The Junior League of Napa-Sonoma “Evening in Provence” dinner and dance at the Lodge at Sonoma March 31 raised more than $70,000 for community programs in Sonoma and Napa counties. Some 170 guests attended the 31st such Vin du Soleil charity auction/dinner, which included both live and silent auctions that featured gourmet dinners, amazing trips, special wines and lots of fantastic surprises. There was a lot of interest in the raffle for a 100-bottle wine cellar valued at over $5,000.
The black-tie-optional event started at six o’clock with cocktails and wine while guests perused the fabulous silent auction items. The décor befitted an evening in Provence, with orange and yellow table cloths, centerpieces of artichokes, lilacs, tulips and roses arranged in reclaimed wooden boxes, and 50 live trees, provided by Wedekind’s, that filled the Lodge’s hospitality tent with color.
The night’s three-course, sit-down dinner featured salad Nicoise paired with Wilson Fleming sauvignon blanc, filet of beef or roasted sea bass (paired with Cline Cellars mourvedre or Jus Soli pinot noir); and lavender-lemon pot de crème, served with a Navarro Vineyards Edelzwicker.
“The Lodge food was absolutely amazing,” said Jessica Strachan of Sonoma, who was co-chair of the event along with Patti Brady.
Following dinner, lots such as private Opus One tasting and dinner at Meadowood for six and other packages and trips were auctioned off; along with the $12,000 raised by the wine cellar raffle, the evening raised an unexpected $70,000-plus, which will help fund programs that assist families and children at risk in Sonoma and Napa counties.
The evening wound down with dancing to live music by the Blue Moon Band, a local favorite.
“Vin du Soleil is yet another key component in our mission to build a better community,” said Sandra Villa, president of the Junior League of Napa-Sonoma.

“The children will get some of their dreams answered because of our celebration and the contributions from those who want to join us in our mission to change lives!” she said. “For that we are truly thankful.”

For more information regarding the League, please call (707) 707.545.5567 or visit www.jlns.org.