This year we welcomed 8 top wineries from the region – Au Bon Climat, Deerfield Ranch, Mount Eden, Quixote Winery, Ridge Vineyards, Testarossa Winery, The Council, and Thomas Fogarty.
Ridge Vineyards, another superb winery, has attended Soirée du Vin since its inception, and their presence again this year was especially fitting given the Judgment of Paris theme. In fact, Ridge Vineyards produced one of the Cabernet Sauvignons tasted at the groundbreaking 1976 Judgment that propelled California wines to worldwide fame.
After sampling the finest area wines during the pouring hour, our guests were inspired to bid high during the live auction, to take home their own bottles of exceptional wine from both California and France. Throughout the auction, many of our vintners took to the stage to promote their lots, often adding on special extras such as an overnight stay at a picturesque vineyard, or a home cooked, wine-paired meal served in a private cellar. Our pourers’ passion always translates into incredible gourmet experiences that are available nowhere else.
This year’s Soirée du Vin was a great success, but it was also bittersweet because it marked the last time that Thierry and Belinda Nivaggioli will serve as our Co-Chairs. After over a decade at at INTL, and an incredible 9 years chairing Soirée du Vin, the Nivaggiolis are stepping down as their son graduates from 8th grade. However, we look forward to welcoming them back to Soirée du Vin for many years to come, and we offer our sincerest thanks for all their hard work in helping to create the extraordinary event we enjoy today. Thank you!
*In 2020, the International School of the Peninsula (ISTP) formally changed its name to Silicon Valley International School (INTL) to better reflect its bilingual programs, location, and international values.