PETALUMA: The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance will hold its first fundraising auction this month, pairing a silent auction at the Wind to Wine Festival on Saturday, October 17 with an online auction that is open to bidding now. The alliance announced the inaugural auction on October 7, calling it the first since the group's inception.

The announcement lists lots including a private Petaluma River boat tour for 12 people, a Tahoe getaway for four, a rustic Petaluma barn dinner for 20 guests, a cabin aboard the 2027 Petaluma Gap Douro wine cruise with Expedia Cruises and Ama Waterways, plus award-winning wines and wine country travel and hospitality experiences.

Ridge Vineyards

"This is the first time we've created a fundraising auction, and we wanted it to be something truly special," said Heidi Bridenhagen, President of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance Board of Directors. "Our members and partners have come together with some extraordinary wines and experiences."

Proceeds will fund the alliance's operations and programs, including education, marketing and outreach designed to build awareness of the Petaluma Gap AVA and the growers and vintners who make wine there.

The Wind to Wine Festival runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at Gambonini Family Ranch, 7325 Old Lakeville Road No. 3 in Petaluma, on the grounds of the ranch's restored historic hay barn from its working dairy days. More than 20 Petaluma Gap wineries will pour, with VIP tickets at $95 for 1 p.m. entry and general admission at $75 for 2 p.m. entry. Guests will also find artisan cheese and charcuterie, paella, and live music.

Visit Petaluma

The wind-driven AVA

The Petaluma Gap was designated an American Viticultural Area on December 7, 2017. It sits at the southern end of Sonoma County and extends into northern Marin County, defined by persistent afternoon winds and cool-climate growing conditions that favor Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.