The lucky winner of this live auction item will have their choice of any of the three trips below to Tuscany, British Columbia, or Sonoma!
Can't make the gala and still want to bid? Contact Rebecca at 207-443-1316 ext. 327 for information on proxy bidding.
Buon Appetito in Tuscany
Escape to Cortona, one of Tuscany's oldest hill towns, where strolls down the narrow medieval streets reward you with glimpses of impressive churches and incredible views of the countryside. With accommodations in one of three contemporary private apartments, you're perfectly poised to explore the romance of the Italian countryside - with its breathtaking scenery, historic cities, medieval art, impeccable wines and divine cuisine, not to mention an enviable proximity to Florence and Rome! The region is a true feast for your senses, and speaking of feasts, you'll participate in a cooking class, and savor lunch in a winery after a tour!
Just one hour drive from arguably the most beautiful city in the world, Florence, and less than two hours' drive to historic Rome, Tuscany hosts innumerable astounding localities, many of which are also named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces. Cortona, with its medieval walls still intact, sits in a strategic position overlooking the valley that leads south into Umbria and towards Rome. Spend some time exploring the landmarks of this historic city, such as the Piazza della Republica, the 13th century town hall and clock tower that is now one of Cortona's main plazas, or the Duomo, the Renaissance cathedral featuring an 11th century facade and gorgeous 16th and 17th century paintings inside.
Immerse yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle during your stay in a recently renovated two-bedroom apartment set in the center of Cortona. Enjoy the stylish residences, which feature modern comforts and contemporary flair, from open sitting areas to fully-equipped kitchens, views to central air-conditioning and heating. Your Tuscan home away from home is in an exceptional location within walking distance from the main squares and attractions, in addition to various restaurants, bars and shops. Then it's time to say buon appetito! You'll participate in a cooking class at a restaurant just a few steps from your apartment, where you'll learn about the culinary traditions and techniques as two courses are explained and prepared. Afterwards, you can feast on the fruits of your labor!
You'll love your tour and lunch at La Braccesca Estate! Just a few miles away from the city of Montepulciano, near the border between Tuscany and neighboring Umbria, La Braccesca Estate is immersed in a pristine environment that is greatly loved and admired by travelers from all over the world. The land owned by La Braccesca is situated in two very close, but entirely different, zones: Montepulciano, the classic and prestigious area of "Vino Nobile", and Cortona, which has made a name for itself in world markets with international grape varieties, specifically syrah. These two different "souls", the essential spirit of the different terroirs, represent La Braccesca's style - a harmony between the past and the future, a balance between the old and the new, a synergy of its professional mastery and its passion for quality. Then dine on a delectable lunch comprised of a Tuscan appetizer, a main course and dessert, all while tasting complementary wines.
Your trip for four includes:
• 6 days/5 nights accommodations at a two-bedroom, two bath loft apartment
• A cooking class and dinner at a local restaurant
• A tour of La Braccesca Winery, including lunch and wine tasting
• All room-related taxes
Restrictions: Airfare not
included. Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability.
Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel
outside the U.S. Loft may be substituted with equal or similar
accommodations. A minimum 30 day advance reservation is required. Travel is valid for 12 months from date of issue.
Back Country Lodge in British Columbia
Purcell Mountain Lodge is a helicopter access back country mountain-top lodge near Golden in British Columbia, Canada. This truly unique all-inclusive remote vacation destination is ideal for guests looking for an active vacation…or a quiet retreat. For more than 25 years, the lodge has operated as a fully functional hotel in the backcountry. Purcell Mountain Lodge welcomes visitors in the winter, summer and fall seasons and offers suitable activities for all fitness levels to enjoy. Over 3,000 acres of rolling alpine meadows, fields of wildflowers and countless peaks and ridges, set against a backdrop of tumbling glaciers and alpine vistas, beckon to hikers of all abilities, ski touring enthusiasts, telemark skiers and snowboarders. Accessible by a 15-minute scenic helicopter ride from Golden, B.C., Purcell Mountain Lodge is near Glacier National Park. From the airport in Calgary, Alberta, it is a three-hour drive to Golden with popular tourist destinations along the way, including Banff and Lake Louise.
Enjoy a 4-night stay for two in the main lodge in a private room with one queen bed or one queen bed and a twin bunk, based on availability. All meals are included – hot breakfast, lunch, appetizers and a three-course plated dinner each night. A cash bar is available with a selection of specially selected wines, craft beer and other beverages. Fees for additional guests determined upon booking and based on availability. Relax and unwind with all the comforts of home in this three-story, timber framed lodge. This cozy setting in the backcountry is complete with an open dining area, living room with fireplace, and quiet library. A traditional wood burning sauna is just steps away from the main lodge. Ten private guest rooms with stunning mountain views are located on the upper floor. Each room has its own sink and vanity; three private showers and three private bathrooms are across the hallway for lodge guests to share.
