The V was rocked in Yountville
Cancer Research Wine Celebration raises millions
The V Foundation for Cancer Research held the 2025 V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration last weekend in Napa Valley, raising $12.3 million for game-changing cancer research.
The V Foundation’s signature party “Rock the V” returned to The Estate on Aug. 1 once again showcasing Napa Valley style and hospitality highlighted by a performance by Grammy-nominated vocalist Maggie Rose.
Cruising through the party, I always find it especially fun to discover wineries and chefs. With more than 60 tastemakers on site, along with the floral, lighting, signage, music, décor and impactful messaging about fighting cancer, there is a lot to take in.
Much of the Napa Valley event takes place in Yountville. The weekend brought together more than 500 guests to raise funds that go directly to scientists who are advancing cancer breakthroughs. In total, the V Foundation has awarded more than 1,330 grants since its founding, supporting cutting-edge cancer research at top cancer centers across North America.
After chatting with V Foundation Executive Director of Signature Events and Operations Tom Stokey, I learned that there are more than a few of these events that happen annually. Stokey, a Napa native, oversees similar events in other markets including Illinois, Washington DC, Georgia, New York and Texas; Scottsdale, Arizona will be added in the coming year.
One of my favorite sips of the night was a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, poured by Lora McCarthy and Mark Lewis of Yountville’s Stewart Cellars. It paired nicely with the 1,000 freshly shucked Hog Island Oysters being served just a few feet away. Don’t worry, I only had two.
“The Wine Celebration truly highlights the generosity of the V Foundation community and passion for supporting bold ideas and scientists who dig deep into cancer’s most complex challenges,” said Clark Kinlin, interim CEO of the V Foundation. “The urgent need for research is clear, and the Wine Celebration directly fuels this lifesaving work. One hundred percent of event proceeds will directly benefit cancer research, and we are immensely grateful that this event’s continued success allows us to carry out Jim Valvano’s dream of funding the best-of-the-best every year.”
In addition to the Rock the V party, there were dinners, lunches, a gala at Nickel & Nickel Winery and the free and open to the public Krzyzewski Family Cancer Research Symposium at The Social at Estate Yountville, where guests learned first-hand from V Foundation grantees about advances in cancer research. V Foundation board member and Duke men’s basketball icon Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski hosted the Wine Celebration Gala & Auction for the 18th time.
The 28th Annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration will be held July 30 – Aug. 2, 2026. For more information, visit v.org/wine.
