Live Auction Items

LIVE AUCTION LOTS

1.       PAUL HOBBS WINERY TOUR AND LUNCHEON FOR SIX

You and five friends are invited to enjoy a private tour at Paul Hobbs Winery in the Russian River Valley. Nestled within the contours of this superlative chardonnay and pinot noir wine-growing region is the first Paul Hobbs estate vineyard and state-of-the-art winemaking facility.  To top off your VIP experience, after the tour your group will enjoy a gourmet luncheon paired with current release and library wines from the Paul Hobbs and Paul Hobbs Imports portfolios.  We kindly request your experience be redeemed by October 2014 on a mutually convenient Monday through Friday date and time.

 Donor:  Paul Hobbs Wines

Here’s an exciting opportunity to golf for four (4), including carts, at three of Northern California’s exclusive private golf clubs. All are highly rated and can be played within the next year.   Sierra View Country Club is located in Roseville and is a great escape to the Sierras.   Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club located in Santa Rosa is the area’s oldest private Country Club.   Sequoyah Country Club, located in the Oakland Hills is celebrating their 100th anniversary and is considered among the best places to play in the East Bay. Most of the rounds must be played mid-week, and all include golf carts. Tee times must be arranged in advance, subject to availability.  Appropriate golf dress code required per course rules at all locations. Play day restrictions apply.  Sierra View Country Club, some weekday restrictions apply, weekend play is allowed after 1:00 PM. Expires 12/31/24. Sequoyah Country Club, valid Tues-Thurs after 1:00 PM excluding holidays, expires October 2014.

Donor: Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club, valid Tues-Sun, Expires 10/30/2014

Dinner for eight at Villa Ecker-Mackie in lovely Bennett Valley.  The hosts, renowned for their cooking, will prepare an Italian-themed dinner and pour Mackie family wine, along with special wines from their cellar. The dinner will take place in their art-filled home, or perhaps, weather permitting, outside on the terrace overlooking Bennett Valley…or maybe in both places. The dinner should be scheduled with the Mackies at least six weeks in advance, at a mutually agreeable time in Spring- Summer 2014

Donor: John Mackie and Kate Ecker   

4.  VACATION IN PRIVATE HOME & CABIN ON THE SPRING RIVER IN CENTRAL OREGON -Winning Bid = $1,700  

The winning bidder and guests – up to eight people maximum - will spend 6 days, 5 nights at their choice of two privately owned Spring River cabins (4 people per cabin).  2-br/2 bath and 2br/1 bath, with fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers.   Located on the river, there are canoes available at your private dock on the property for fishing or a relaxing paddle.  The surrounding area is rich with opportunities for fun or adventure -  hiking, rafting, Lava Butte, numerous lakes, fly fishing  - or even some quiet time, is just  outside the back door of your very own vacation home.  A short 10-mile drive to Bend, Oregon, is Sunriver, where recreational activities abound – swimming, bicycle riding, golf, and tennis.   Valid 11/1/2013 to 11/1/2014   Reservations must be made at least six weeks in advance, subject to availability and blackout dates: Thanksgiving through Jan 3, and Aug 15, thru Sept 30. Subject to Change 

Donor: Joan Warren, Mary Jones, Bob Nideffer and Rick Lewis  

5.  AN EVENING IN KAGOSHIMA - Winning Bid = $2,200

Enjoy an elegant evening and hospitality of a 7 Course Gourmet Japanese Dinner for 8. Experience the fresh and healthy food of Southern Japan also known as Satsuma Cuisine along with traditional foods of Japan. Included in the dinner entrées will be such foods as Miso Soup, Teriyaki Beef and Tempura Vegetables. Each guest will have the opportunity to create their own Sushi Rolls with or without Sashimi.  Shabu-Shabu will be served the traditional way and is a wonderful expression of Satsuma style cuisine. All food will be accompanied by Saki, Japanese Beer and fine wine, served with the special tableware and utensils of Japanese dining.  Compi.

The dinner is sponsored and hosted by Don & Wendy Floriani-san, Susan Glowacki-san and Steve & Kathleen Amend-san. The dinner will be held at the Amend’s residence, which provides spectacular hillside views of the county.

Offer is good for one year from the date of purchase. Event to be arranged at least six weeks in advance on a date acceptable to all parties.  

