Press

If there’s anything Napa Valley vintners love more than their vines, it’s their pets. And some of the Valley’s most prestigious wine-making icons participated in full force at this year’s WineaPAWlooza fundraiser benefiting Jameson Humane ( Jameson Humane). Founded in June 2014 by David and Monica Stevens, proprietors of 750 Wines, Jameson Humane is a no-kill rescue and sanctuary for companion and farm animals in need of transitional and permanent shelter, adoption, and rescue services. 

This year, the Stevens teamed up with Gamble Family Vineyards, who played host to some 300 guests for the third annual charity event that included a grand tasting, live auction, and a live concert. 

“WineaPAWlooza allows us to share the passion we have for those creatures who live only to love, and ask for so little in return,” says Tom Gamble, whose beautiful Oakville vineyards provided a magnificent backdrop for the event.

The affair kicked off with a tasting of wines and food pairings provided by 50 participating wineries and restaurants, all of whom donated both their talents and their time
for the cause. As the tasting came to a close, a parade of adoptable pets and farm animals (including a pair of adorable goats) led the guests to the main tent where auctioneer Fritz Hatton proceeded to charm the crowd.

This year’s WineaPAWlooza auction lots lived up to their reputation, helping raise over$1,750,000, which more than doubled the total funds raised from the 2014 and 2015 events combined. Perhaps the most coveted lot featured Napa legends Andy Beckstoffer and Russell Bevan that was auctioned to two bidders for $150,000 each. Beckstoffer generously gifted his finest grapes from the Las Piedras Vine-yard, which then will be crafted into wine by Bevan, a famed 100-point winemaker.

Other popular auction items included a few exclusive wine experiences, vacations, and, of course, some of the finest wines and rarest double magnums with legendary labels like Colgin, Harlan Ovid, Scarecrow, Araujo, Shafer, Dana, and even a 1998 Screaming Eagle double magnum donated by founder Jean Phillips.

“So many individuals contributed their heart and soul, as well as time and effort, to make WineaPAWlooza 2016 off-the-charts spectacular,” says Jameson Humane o-founder Monica Stevens. “I am incredibly humbled by the generosity of Napa Valley and our big-hearted guests and volunteers.”

The evening ended with a live concert by Wristrocket topped off by celebratory fireworks. “It was an unforgettable evening,” says Stevens, who hopes Jameson Humane’s efforts in collaboration with other animal rescue groups will help end hunger, cruelty, and overpopulation. “This will go incredibly far to help the animals and the cause.”

The monies raised are already earmarked to help build Jameson Humane’s vision for a cage-free rescue and sanctuary to better serve the physical and emotional needs of all of its companion and farm animal residents. Renowned architect Howard Backen of Backen, Gillam & Kroe-ger Architects, whose creative genius is behind the design of such impressive resorts as Meadowood and Cordevalle, and Tim McDonald of Centric Construction are leading the building and design team for the project. Barring any permitting or construction setbacks, the team expects a mid-2018 completion date for what will be a truly state-of-the-art animal sanctuary.

Perhaps Tom Gamble, who shares the Stevens’ passion for animals, sums up the heart-felt efforts best by noting, “We merely save their lives. They save our souls.”  — JILL LAYMAN

To learn more about Jameson Humane, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, visit www.jamesonhumane.org.

Napa Valley’s Jameson Humane raised $1.75 million at its third annual WineaPAWlooza event held July 23 at the Gamble Family Vineyards.

“We are in awe at the support and generosity of our community and of our guests,” said Jameson Humane’s founder, Monica Stevens. “Our goal is to give animals in need a voice, and these proceeds allow for us to continue our mission, providing care and services for animals in need throughout the area.”

Lifetime animal advocates Monica and her husband, David, founded Jameson Animal Ranch Rescue in 2014. The Stevenses, owners of 750 Wines, an exclusive retail wine shop in St.

Helena, created the nonprofit to end animal cruelty and overpopulation. As a part of Jameson Humane’s mission they provide transitional and permanent shelter coordination, adoption and rescue services, and pet food and pet care assistance for seniors, the homeless and low-income families.

“Beyond being a no-kill rescue and sanctuary in the Napa Valley for companion and farmed animals in trouble, part of Jameson Humane’s mission is to provide supportive services such as spaying and neutering for those owners who cannot afford them,” Monica said.

In the short span of two years the Stevenses have created what many are calling a model for community-based animal care and they have embarked on an ambitious new phase to obtain and build an animal-rescue center in the Napa Valley.

