On the Block for Blocks

By Wine Press Staff

On May 16, over 300 wine lovers will gather at Zenith Vineyard outside Salem to raise their glasses and their bids on behalf of children at risk of abuse. Presented by Holiday Retirement, the second annual Uncorked Wine Auction will feature wines from top producers, plus unique travel and culinary opportunities.

The event includes a winemakers’ reception with local producers—Bethel Heights Vineyards, Cristom Vineyards, Dobbes Family Estate, Mahonia Vineyards, St. Innocent, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Witness Tree Vineyard—pouring wine samples alongside talented Northwest chefs—Diana Ramalo (Amadeus Café), Melvina Smith (Creative Catering), Jason Stoller Smith (Dundee Bistro), David Rosales (La Capitale), Matt Bennett (Sybaris), Hans Afshar (Old Europe Inn)—offering tastes of their local fare. A gourmet multi-course dinner from Vibrant Table follows and is paired with critically acclaimed wines during the live auction. Guests can join in the post-auction celebration and dance to the music of 12th Avenue Hot Club.

Big-hearted benefactors, wine lovers, collectors and those interested in access to exclusive opportunities won’t want to miss the impressive packages up for auction. Some include: a two-week stay in a luxury, oceanfront Maui condominium; a trip for four to Villagio Inn & Spa in Napa Valley, including luxury accommodations, a wine tour with a sommelier, spa treatments, dinner at Bottega Ristorante, wines from Napa’s top producers, Champagne brunch, and a $500 travel voucher; an “instant wine cellar,” consisting of two cases of wine from esteemed Napa Valley vineyards stored in an under counter wine cooler; winemakers’ dinners from top-ranked Oregon vineyards; a double magnum of Rombauer Vineyards Proprietor Selection Cabernet Sauvignon; and an escape to Puerto Vallarta for a stay in a 10,000-square-foot luxury villa for up to 10 of your closest friends.

For over 10 years, Family Building Blocks has worked tirelessly to keep children safe and families together. With the countless pressures and difficulties facing communities today—everything from abject poverty to drug use—the comprehensive assistance provided by Family Building Blocks has helped hundreds of children at risk of harm remain safely in the care of their own parents and avoid the trauma and expense of foster care. Family Building Blocks’ child abuse prevention programs serve children and families in Marion and Polk counties and provide a wide variety of services dedicated to helping children at risk of abuse.

“In this economic climate, the need for our services is escalating beyond anything we’ve seen before,” said Sue Miller, Family Building Blocks executive director. “An event such as this could not have come at a better time as we try and respond to these increased needs. The money raised at Uncorked will directly impact the lives of children and families in our community that need it most.”

To purchase tickets ($175 per person), inquire about sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation, please call 503-566-2132 (ext. 272), or send an e-mail to bgries@familybuildingblocks . ◊

Uncorked Auction

Location: Zenith Vineyard
Address: 5657 Zena Rd. N.W., Salem
Date/Time: May 16 • 5 p.m.
Tickets: $175 per person
Information: 503-566-2132 • www.uncorkedwineauction.org