Live Auction Items
A thrilling event, the Red Gala live auction is one of the highlights of the evening. We are proud to announce the following live auction lots for the 2011 Red Gala
Live Auction Lots
- Wonderful Wine Lots
- Darioush and Friends - Magnificent Magnums
- Lokoya and more - Incredible tours and a Double Magnum!
- Swanson and Knuttel - Verticals to Heaven
- Dinner for Eight - Don't be Late
- Summer Tahoe Vacation
- Exclusive Week in Sonoma
- All’s Well That Ends Well in Ashland
- Ming for a Day: Are You the Next Maestro?
- Viva Las Vegas, Where the World Plays
Wonderful Wine Lots
Magnificent Magnums
Please join several winemaking families along with Dan and Julie dePolo (Sinfonia parents) in supporting Napa Valley Youth Symphony by bidding on the “Magnificent Magnums” auction lot. This six-bottle magnum set includes some of Napa Valley’s most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon producers, both big and small, as well as new to Napa and longstanding icons. The winning bidder (or bidding group) will also be hosted by Dan dePolo, President of Darioush, for a private tour and tasting for them and several friends at Darioush, and Dan will make arrangements at any other of the magnum donors properties as well.
Favia Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Revana Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Frogs Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Joseph Phelps “Insignia” Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1993
Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Darioush tour and tasting with Dan dePolo, President at Darioush (at a mutually agreeable date), as well as
Tour and tasting with another property above, arranged by Dan dePolo for winning bidder and friends.
Value: $2,200
Taste, Tour and Terroir
Renowned Lokoya presents a double magnum of its 2002 Howell Mountain Cabernet, which winemaker Chris Carpenter
praises for its "layered flavors, wonderful mineral note and lengthy tannins," and which Robert Parker awarded a stellar 95
points. Chris Carpenter will sign your special bottle of his standout creation and guide you and three guests on a private,
personal tour of this acclaimed winery and a tasting of its exceptional offerings.
This package also presents the a stunning 750 ml. 2006 Harlan Estate, the flagship wine of a vintage that received 96 points
from Robert Parker and 97 points from Stephen Tanzer, who called this "California 'grand cru'" a "knockout," with "complex
flavors and great finesse."
Opus One is known for dedication to the highest standards and a pedigreed history as long as the finish on its signature wine.
You and five guests will enjoy a special Twilight Tour and Tasting at Opus One, beginning with a late afternoon experience in
the winery's salon with Champagne and caviar. A private tour follows, including the unique architecture of the vineyard's gallery
and Grand Chai Tasting Room, where your tour culminates with a tasting of two vintages of Opus One.
Value: $2,550
Swanson and Knuttel
You couldn't ask for a better way to get away in Napa Valley! You and a guest will revel in a four-course dinner at the
acclaimed Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil (Sun- Thurs, Nov-July), one of the Wine Country's first great dining establishments.
Then enjoy a relaxing one-night retreat at luxurious Meadowood (Sun-Thurs, Nov-Aug), a splendid and unique resort offering
golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, a spa, and wine education.
You'll have a lot of new wine for your collection: Former NVYS president Bill Knuttel is presenting three bottles of his William
Knuttel Winery's finest Cabernet Sauvignons, including the 2005 and 2006 Napa Valley Trio Vineyard, and the 2006 Napa
Valley Reserve.
Also awaiting your enjoyment: a vertical of three magnums (1.5L) of Swanson Vineyard's complex and elegant Alexis
Cabernet Sauvignon from 2003, 2004 and 2005. Plus, Swanson will welcome you and up to 11 guests for a private
vineyard tour and a tasting of the winery's outstanding varietals.
Value: $1,700
Back to the TopDinner for Eight -- Don't Be Late!
Here's an extremely special and unique experience that only the Napa Valley Youth Symphony can offer: The ultimate NVYS dinner! This is a progressive dinner, meaning your party of eight arrives at one house for appetizers, moves on to another home for dinner, and completes a fabulous evening at a third home for dessert.
You’ll begin at the home of Sinfonia parents Michele & Eric Dahlberg for delicious appetizers with recipes from celebrity chefs. Then, it’s on to the home of NVYS Board President Matt Eisenberg and Hillary Homzie for the main course -- prepared especially by a prominent Napa Valley chef, formerly of Angele and Farm, and Lespinasse in New York’s St. Regis Hotel. Finally, for a night-capping dessert, relax at the home of NVYS Sinfonia parents Jane & John Ewer. Among other fabulous desserts will be apple pie lovingly made from a recipe from Jane’s grandmother born in the late 1800’s.
And guess who's coming to dinner? NVYS conductor Ming Luke! Ming will provide "musical pairings" at each location to accompany the food and wine. So be prepared for Ming on the piano with Youth Symphony chamber music musicians making special appearances throughout the evening! There's more: You’ll travel from house to house by chauffeured limousine provided by Sheri Kohos at Napa Valley Crown Limousine! Reservations? You'll have no reservations about this incredible edible event!
Here are the details:
The Ultimate Napa Valley Youth Symphony Dinner
To be held on a mutually agreed upon weeknight in the summer.
Wines: An amazing selection of Napa Valley wines including Chandon, Rudd & Far Niente's Dolce
Food provided by: NVYS Families – Dahlbergs, Eisenbergs, Ewers
Music provided by: Ming and NVYS students
Transportation provided by: Sheri Kohos/Napa Valley Crown Limousine
Value: Priceless
Back to the TopYou’ll Be “Summering” in the Lake Tahoe Area
Take advantage of all Lake Tahoe’s glorious summer has to offer with a week-long stay in a spacious 3-bedroom condo in the popular Tahoe-Donner. On your doorstep is historic downtown Truckee which boasts superb restaurants, and a chic shopping district.
