Hall Winery Cabernet Cookoff Raises Thousands for Charity

Is there anything better than indulging in good food and wine out in the fresh open air under the warm California sun? I can’t think of too many things, but one situation that could definitely top that off would be if all of the above were going to benefit those in need. So, that’s exactly what happened on a recent luminous Sunday afternoon in the picturesque Napa Valley wine country when tens of thousands of dollars were raised to help local charities. It was a well-deserved reason for 600 attendees to clink their wine glasses.

The fifth annual HALL Cabernet Cookoff featured 15 All-Star San Francisco and Napa Valley-based Chef teams who were presented a task to create a personal dish to pair with 2011 HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and compete for a local charity of their choice. Although it was a “competition”, the wine and food-filled affair was fun, friendly and indeed festive.

This year’s event marked the first at HALL St. Helena’s new tasting room. The bright, naturally-lit, contemporary space was open throughout the Cabernet Cookoff, allowing guests to taste the entire portfolio of HALL Wines. Four recently released vintages were served including 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, and 2011 “Jack’s Masterpiece” Cabernet Sauvignon. Proceeds from wine sales as well as HALL merchandise benefitted the Cabernet Cookoff as well.

Since inception, the Cabernet Cookoff has raised $75,000 for charities in and around the Bay Area. The 2013 HALL Cabernet Cookoff drew more than 480 culinary and wine lovers and raised $30,000 for the top four winning team’s sponsored charities.

San Francisco Chef Mark Dommen from One Market restaurant took the coveted ‘Judge’s Choice’ first place for his charity, Napa Hospice & Adult Day Service, with his Potato Gnocchi dish. The ‘People’s Choice’ winner was a dish of Crispy Oxtail Tacos by Chef Daniel Capra of Paula Le Duc Catering. Their charity partner was the St. Helena Hospital Foundation.

“The Cabernet Cookoff is a fun way to help our community. Everyone involved with this event – including our generous sponsors,  the incredible Bay Area chef teams, enthusiastic non-profit organizations and the entire HALL staff – all donated their time, joining forces to create a spectacular day full of opportunities learn about various philanthropic missions. Today, everyone came out a winner.” –  Kathryn Hall 

See all who participated by visiting the Chefs teams’ page on the Cabernet Cookoff website for a complete list of winners, participants, and featured non-profit organizations.

Learn more about HALL Winery and the HALL Cabernet Cookoff at hallwines.com