Celebrating Community, Wine, and 45 Years of Excellence at INTL’s 19th Annual Soirée du Vin
Under sunny skies and warm weather, Silicon Valley International School’s (INTL) 19th Annual Soirée du Vin unfolded into an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, energy, and countless joyful moments. Graced by 107 attendees, the event showcased not only the finest wines and delectable cuisine but also INTL’s vibrant sense of fellowship. The evening exemplified the passion of the INTL community, not just for exceptional wines but also for advancing education and celebrating shared experiences.
This year’s Soirée du Vin offered a harmonious blend of wine lovers, experience seekers, current parents, and an entire table dedicated solely to alumni parents, demonstrating a perfect balance. As the night progressed, it became clear that the Soirée du Vin, now in its 19th year, had aged to perfection—much like the wines it celebrates. Be sure to watch the highlight reel below to relive the excitement!
Wine Tasting: A Prelude to Delight
The wine-tasting portion of the evening set an exciting tone, with guests gathering on the sunlit outdoor patio to sample offerings from seven renowned vintners:
- Lando Winery
- Calligraphy
- Clif Family Winery
- Domaine Dardagny
- The Oasis by Hoopes
- Thomas Fogarty Winery
- Ridge Vineyards
The bright sunshine and beautiful Fremont Hills Country Club provided the ideal backdrop for this joyful tasting experience. The theme, "Aged to Perfection," intertwined the maturation of fine wine with the celebration of the school’s 45 years of excellence. Like wine, Silicon Valley International School has evolved and matured over time, enriching the lives of all who have been part of its journey. Each bottle served during the tasting hour represented a unique story, from the planting of the first grapevine to the careful craftsmanship that created the flavors that delighted the guests.
Dinner: A Culinary Celebration
The dinner segment featured two acclaimed guest speakers, Sam and Jen Lando from Lando Winery. After working for eighteen years with some of Sonoma's most distinguished and sought-after Pinot-focused wine brands, Sam decided it was time to venture out on his own. He spent many years learning every nuance of the business and engaging in hobby winemaking before taking the leap. His vision was to create a family business winery that could be passed down through generations.
Sam and Jen’s winery was almost completely destroyed by the Sonoma County Tubbs Fire in 2017. Sam mentions how in the midst of fleeing the inferno, their son coined the name for their most notable wine, the Phoenix Blend. “My son was scribbling down in his notebook and asked me ‘what are we calling this wine?’ After I replied that I had no idea, he held up his notebook and said, ‘Dad, we’re rising from the ashes, this is us, we are phoenixes.’”
After the moving speech, guests savored a delectable dinner. They had the option to choose from a wine-paired menu that included Shrimp-Crusted Halibut and Rack of Cervena Venison or a vegetarian alternative of Arugula Salad and Rigatoni alla Norma. Regardless of the selection, everyone enjoyed a delightful Pistachio Almond Pear Tart, which provided the perfect conclusion to the meal.
The Live Auction: A Spirited Affair
Led by charismatic auctioneer Greg Quiroga, the live auction was a lively and spirited highlight of the evening. The crowd buzzed with excitement, and the bidding wars made for great entertainment.
The crown jewel of the auction was an extravagant home dinner experience prepared by none other than INTL's Head of School, Barbara Greiner. The bidding for this unforgettable evening filled with delectable dishes from Barbara reached a remarkable $10,000.
The highest-selling wine lot was a tie between a half-dozen bottles of premiere Pauillac and an exquisite vertical of La Conseillante each selling for $4,600.
A magical moment occurred when every dessert plate in the room was lit with a birthday candle, casting a flickering glow across the venue. In celebration of INTL’s 45th anniversary, the community joined together in cheers and applause to honor this special milestone.
A Night of Triumph and Community Spirit
This year’s Soirée du Vin was a success, raising $80,000 for INTL’s Charlotte de Géry Endowment Fund and $21,000 for Fund-the-Future, ensuring a continued path to excellence in education and support for future Soirée events. More than just a fundraiser, the event was a celebration of the INTL community’s shared passion for wine, education, and lasting memories. It was wonderful to see this dedication put on display with such a passionate and energetic spirit that resonated throughout the room. Guests left the evening with full hearts, lasting memories, and a sense of fulfillment from a night filled with exceptional wine, gourmet food, and cherished connections. Many guests stayed well after the auction because they wanted to savor every moment.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who attended and supported this event, and we look forward to welcoming you next year for another spectacular evening. To stay updated on next year’s Soirée du Vin, visit soireeduvin.org.
