Star Lots of the Sonoma Wine Country Auction - The Organic Among Them

The 2014 Sonoma Wine Country Auction raised $4 million for local charities over the holiday weekend - more than double that of last year's auction.

Vintners with organic estate vines - including Hamel Family Estate, Stone Edge, and Kamen Estate Wines - participated in two very exciting lots.

LOT 11 - HAMEL FAMILY ESTATE - Raised $250,000

The Hamel family made headlines for its lavish, high roller 6 course dinner for 25 couples featuring a culinary dream team of 6 James Beard Award winning chefs. 

The chefs include Gary Danko, Craig Stoll of Delfina, Nancy Oakes of Boulevard, Tory Miller of L’Etoile, Barbara Lynch of No. 9 Park; and Belinda Leong of Manresa and b. patisserie. 

LOT 27 - THE STARS OF MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT AVA - Raised $140,000

Vintners in the newly designated appellation of Moon Mountain District AVA (on the Sonoma side of Mt. Veeder) put together a luxe weekend long tour for four complete with gourmet meals, wine tasting and accommodations. 

The winners will enjoy a guided tour of the area, including a helicopter ride, and a private tasting and dinner at Kamen Estate with vintner Robert Kamen, vineyard manager Phil Coturri and winemaker Mark Herold. A catered brunch on Sunday at Stone Edge's beautiful Silver Cloud estate caps off the weekend.

Enjoy these photos from the official FB page for the auction:

Mike Benziger of Benziger Family Wines - on the left - with friends

Jean Charles Boisset with his Biodynamically grown estate Pinot

The auction proceeds support local charities, including reading programs

On the left - John Lasseter of Lasseter Family Vineyards - with a friend