Inaugural Wine Train Pride Ride to Benefit the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation
This year marks the first ever Wine Train Pride Ride, and the San Francisco Bay Times is proud to be a media sponsor.
For the past five years, the Napa Valley Wine Train has offered other LGBT celebrations with fine food, delicious wines, gorgeous scenery and a festive atmosphere, but this year’s event marks a new tradition. Your ticket to the March 19 “Wine Train Pride Ride” comes with a bonus: The event will benefit the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF), which supports HIV services, hunger programs and helps homeless and disenfranchised youth.
“After hosting many successful LGBT events with Out in the Vineyard, a for-profit LGBT travel company, we decided it was time to go in a different direction,” said Andrea Guzman, the Wine Train’s Director of Sales. “By partnering with the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation, we have an opportunity to contribute to the important work they do.”
REAF focuses not only on raising funds, but also on creating public awareness that the AIDS epidemic is not yet over, that too many people rely on local food and nutrition programs as their only sources of food, and that there are thousands of homeless and underserved youth who all need help to live full, productive lives. REAF strives to create community alliances to support related agencies on multiple levels.
“On behalf of all of us at the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation, we’re thrilled to have been selected as the beneficiary of the Napa Valley Wine Train’s first annual Pride Ride,” said Ken Henderson, REAF’s executive director. “This Pride Ride fits perfectly with our mission, and we’re honored to partner with the dedicated folks at the Napa Valley Wine Train for this amazing opportunity, an extraordinary gourmet experience while raising money for a great cause.”
The festivities start with a tasting of JCB’s outstanding No. 69 Crémant de Bourgogne with Pianist Andrew Moore setting the intimate mood. Sipping the pink-hued bubbles, guests will mingle with prominent Napa Valley LGBT wine professionals Cezanne Hendricks, Christopher Barefoot, Eric Murray, Ryan Graham and David Mahaffey. Riding in each rail car, one of these esteemed experts will share their knowledge and guidance with wine choices as diners enjoy an exquisite multi-course culinary experience created by Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald.
The winery sponsors who have teamed up to complement the menu selections are Selene Wines, Gary Farrell Vineyards, Olivia Brion Wines, Gentleman Farmer Wines and Randolph Street Wine Co.
“The enthusiastic support of the Pride Ride so many other wineries are showing by donating a magnum of wine for an additional fundraiser during the after party is overwhelming,” said Cheryl Stotler, the Wine Train’s Wine Director. “Whitehall Lane, Salvestrin Winery, Jamieson Ranch Vineyards, Tudal Family Winery and Honig Winery, to name a few, are all on board.”
Traveling the picturesque Napa Valley on a three-hour excursion combining the very best in dining and wine tasting, pride riders will glide gently along a 150-year-old rail corridor on board perfectly appointed and lovingly restored antique Pullman cars more than 100 years old.
Upon return, the Wine Train Depot will transform to Funky Town, the hot after party with entertainment featuring Mistress of Ceremonies, the incomparable Daft-née Gesuntheit. The special veejay mix of Get Down Disco, Silky Soul and Rock of the Gayties is sure to inspire gaiety and dancing the night away in a virtual boogie wonderland with the Pride Ride GoGo Boys adding to the fun.
A ticket for the entire event is $270 for a place in the Vista Dome Car and $195 for the Gourmet Dining Car.
Call for Reservations: 800-427-4124
Book Online: http://winetrain.com/package/pride-ride/
Skip driving from San Francisco to Napa by reserving a seat on a relaxing, luxury motor coach chartered just for Pride Ride guests. Round trip fare is $50. Call 800-427-4124 for all the details.
Wine Train Pride Ride Vino Sponsor of Sparkling Wine Reception
JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset No. 69 Brut Crémant de Bourgogne
Wine Sponsors
Wines to Complement Menu Selections
(All winemakers are either LGBT, or are our community’s long-standing allies)
Randolph Wine Company “Cabinet” Riesling
Drew Neiman, Winemaker/Proprietor
Selene Sauvignon Blanc
Mia Klein, Winemaker/Proprietor
Olivia Brion Chardonnay
David Mahaffey, Winemaker
John Newmeyer, Wine Grower
Gary Farrell Pinot Noir
Theresa Heredia, Winemaker
Gentleman Farmer Napa Valley Red
Joey Wolosz, Vintner
Winery Donors for After Party Fundraiser
(list is growing daily)
Magnums
Whitehall Lane Winery
Jamieson Ranch Vineyards
Tudal Family Winery
Far Niente Winery
Honig Winery
Salvestrin Winery
Duckhorn Winery
Girard Winery
3 Litre
Neiman Cellars Red Napa Valley 2001
Drew Neiman, Winemaker/Proprietor
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