On Sept. 23, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation hosted its annual Wine Jam at the Bay Colony estate of foundation supporters Kevin and Perry DiBona. Wine Jam marked the first of two fall events leading up to the foundation’s 28th Annual Grand Auction on Nov. 10.
Upon entering the back lawn of the DiBona estate, guests were greeted with a flute of chilled Champagne and were led to a delicious spread of crab cakes, caprese skewers, fresh oysters and baked mac n’ cheese cups exquisitely prepared by Cuisine and Company. Virginia Beach band, DogJaw, filled the lawn with classic rock hits and invited guests to bust a move on the grassy main stage.
Two wine stops presented a variety of reds and whites from California’s Napa region as well as Sauvignon blanc and rosé from France.
Further expanding Coastal Virginia’s palate to the West Coast is the foundation’s next event, a Napa Harvest Party at Becca. The Cavalier Hotel’s Executive Chef, Dan Eilnan, will team up with hotel sommelier, Sara Basham, for an evening of food and wine pairings featuring California’s finest bottles. The event will be held from 6–9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23. Tickets are $250 per person.
A spattering of industry tastings will be offered throughout the fall as well at popular venues like The Hilton Norfolk Main and The Cavalier Hotel.
Concluding the foundation’s fall fundraiser series is the Grand Auction, hosted at The View on Rudee Inlet on Saturday, Nov. 10. This highly revered event will feature pours from wineries around the world, gourmet eats prepared by our region’s greatest restaurants and the opportunity to bid on wine, travel and food experiences. Reserve your spot for $400 per person.
The majority of the foundation’s funds are donated to the Access College Foundation, which helps students pursue their higher education goals through counseling, SAT preparation and scholarships. Since its establishment in 1990, the nonprofit organization has raised over $9 million to benefit the youth of Hampton Roads.
For more information about CBWC and its upcoming events, visit CBWC.org.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
