.
“After his diagnosis a couple of years ago with type 1 diabetes, he decided that this year he was dedicating himself to raising as much funding as he could for diabetes research,” she noted.
“Hagen was instrumental in coordinating our extraordinary top sponsorship package that includes him leading a private tour and tasting for eight at the legendary Bien Nacido Vineyard, eight cases of Bien Nacido Vineyard-designate wines from more than one dozen wineries, a hotel stay, dinner and more.”
Hagen will also lead tours of the wine region for other top Taste of the Vine sponsors.
“We have such a wonderful volunteer committee from all walks of life. Almost all of us have been touched by diabetes somehow. It is a passion project,” Theis said.
The auction website, which activates Aug. 21, is https://www.sansum.org/taste-of-the-vine-2021/.
Individual tickets are $150 per person, and ticket holders will receive a bottle of wine delivered to their homes.
The event committee welcomes additional sponsors, who may contact Kara Hornbuckle at SDRI for more information, Theis noted. Hornbuckle can be reached at khornbuckle@sansum.org or 805.682.7640, ext. 246.
Jim Clendenen’s celebration of life unites global wine, food community
Jim Clendenen, the late Santa Barbara County winemaking pioneer who tirelessly promoted the region’s wines, was remembered by hundreds of guests the weekend of July 10-11 in Santa Maria.
Clendenen, 68, who died in his sleep on May 15, was feted with love, laughter and tears in a two-day memorial at the winery he shared with longtime winemaking colleague Bob Lindquist and other winemakers. The facility is located on the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard east of Santa Maria.
Clendenen’s family, fellow winemakers, chefs from this county and across the nation, sommeliers and members of the wine media were invited to toast the life of a man whose enthusiasm for wine, food and life knew no bounds.
Donations in Clendenen’s memory are being made to his passion project, Direct Relief of Santa Barbara. On July 11, Thomas Tighe, director/CEO of the organization, memorialized Clendenen to the guests, noting that funds received had already topped $14,000.
Clendenen’s children, Isabelle and Knox, joined many members of the regional wine and food community in song and stories to honor the legend who showcased the exquisite wines for which Santa Barbara County is known.
Jim, may you rest in peace. Isabelle, Knox and Morgan, the wine and food community of Santa Barbara County holds you close to our hearts.
— Laurie Jervis tweets at @lauriejervis and can be reached via winecountrywriter@gmail.com. The opinions expressed are her own.