6.  SUMMER IN BEAUTIFUL TAHOE DONNER - Winning Bid = $2,100

One week stay in Tahoe Donner – perfect for your family vacation!   Large, spacious main house with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 3 half baths. Also includes a one bedroom studio with full bath.  Amenities: Family room downstairs, great room upstairs with fully equipped kitchen, decks and hot tub.  Guests have access to 2 clubhouses with pools, spa, gym, playgrounds, bocce ball court, horseshoes.  Access to Tahoe Donner Beach on Donner Lake, (which is a very short ride) a nice sandy beach with BBQ pits and snack bar.  Paddle boats, Hobe Cats and paddle boards can be rented.  Fabulous walking trails right out the back door, and golf courses nearby.  Close to historic downtown Truckee, Squaw Valley and Tahoe City.  Donor will provide $50.00 cash voucher toward the $5.00 per person guest fees to access the facilities listed above (kids 3 and under are free).   Cleaning fee is included at no charge to winning bidder.  **Available from May through October 2014**  6 week advance notice requested Subject to availability.  Winning bidder assumes all responsibility for any damages incurred during the stay.

Donor: Steve and Kristin Weber

Known as the “cradle of Western civilization,” Greece and its Peloponnese peninsula offer a perfect blend of archaeology, ancient history, culture, and natural beauty. You are invited to join a cruise aboard a chartered 25-cabin Greek yacht through azure waters, and an exploration of the cities and sanctuaries of ancient Greece.

Begin in Athens, where you will gaze upon the soaring columns of the Parthenon, discover the treasures of the National Archaeological and Acropolis Museums, and meander through the winding alleys of the Plaka district. An overland journey takes you to Corinth, site of the spectacular Temple of Apollo, and to the World Heritage site of Epidaurus. Then, embark the intimate, privately chartered Harmony V for a seven-night cruise along the stunning, sundrenched coast of the Peloponnese. Delve deeper into archaeology and ancient history with stops at Mycenae, Monemvasia, and Mystra. Explore Mt. Lykaion’s Sanctuary of Zeus, trace the origins of the Olympic Games to ancient Olympia, and meander the hillside of mystical Delphi. Conclude your journey with a transit of the towering Corinth Canal en route to Athens.

For expert insights and perspectives on the archaeology and ancient history of Greece, we will be accompanied by a Professor of Classics and a Professor of Greek Archaeology from The University of Arizona who will show us their field research site at Mt. Lykaion.

8.  A WONDERFUL DAY IN THE VALLEY OF THE MOON - Winning Bid = $1,000

Up to ten (10) friends will discover the domain of three great local legends of historic fame who uncorked the character of the Valley of the Moon:  Kunde Vintners, Jack London and General Mariano Vallejo.  

Begin the day with an in-depth, privately guided tour of Jack London’s Beauty Ranch, Jack’s favorite writing locale, his Cottage, Museum and Wolf House, now remaining as a stone & masonry shell.  Your guide will detail the story of the visionary and yet fateful future Wolf House experienced.

Your day is still filled with adventure & discovery!  After a light snack your Rotarian hosts will transport you to Glen Oaks Ranch, Valley of the Moon estancia of early California’s Spanish General & Governor Mariano Vallejo.  A historian guide will lead you on a one hour tour of Glen Oaks Ranch, focused on the historic ranch home of General Vallejo.   The home is still furnished with many of the period furnishings from Vallejo's day. 

After a private tour of Kunde Vineyards, cap off your enlightening day with a sumptuous yet casual dinner and wine tasting in their elegant wine cave.  Enjoy assorted tapas and a tiered tasting to start, followed by Vineyard Inn Chef Esteban’s famous paella paired with your favorite wines from the tasting.  Start with the paella essential saffron rice, clams, mussels, prawns & roasted peppers. This Valencia style is the classic blend of seasoned ingredients, accented with paprika spiced chicken.  For those desiring more seafood selections, the Paella Pacifica will provide calamari, and two fresh fish additions.  An additional, visual astronomical heavenly dessert will follow to complete your sojourn in the Valley of the Moon

90-day advance notice for date to be arranged with Kunde Hospitality.  Subject to availability.  Must be used by June 1, 2014.

Donor:  Rich Randolf, Marty Behr, Eloise Tweeten.    