“Jameson Humane is making an impact, but the next big goal is to find 50 acres in the Napa Valley to build our rescue center,” Monica said. “We already have plans for the center and have been humbled to have the opportunity to work with a world-class team on this project, including Napa Valley icon Howard Backen of Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects and Tim McDonald of Centric Construction.

Last winter, Jameson Humane bought a 40-acre parcel in the outskirts of Pope Valley but the Stevenses realized it wasn’t large enough for what the need is. They plan to keep the property and it will become a sanctuary.

“My wife, Anne, and I believe this project is a very worthy cause that we want to support,” Backen said in a video highlighting the work done so far on what will be a state-of-the-art cage-free animal rescue facility and sanctuary that will serve both the physical and emotional needs of all of its animal residents and provide an educational center for the community.

“The work Howard and Tim have done is truly spectacular,” Monica said. “What we’ve found through our efforts up to this point is that first there is an overwhelming need out there. But we’ve also found that we live in a community that is kind, compassionate and willing to support worthy causes that reflect the values of this special place. We are finding support and encouragement all around the valley and beyond.”

“I think what Jameson Humane is doing is inspiring,” said Doug Keane, former owner of Cyrus and now co- proprietor of Two Birds One Stone restaurant, just north of St. Helena. “Two Bird One Stone has worked with 750 Wines to help support their efforts by including them in our ‘Charity List’ program that donates all the proceeds of certain wines to benefit the Jameson Humane.”

Keane is no stranger to ending animal-cruelty efforts, having co-founded Green Dog Rescue in Sonoma, a cage-free, no-kill rescue center. And Two Hands One Stone is not the only local restaurant supporting Jameson Humane: During July, Farmstead donated all the proceeds from their corkage fee to the rescue center.

“The outpouring of support is wonderful,” Monica said. “At the recent WineaPAWlooza, generously hosted at the stunning Gamble Family Vineyards, we had over 50-plus of the best vintners serving their wines and our guests enjoyed tasty bites from many of our valley’s top chefs. Besides that, the auction lots were over the top.”

This year’s live auction was presided over by the entertaining and effective auctioneer Fritz Hatton, who touted unique offerings such as two barrels of wine made from the grapes of famed Napa Valley grapegrower Andy Beckstoffer and from the bombastic and successful winemaker Russell Bevan, with their joint effort bringing in $300,000.

“I think what Monica and David have started here is so important,” said Bevan. “Although I’m a 220-pound guy that can bench press 420, I also share kitten and puppy videos all the time. In a world that is full of turmoil, it’s critical that we come together and find ways to reduce the suffering of animals. Bottom line is that Jameson Animal Rescue is helping animals and all of us — I’m proud to be involved.”

Other offerings included special tastings with legendary Marcassin winery owner and winemaker Helen Turley and another offering in which the winning bidders were treated to a Michelin-star-rated weekend that included eating at some of the Napa Valley’s top restaurants, including the French Laundry, the Restaurant at Meadowood and Solbar. At the end of the night Hatton asked that the guests raise their paddles to provide funds to support efforts to help end animal hunger through their food assistance program. After only a few minutes the generous crowd had donated an additional $600,000 to the cause.

“What we know is that animals continue to suffer out there,” Monica said. “But what we also know is that there are so many kind people, too. We are proud to be bringing them together in a single cause. To the community of supporters we offer our deepest and profound thanks and gratitude. There’s more work to do, and we look forward to the day when we have secured our ranch, but it’s important to acknowledge this moment and honor it with gratitude.”

Jameson Humane is a 501(c )(3) registered nonprofit organization. To learn about the ranch and how you can help, visit JamesonAnimalRescueRanch.org or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/JamesonRescueRanch

This past Saturday, one of Napa's furriest charity events of the year returned in a whirlwind of wagging tails, magnum bottles and Napa Valley winemakers. WineaPawlooza 2016 raised $1.7 million for the Jameson Humane (Jameson Humane), a no-kill rescue ranch in Napa Valley. Auctioneer Fritz Hatton led the auction, which was hosted by Gamble Family Vineyards in Oakville. “A tremendous herd of bidders unleashed their paddles,” joked Hatton, who was joined at the auction by two kid goats.

The auction's top lot was two barrels, one each of Beckstoffer and Bevan Cabernet Sauvignon, which sold for $300,000, or the equivalent of $625 a bottle. One hundred percent of the auction’s proceeds are earmarked for the Jameson Humane, which has plans to build Northern California’s first cage-free animal-rescue sanctuary.

In the same spirit of affection for four-legged friends, Glenora Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes has released the newest vintage of Chase’s Reserve ($12), with a photo of the spokespup on the label. Chase the dog is a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, and his owner, Jeff Pursae, has been commissioning the charity wine since 2011. For every case of Chase's Reserve sold, $6 is donated to the United States Humane Society.

