Project Zin Triumphs Again

Sonoma County wine and food event raises more than $500,000 for Down Syndrome advocacy and services.

Project Zin triumphs again. The annual event, created by Clay and Carrie Mauritson of Mauritson Wines and celebrity chef Charlie Palmer of the food-oriented Appellation Hotels, raises money to support the programs of Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA). The 2025 edition, the 15th, took place on August 16th at Bricoleur Vineyards, netting more than $500,000, thanks in part to wild and woolly bidding on a last-minute, exclusive Super Bowl-related lot donated by former 49ers QB Joe Montana.

Three chefs and three dishes. — Two beef dishes and kimchi pizza from Domenica Catelli of Catelli’s Restaurant, the team from SingleThread Farm Restaurant, and Dino Bugica of Diavola Restaurant.

Splendid Eats, Zinfandel Wines

The evening kicked off with splendid eats from favorite North Bay restaurants and caterers and wines from 21 mostly Sonoma County Zinfandel producers. The upbeat Brady Mauritson (lead photo, left), fresh off a promotional appearance on NBC Bay Area that he described as “really fun,” sold me the day’s first raffle ticket, a chance to win three bottles each from the participating wineries. Brady, Clay and Carrie’s son, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at age 2.

Wine labels. — Top Northern California Zinfandel producers participated in Project Zin.

Bid High, Bid Often

“Bid often. Bid high,” exhorted Chef Palmer as the live auction began. The lots included coveted library and current-release wines; winery and restaurant visits; vacation getaways; Warriors, Valkyries, and Giants tickets; and a dinner with Julian Van Winkle of Kentucky-based Pappy Van Winkle fame (rare bourbons from his cellar are involved).

People bidding at an auciton. — Spirited bidding on the Pappy Van Winkle lot.

High Drama

The high drama began when Montana’s daughter Elizabeth introduced her dad’s package, which included a Super Bowl party with him in attendance, a signed jersey, and a selection of Mauritson wines. On its own, this ensemble, so popular that Elizabeth approved expanding it to three separate offers, brought in $120,000. Way to go, Joe, yet again.

Four people on a stage. — Elizabeth Montana confers with auctioneer Franco Finn, left, and Clay and Brady Mauritson during bidding for the Joe Montana package.

See You Next Summer

Remember Project Zin when tickets become available for next summer’s event. The food and wine are donated, so 100% of the auction proceeds go to DSCBA for advocacy and services.

Sunset. — Sunset at Bricoleur Vineyards.

More About Sonoma County

Healdsburg Restaurants Cheat Sheet
Sonoma County Basics
Sonoma County Vineyard Walks