9.  VACATION WEEK IN MAZATLAN - Winning Bid = $1,200

Enjoy a week of beauty and tranquility right on the beach in the Golden Zone section of the Mexican Riviera.   Your Inn at Mazatlan 2 bedroom, 3 bath condominium comfortably sleeps up to eight and includes an almost complete kitchen (no oven). The expansive living area features breathtaking ocean and beach views and includes a patio with table and chairs. Spacious and beautifully furnished in traditional tropical decor, the condo comes complete with all the amenities to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience.  Located just 30 minutes from the airport, the full-service resort includes two pools, miles of golden sand beaches, the award-winning Papgayo restaurant, and the full service Paradise Spa where you can relax and unwind with an indulgence of full-body treatments, facials, massages, and manicures.   Rated 10 out of 10 by guests. "The Inn at Mazatlan is Paradise. Good food, fabulous views, all the amenities you could possibly want and nice people. We have returned several times and it is my top choice of all the resorts we have visited. The staff is outstanding, with great service. They go above board to make your stay enjoyable.”   Must be used between April 15th and October 10th and a 6 week notification is required.  Subject to availability.

Generously Donated by Nancy and Bob Aita

10.  TOUR, TASTING &TWO NIGHT STAY IN THE PETER MICHAEL WINERY GUEST HOUSE -Winning Bid = $2,200

Includes three magnums of 2006 Les Pavots – Estate Cabernet blend.   Up to six people will enjoy a two-night stay at the winery’s guest house located on the beautiful Peter Michael Estate in Knights Valley, plus a private tour, tasting and lunch.  Dates for the stay will be based on availability.  Tour, tasting and lunch are Monday through Friday by appointment, subject to availability.  The Peter Michael Estate is located in Knights Valley, between the Napa Valley and the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County.  The estate extends down slope from Mount St. Helena and contains the winery and 120 acres of estate vineyards, four acres of parkland setting and formal gardens, and 480 acres of untouched countryside with a year-round creek.  Three miles of walking pathways meander through the landscape of rolling hills, chaparral and wild open meadows.  Lush shaded areas along the creek are home to redwoods, firs, wild azaleas and ferns.  Native steelhead trout still spawn in the upper reaches of the creek.  Very private and secluded, the guest home is nestled amidst a grove of redwood trees on the banks of Kellogg Creek.  There are three bedrooms, (queen, king and twin bunk beds) a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, satellite TV, DVD (Blu-ray) player, stereo, outdoor barbecue.  It has a large deck and an outdoor hot tub Both with stunning views of Mount St. Helena.  Come relax and enjoy the romantic beauty of this private estate.  In addition the winning bidder will receive 3 magnums (1.5L) of 2006 Les Pavots, Estate Cabernet Blend.  Expires October 2014 

Donor:  Peter Michael Winery

11.  DELICIOUS OYSTER ADVENTURE - Winning Bid = $1,600 times two!

Picnic lunch at the “Hog Island Farm” for eight lucky people, shucking, slurping and savoring oysters!    Start the day with J Sparkling Wine and Bloody Mary oyster shooters.  Enjoy as much as you like of oysters raw, BBQ with Steve’s special sauce, clams in a special bread crumb mixture with garlic, basil and pine nuts.  Accompanied by wonderful pasta salad and topped off with Ken Petro’s homemade Romanian sausages.  The meal will be served with home-made bread from the famous Freestone Bakery, plenty of fine Sonoma wines and finish with a very special homemade dessert.   Subject to agreeable dates of all concerned. Good until October 2014 

Donor:  Chefs Doris and Ken Petro, Georgia and Steve Worthen

The three Punic Wars, fought from 261 to 146 B.C. between the Roman Republic and the ancient sea power of Carthage, laid some of the crucial foundations in the development of Western civilization. During more than a century of conflict, a series of hard-fought battles occurred on land and sea, from Sicily to Africa, and the Romans ultimately prevailed to become the dominant political, military, and cultural influence in the region.

You are invited to join a fascinating seven-day cruise aboard the beautiful yacht Variety Voyager to explore ancient Roman, Punic, and Carthaginian sites in the western Mediterranean. See exquisite Roman mosaics in Tunis’s Bardo Museum and, nearby, the remains of the great civilization of Carthage, an evocative UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark the Variety Voyager in Tunis and cruise to Malta, a strategic gem coveted by a succession of empires; the ancient Greek colony of Selinunte, the Carthaginian stronghold of Erice, and Segesta’s beautiful Greek temple on Sicily; and the ancient ruins of Sulci, where the Carthaginian general Hannibal took refuge, on Sardinia.

Travelers will enjoy a series of lecture presentations and informal discussion during the cruise by archaeologist Rod McIntosh and classical scholar Denis Feeney.