In summer, activities include daily hikes trekking thru North America's largest alpine meadows. Summer is also the perfect time for photography and wildlife sightings. Winter activities include ski touring, snowshoeing and sledding. Hikes and snow activities are led by ACMG (Association of Certified Mountain Guide) guides. All activities are non-mechanized and self-propelled.
Your trip for two includes:
4-night stay for 2 in a private room at Purcell Mountain Lodge
1-night stay for 2 in hotel accommodations near Golden, British Columbia
Roundtrip helicopter transportation from Golden to the lodge
Chef prepared meals
Professionally guided summer and winter outdoor activities
Booking & concierge service
Restrictions: The
lodge is closed mid-September to mid-December and April to early June.
Your stay at Purcell Mountain Lodge will be from Monday - Friday. A
one-night hotel stay on Sunday night near Golden, B.C.,
is included in this package. Helicopter flights depart for the lodge on
Monday morning; return flights from the lodge to Golden on Friday
morning. The helicopter is for transport to and from the lodge, not
heli-skiing. All other airfare not inlcuded.
Ski, snowboard, snowshoe and safety gear must be rented prior to
arrival at the lodge. Must be booked a minimum of 60 days in advance.
Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be
replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed. All purchases are non-refundable.
Packages cannot be resold. Ground transportation is not included unless
where specified.
Sonoma Wine and Dine
Enjoy a private one hour tasting of The Setting Wines, including their highly acclaimed Alexander Valley Cabernet which was awarded a 94 point rating by Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator and James Suckling.com. Your tasting will be held at Limerick Lane Cellars, a thirty-acre estate located in the Russian River appellation of Sonoma County, just south of Healdsburg. You’ll also enjoy a 5-course tasting menu at Valette, just a short walk down the street from Jesse Katz’ tasting room. Valette has quickly become one of the best restaurants in the Napa and Sonoma region, recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of America's 100 Best Wine Restaurants. Zagat’s review calls it a shining star, describing Valette as “first-class California menu meets high expectations”.
Your party of two will also receive 6 consecutive hours of chauffeured luxury sedan service, inclusive of all service fees, PUC insurance, fuel and driver’s base gratuity. Beau Wine Tours is the premier wine tour service in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Beau’s drivers are experts on the wine country area and can also make winery recommendations based on your particular taste and interest.
Top off each night with your 3-night stay in a Hotel Trio Healdsburg Studio guest room (one King or Double Queen) with a sofabed and kitchenette; includes breakfast for two. Set in the heart of Sonoma County, this new boutique hotel offers travelers the best of both worlds: a hub for exploring wine country and plenty to enjoy footsteps from your door. Amenities include bocce ball, bicycles, fire pits, outdoor pool and fitness center. The hotel is ideally located one mile from Historic Healdsburg Plaza, offering farm-to-table dining and shopping. The area boasts hiking trails, kayaking and hundreds of wineries.
This package includes round-trip coach class service for two from any major metropolitan airport in the 48 contiguous United States to San Francisco or Oakland, CA, subject to availability.
Your trip for two includes:
Private tasting of The Setting wines for 2 at a world-class winegrowing estate in Healdsburg
5-course tasting menu at Valette Restaurant, Healdsburg
6 consecutive hours of chauffeured luxury sedan service
3-night stay in a studio guest room at Hotel Trio Healdsburg
Round-trip coach class airfare for 2 from within the 48 contiguous U.S. to San Francisco or Oakland, CA
Booking & concierge service
Restrictions: Airfare must be booked
within one year from the date of purchase. Airfare taxes and a $25 per
person processing fee are the responsibility of the purchaser. Blackout
dates: Annual Barrel Tasting and Passport weekends (March 1-2, 8-9;
April 26-27); the following holiday weekends: Valentine’s
Day/Presidents’ Day, Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of
July and Labor Day; Friday and Saturday nights in September and
October, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s weeks. Business and
First Class upgrades are available at the time of booking for an
additional fee. Use of frequent flyer miles for upgrades is dependent on
specific ticket restrictions as determined by the airline’s frequent
flyer program. Must be booked a minimum of 60 days in advance.
Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be
replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed. All purchases are non-refundable.
Packages cannot be resold. Ground transportation is not included.
