The V Foundation Wine Celebration Achieves a Groundbreaking Milestone by Raising $21 million to Fund Cancer Research

The 25th Anniversary V Foundation Wine Celebration in Napa Valley has made history by raising a tremendous $21 million! Held August 3-6, in the picturesque Napa Valley, this event supports innovative ideas and breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.

The annual event attracted a crowd of more than 600 guests and was hosted by Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, former Head Coach of Duke University Men’s Basketball and V Foundation Board Member.

Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski gives passionate speech during Gala Dinner & Auction. Photo Courtesy: V Foundation Wine Celebration.

Throughout the weekend, attendees were treated to memorable…

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Donor Exclusive Dinner and Concert at Darioush

PRIVATE CONCERT WITH SERENA SÁENZ, FRANCISCO FULLANA, SUUVI (FORMERLY SOPHIA BACELAR), & PABLO SÁINZ VILLEGAS

Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi, devoted and longtime supporters of Festival Napa Valley, have a love of art, wine, and hospitality imbued by the rich traditions of their Persian heritage. To them, these are essential elements of a life well lived — and generously shared.

On this exclusive occasion, the Khaledis welcomed Festival Napa Valley donors to a lavish dinner and private concert at their magnificent Napa estate, a remarkable compound inspired by the ancient capital city of Persepolis. The evening’s concert took place in the winery’s majestic amphitheater. Soprano Serena Sáenz, violinist…

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Festival Napa Valley in Concert with Matteo Bocelli and Dinner at HALL

Matteo Bocelli in Concert at Charles Krug, an Olivia Decker Power of Music Series concert & Manetti Shrem Vocal Arts Series concert

Rising international star Matteo Bocelli took audiences on a journey through some of the most beloved songs of all time—Italian classics such as “Quando Quando Quando,” ballads like “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and “Caruso,” favorite opera arias, and pop hits “Fall on Me” and “Perfect Symphony.” Bocelli performed some of his original compositions as well, including selections from his upcoming debut album and previously released singles “Solo,” “Tempo,” and “Dimmi.”

Bocelli was joined by award-winning Spanish violinist Francisco Fullana, winner of…

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Presenting Pianist Janice Carissa in the Olivia Decker Power of Music Series 


On Sunday, Jan 22, 2023, pianist Janice Carissa appears in an exclusive solo performance at The Bowes Center at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. A Gilmore Young Artist and winner of Salon de Virtuosi, Janice Carissa’s performances have been noted for their “multicolored highlights of a mature pianist” (Philadelphia Inquirer) that “convey a vivid story” (Chicago Classical Review). 


The event in Barbro Osher Recital Hall is brought to you by the Olivia Decker Power of Music Series, which showcases globally recognized performing artists and emerging talent in live presentations on spectacular stages in Marin County, Napa Valley and beyond. Each concert is…

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Olivia Decker Power of Music Valentine’s Concert

Love is in the Air at San Francisco St. Regis

 

Victoria McDowell and Pasquale Esposito sing a duet

Love was in the air at The St. Regis San Francisco on Valentine’s Day as acclaimed Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito performed an enchanting program of romantic ballads and arias as part of Festival Napa Valley’s Olivia Decker Power of Music Series. Sparkling wines from Domaine Carneros and small bites from The St. Regis’ culinary team made the evening especially enjoyable as Esposito and classics such as “Besame Mucho,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “La Vie en Rose” to a sold-out audience. Event sponsor Olivia Decker arrived just in time on a flight from New York to catch the opening remarks of Rick…

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Olivia Decker Power of Music Presents Vitamin String Quartet at Palace Hotel San Francisco 

PHOTOS JOSEPH CHUN

Festival Napa Valley presented a sensational Olivia Decker Power of Music concert by the Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) at the Palace Hotel San Francisco on April 22. The evening included a reception hosted by Olivia Decker, Palace Hotel General Manager Angie Clifton, and Festival Napa Valley president Rick Walker, featuring fine wines from Grgich Hills Estate. The sold-out concert delivered powerful, enchanting music for a remarkable evening at the Palace Hotel’s magnificent Garden Court.

Since their debut in 1999, VSQ has helped establish classical crossover as a genuine force in contemporary music with captivating string performances,…

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Festival Napa Valley’s Olivia Decker Power of Music Series: BODYTRAFFIC with Sophia Bacelar

PHOTOS: DREW ALTIZER

Festival Napa Valley brought the Los Angeles-based modern dance group BODYTRAFFIC and its unique style to the ‘Ohana Floor of Salesforce Tower ​in a collaborative performance with cellist Sophia Bacelar. Atop the San Francisco company’s iconic headquarters,​​ the breathtaking event was part of the Festival’s year-round Olivia Decker Power of Music Series and featured a reception with Miner Family wines from Napa Valley. The event was attended by more than 170 guests including Olivia Decker, Daru Kawalkowski, Joel Goodrich, Rick and Karen Walker, Charles LeTourneau, Pedro Osuna, Elizabeth Welborn, Gary Linnen, Mark Calvano, Kara Warrin,…

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Santorini Style Home on San Francisco Bay With Pool and Boat Dock

I SOLD THIS UNIQUE HOME IN 1999 TO A COUPLE FROM San Francisco who own dozens of Bay Area properties. Still, they wanted an exceptional waterfront home in Belvedere to create a resort setting in the style of the Greek island Santorini on the San Francisco Bay. In 2001, after about two years of planning and construction, they completed the transformation of this 4,165 square-foot, 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home on an 11,360-square-foot lot. It features rustic wood beams, white stucco, antique doors, lanterns, and many artistic and decorative elements purchased in Greece, Italy, Morocco, and India.



The home is located in the center section of Belvedere West Shore which offers magnificent…

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Celebrity Adventure Italy and Andrea Bocelli Foundation 2023 Fundraising Events

IN 2014, CELEBRITY ADVENTURES WAS LAUNCHED AS a new, charitable foundation, and it partnered with Andrea Bocelli and his wife, Veronica, to bring the initiative to Italy to offer their international donors a journey through the excellence of Made in Italy: music, art, fashion, style, food, and all the best the country has to offer. Year after year, the event benefits from the most magnificent locations, the most extraordinary music talents offering performances and exclusive experiences, all of which contribute to creating a unique event benefiting the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Previous events have attracted international celebrities, royals, and political and financial…

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Olivia Decker Power of Music concert on Magical Li Galli Island Positano   

LI GALLI, THE MYTHICAL ARCHIPELAGO CONSISTING OF A TRIO of small islands off the Amalfi Coast of Positano, is the fabulous setting of the Olivia Decker Power of Music Festival Napa Valley’s memorial concert on June 24 to celebrate the life of Bruce Katz, a beloved friend of many San Franciscans and Giovanni Russo, the owner of Li Galli Island. The magnificent evening included a classic Italian dinner, fireworks, and an exclusive concert featuring acclaimed Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito with special guests Broadway singer Christina Maxwell and renowned composer-conductor Adriano Pennino. Decker introduced Katz and Russo in 1996. The duo became best friends and shared their…

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