13.  CHATEAU MONTELENA ESTATE COLLECTOR’S PACKAGE - Winning Bid = $1,300

Started by father/son team Jim and Bo Barrett in 1972, this Calistoga-based estate winery reached its early fame with its 1973 Chardonnay, which the winery introduced to the wine world by summarily defeating the great Chablis of France in the famous Steven Spurrier 1976 international wine competition referred to as The Judgment of Paris of 1976.  Today, Chateau Montelena is best known for its iconic “Estate-produced Cabernet Sauvignon”, long-held by worldwide wine collectors as one of the truly great California cabernets to compete internationally with Bordeaux.  This collection reflects the pinnacle of California-produced cabernet sauvignon, inclusive of both a more recent vintage (2006 Magnum) as well as several bottles of the famed 1997 vintage—one of the most sought after cabernet labels-vintages ever.  Combined, this is a true collector’s dream package.  The current vintage of (2009) The Estate Cabernet sells for $150.00 a bottle direct from the winery.  Aged bottles from prior vintages typically sell for far more, particularly the exceptional 1997 vintage which is now fetching $225/each in current auctions among collectors.  This package includes:  2 General Admission Tickets to the Chateau’s House Party January 25th 2014.  Our guests can have the run of the place for one fantastic night of fine wine, local bites, and live music.  A Magnum of the 2006 Vintage Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon  “Revealing sweeter tannin and a softer, riper, fuller-bodied style, the 2006 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a beautiful, classic wine with loads of berry fruit, an earthy character, and a spicy, pure, rich finish.  It is another candidate for nearly two decades of aging. The 2006 reveals medium to full body, austere tannins and lots of red and black fruits, dusty, loamy soil undertones and a hint of herbs/tobacco leaf.  The silkiness of the tannins suggests this 2006 will be drinkable in another 4-5 years of bottle age (approximately 2012) and drink it over the following 20+ (2031+).”  -RP, Jr. --91 Pts, Wine Advocate, Robert Parker, Jr.  Four (4) 750 ml bottles of the 1997 Vintage Chateau Montelena, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon  “This California Cab serves up lots of ripe, supple black cherry, currant and plum-laced flavors, as well as pretty touches of earth, anise and mineral. Turns smooth and supple, finishing with polished tannins.  Best from 2001 through 2015. 11,700 cases made. –JL” --95 Pts, Wine Spectator, James Laube – There are 10,200 cases of the remarkable 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. Opaque purple-colored with a dense, chewy, full-bodied personality, it displays abundant cassis, mineral, and earth notes. This brilliantly made, super-concentrated, pure, blockbuster possesses sweet tannin as well as a terrific finish. Having added additional weight since last year, this sumptuous, multilayered, profoundly concentrated Cabernet contains 14% alcohol. It is a candidate for 25-30 years of longevity. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2030. 

Donors: Chateau Montelena Winery -- Bo Barrett, Steve & Laura Herron

14.  SUNRIVER, OR, VACATION HOME - Winning Bid = $2,100

The winning bidder and up to 5 guests will be staying for up to 6 nights in our modern vacation home located in the exclusive Sunriver, Oregon resort community. This well-equipped home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths and large living area, a large rear deck for sunning, entertainment, or casual relaxation, a hot tub for six, and mountain ambience in the heart of the Eastern Oregon’s high country.  For recreation there are two PGA-level golf courses, many tennis courts, skiing, fly fishing rivers, streams and lakes, hiking, pathway and mountain biking, and access to SHARC, Sunriver’s unique, new aquatic facility for children and adults. Many tempting, world-class restaurants and other attractions are 30 minutes away.   This vacation home is located adjacent to the Deschutes River with access to river boating, hiking trails and full access to the resort’s 15 miles of bike paths you can explore using the 6 bicycles available to you. This area offers an endless number of outdoor activities for all ages and guarantees a great time for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.   SPECIAL CONDITIONS/LIMITATIONS:  Dates of a proposed use of the home are to be negotiated by winning bidder with owner.  Children under 18 must be accompanied by adult family members, six person maximum occupancy.  No pets 