July 25, 2016 (Napa, CA) — WineaPAWlooza 2016, one of the nation’s premier wine auctions and lifestyle events held annually in Napa Valley, raised more than $1,750,000 for an important cause—saving animals —by teaming up with the most acclaimed vintners, wineries, and vineyards in the Valley and United States. Hosted at Gamble Family Vineyards, WineaPAWlooza is a charity event produced by Jameson Humane (Jameson Humane), a

world-class animal rescue organization that exemplifies the values of quality, commitment, and generosity of the Napa Valley.

Led by reputable wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton, Saturday’s live and silent auctions raised over

$1 million by offering some of the most unique and sought after wines and wine experiences available in the country. The most coveted lot featured Napa legends Andy Beckstoffer and Russell Bevan and was auctioned to two bidders for $150,000 each. To close out the night, a fund-a-need paddle raise generated an additional $600,000+ from generous animal lovers attending the event. The Grand Tasting earlier in the evening featured 50+ premiere wineries and restaurants from around the Valley.

“It was an unforgettable evening at Gamble Family Vineyards,” said Monica Stevens, founder of Jameson Humane. “I am incredibly humbled by the generosity of Napa Valley and our big-hearted guests and volunteers. So many individuals contributed their heart and soul, as well as time and effort, to make WineaPAWlooza 2016 off-the-charts spectacular. This will go incredibly far to help the animals and the cause.”

In 2015, Wine Spectator recognized the event as one of the top 10 wine auctions in the nation. While Jameson Humane raised approximately $1,200,000 in the first two years of the event, 2016 more than doubled the cumulative funds to date. Proceeds from the auction will be put toward fulfilling Jameson Humane’s vision, including the construction of a state-of-the-art, cage-free animal rescue and sanctuary.

A sample of the spectacular lots and their auction tags:

Beckstoffer and Bevan Barrel: two barrels sold totaling $300,000 ($150,000/20 case barrel – $625/bottle)

Andy Beckstoffer, owner of Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, and Russell Bevan, of Bevan Cellars, joined together to offer the most prized auction lot of the evening which sold twice. Andy generously gifted his finest grapes from Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, arguably one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious vineyards. This will be produced into wine crafted by famed 100-point winemaker Russell Bevan.

Each lucky bidder will soon own a barrel of blue chip Cabernet Sauvignon and debut the wine among friends with Bevan guiding the tasting in Napa Valley. The highest bidders will also be Russell and Victoria’s guest at their home for an unforgettably fun afternoon of food and wine.

The Impossible (and Priceless) Dream: $140,000

One generous attendee acquired the rarest and finest imaginable collection of double magnums of Napa wines ever offered. Legendary producers in 12 different Napa Valley AVAs charitably donated three-liter bottles of their finest wines. This remarkable lineup included Checkerboard, Arietta, Vineyard 7&8, Ovid, Scarecrow, Realm Cellars, Araujo Eisele Vineyard, Meteor Vineyard, Dana Estates, Shafer and Mayacamas, as well as an extremely rare double magnum of 1998 Screaming Eagle, donated by founder Jean Phillips.

The Golden Rolodex – 75 Magnificent Magnums: $110,000

This extraordinary auction lot featured 75 magnums from a “who’s who” list of the hard to acquire, small production wines in the Napa Valley and beyond. The highest bidder has an instant collection of magnums from some of the most sought-after labels in the Napa Valley, including Harlan, Colgin, Dalla Valle, Dana Estates, Realm Cellars, Vine Hill Ranch and more.

A full breakdown of all the lots can be found here: http://www.jamesonhumane.org/wap-2016-lots.

About Jameson Humane

Founded in June 2014 by David and Monica Stevens (proprietors of 750 Wines), Jameson Humane (Jameson Humane) is a no-kill rescue and sanctuary in the Napa Valley for companion and farmed animals in need. The nonprofit provides transitional and permanent shelter, adoption and rescue services, humane education, animal advocacy, and is committed to ending animal hunger, cruelty, and overpopulation. Jameson Humane also collaborates with and acts as a liaison for various animal rescue groups locally and statewide.

Jameson Humane’s vision includes building a state-of-the-art, cage-free animal rescue and sanctuary uniquely serving the physical and emotional needs of all of its companion and farmed animal residents. Renowned architect Howard Backen of Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects and Tim McDonald of Centric Construction are leading the building and design team for the Ranch.

Jameson Humane is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization. To learn more about the Ranch and how you can help, please visit: http://www.jamesonhumane.org or follow on Facebook.