The condo blends luxury design with the familiar comforts of home. Two bedrooms each have a queen bed, and the third guestroom has two twin bunkbeds. The gourmet kitchen has a gas range, granite countertops, and cookware for the gourmet chef. The dining area and family room look out onto the secluded greenbelt of majestic pine trees. Relax at the private beach club and marina on idyllic Donner Lake, where you can rent kayaks, sailboats, canoes, paddle boats, and windsurfing equipment. There is also an equestrian center and extensive hiking trails nearby. Float the tranquil Truckee River on inflatable rafts, and play on the sandy beaches of beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Enjoy a complimentary round of golf for four at Tahoe-Donner’s 18-hole championship golf course (golf course tee times available Sun-Thurs afternoons, no holidays) or try the new state-of-the-art fitness center which boasts a year-round lap pool and several Jacuzzis. Top it all off with four tickets to the 2011 Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Tahoe’s premier summer event!
Generously donated by: Jane & John Ewer, Tahoe-Donner and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
Value: $1,800
Back to the TopA Week at Timber Cove on the Sonoma Coast
Treat yourself to a restful week on the Sonoma Coast (7 days/6 nights) north of Fort Ross at the home of Napa Valley Youth Symphony supporter Kathy Henschel. This large secluded home with dramatic views sits on an isolated ocean bluff and has a hot tub, a sauna, and decks for reading, napping or just watching the waves. The house is ideal for 2 couples or a family of up to 6. It has 2 bedrooms (one with a queen bed, one with 2 double beds) and 2 bathrooms.
This is too good to be true; up to 4 four one-hour massages will be provided to you by Micki Meredith at the house as part of this package. While you are out and about in the area, private tours of local art studios are available to the winner with Bruce Johnson, Sculptor; Alinder Gallery, Photography; and Seaview Art Glass. And on a restful evening when you want someone else to cook, walk to the nearby Timber Cove Lodge, which has generously donated dinner for four in its wonderful, romantic restaurant!
Please note: Cell phones do not work on this stretch of the coast, nor is there WiFi or DSL. If your laptop works on dial-up, you’re welcome to use a local or toll-free access number, but it will be slow! There is DirecTV, a VCR and a DVD player at the house. This is truly a GETAWAY vacation.
Value: $2,250
Back to the TopAll’s Well That Ends Well in Ashland
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) in Ashland, Oregon is an esteemed Tony Award winning venue for both The Bard's classics and the best contemporary theater. This Spring to Fall 2011 season, you'll be the star of the show as you and a guest enjoy a backstage tour, and the two of you will be able to see three performances of your choice (total of six tickets, subject to availability). Please visit www.osfashland.org for all the details of the coming season's productions.
Yes, the play's the thing here, but Ashland is also a great natural stage for hiking, rafting, water slides and other outdoor activities, NOT TO MENTION YOUR GORGEOUS HOME AWAY FROM HOME. After a full day of fun, you'll enjoy the stunning 3,200 square-foot home where you'll be staying for up to six days and five nights! Nestled in the hills at the entrance to serene Lithia Park, this private residence features a large master bedroom, two more bedrooms with queen beds, a third-floor loft with an array of futons, three full baths, high-speed internet, and romantic wooded views. (No smoking or pets please.)
It's a 10-minute walk to the plays, Ashland’s award-winning restaurants and downtown where you can enjoy an array of visual and performing arts as well as the interactive Science Works museum. A family vacation or adult paradise, what’s not to like?
Generously Donated by: James and Suzanne Becker Bronk and The Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Value: $3,000
Back to the Top
Ming for a Day: Are You the Next Maestro?
It will be a night to remember when you take the stage to be the guest conductor of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony! NVYS Music Director Ming Luke and master teacher will gently guide you in mastering the role of the maestro in two private lessons, followed by two practices with the orchestra. Before you know it, you'll be ready to make the orchestra come alive! Your conducting debut will take place during the 2011-2012 season.
Bravo! The baton is yours.
Generously Donated by: Ming Luke and the Napa Valley Youth Symphony
Value: Priceless!
Back to the TopViva Las Vegas, Where the World Plays
Colony Capital and Southwest Airlines, Taking You Where You Want to Go
Day turns to night, night turns to day -- it's Vegas, baby! Enjoy -- and really do enjoy -- this special getaway package in Glitter City!
You and a friend will luxuriate for three nights and four days in a sumptuous suite at the famous Las Vegas Hilton, and you'll have two tickets to revel in any of the fantastic shows at the Hilton Theatre! The recent spectacular $100 million redesign by owner and global real estate giant Colony Capital offers rooms that soothe and inspire. The hotel boasts 12 of Las Vegas’ best restaurants and there is no better way to beat the Vegas heat than at the Las Vegas Hilton pool, located outside the 3rd Floor, the perfect place to relax in a cabana, sipping on cocktails and enjoying an unprecedented Strip skyline view!
That's not all! You'll also have two round-trip tickets to ANY Southwest Airlines destination which includes most of the U.S. and Mexico! Southwest Airlines is “More Than a Way to Fly—A Way of Life.” Southwest Airlines is a neighbor in the community championing causes that matter most by developing relationships with nonprofit organizations such as the Napa Valley Youth Symphony.
No one says you have to use your tickets to fly to Las Vegas either. Are you set to go?
Generously donated by: Jonathan Grunzweig, Colony Capital and
Southwest Airlines

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