Donor:  Peter and Mary Banks

15.  “TAKE ME TO THE KASBAH” - Winning Bid = $1,100

Midnight at the Oasis Moroccan dinner for 8 at the home of Dave and Shauna Lorenzen.  In Morocco, there is a proverb: “Here you eat with your eyes”.  Abundance and tradition are the common themes that bind together the food of Morocco.  Your party of eight will enjoy the voluptuous cuisine of Morocco, a sensual feast.  The cuisine presents its abundance in a carnival of colors, perfumes and flavors.  There are as many couscouses as there are villages, as many tagines as vegetable gardens, as many desserts as orchards and as many recipes jealously guarded as families.  A time and date to be mutually agreed upon, six weeks in advance.  Expires October 1, 2014

Donor: Dave and Shauna Lorenzen

16.  WILD BOAR HUNT - Winning Bid = $1,700

Location: Your wild boar hunt will be on a small private ranch located between Stewarts Point Skaggs Springs Road and Kelley Road, north and west of Lake Sonoma. It is excellent wild boar country.  It is steep, has two year round creeks, heavy timber on parts of the ranch and oak forests on the balance. We have 320 acres to work with.  Timing: The hunt will be for a day and one-half. It can be mutually scheduled in advance for a Friday/Saturday or possibly mid-week. Suggested timing is from late October until the end of January or from April 17 through June 30.    The Hunt:  We will take two hunters. They will be allowed one wild hog between the two of them (not one hog apiece). We can meet in Santa Rosa and drive to the ranch in our 4-wheel drive vehicle. It takes about 1½ hours. We usually leave around 2pm, get to the ranch, unpack into our cabin then go out for an evening hunt. Then hunt all day Saturday and return after dark (earlier if we get something).  All meals and refreshments will be provided. We will also field dress your game and assist you in getting it to a butcher.  The hunt will be “spot and stalk” style. This means, we hunt quietly looking for wild pigs. Once we spot them, we work our way towards them to get close enough to harvest one. We don’t use dogs (although you are welcome to bark if you get on a scent).  John will be your escort. I am not a guide. You will be hunting with me as my guest. We have harvested over 30 wild pigs, including two trophy boars, and have seen hundreds and hundreds of them over the last 15+ years.  What You Provide: A center fire rifle with ammunition. Preferably .270 caliber or larger. I have extra rifles with ammo if you need to borrow one. If you would rather hunt with archery equipment, that is OK too. Just let me know ahead of time. Valid California Hunting license and a wild pig tag are required. Appropriate clothing for the weather. Camouflage is not required but helpful. Lungs and legs in good shape come in handy too. The better physical condition you are in the more likely you will have success. If you are not in good shape, that can be OK too. Our 4WD can get us most anywhere.  What We Provide: We don’t guarantee that you’ll harvest a wild pig, however, in addition to the ranch and food we guarantee a good time, good exercise and an opportunity to witness some of God’s marvelous creation. Wildlife abounds in this area of Sonoma County. We have seen huge blacktail bucks, wild bear has been seen in the vicinity as well as turkey, fox, raccoons, bobcats, eagles, porcupines, river otters and a mountain lion.   Must be arranged at least 6 weeks in advance. 

Donor: John and Ardys Jones

17.  WINE DINNER FOR 6 FOLLOWED BY BAVARIAN BRANDY TASTING AND CIGARS - Winning Bid = $1,800

You and five friends are invited to enjoy a multi-course dinner prepared in an Italian wood-fired pizza oven.  You will enjoy seasonal dishes, savory pizzas and a special dessert pizza…and all of the courses will be paired with select rare gems from the host’s extensive wine collection.  As with most events at the Riel’s vineyard home, the dinner will be followed by a tasting of brandies from the host’s family owned distillery in Bavaria, accompanied by a selection of fine cigars.  The home is located on a hillside overlooking its own Green Valley Chardonnay vineyard and offers an ideal setting for intimate but fun events.  We kindly request that this experience be redeemed by October 2014 on a mutually convenient weekend date.  Please inform the host of any food allergies or restrictions when scheduling the event.   

Donor:  Kerry and Michael Riel

18.  THE GOLDEN TICKET

Do you have the GOLDEN TICKET?  Don’t miss this golden opportunity! Win a collection of fabulous wines complete with a refrigerated wine cooler to store them!  The 48 bottle wine refrigerator makes it easy to store both red and white wines. One place for your reds and one for your whites, it all adds up to total convenience! Not to mention style, a black cabinet with stainless steel doors, and tempered glass.

Fully stocked with 48 bottles of the finest of Sonoma County's premium wines, including many of the Harvest Fair winners and/or highly rated by Wine Spectator, Robert Parker Jr. or others.

Donor: Rotary Club of Santa Rosa Sunrise 

DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE AUCTION LIST