It is not every day you get to rub elbows with a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and not only rub elbows, but engage in fascinating conversation one-on-one in one of the grandest living rooms in all of wine country.
Beneath a moody magenta sky, VIP guests graced the magnificent Castellucci Oakville Estate in a global toast to peace, poignantly put by the founder and visionary behind Roots of Peace, a humanitarian nonprofit organization which de-mines war-devastated land and, in turn, regenerates the soil, planting vineyards and orchards worldwide.
This grand celebration honored not only the stately Napa Valley vintners who dove in head-first to give Mrs. Heidi Thomas Kuhn her seed funding and encouraging beginning, but the remarkable pedigree of being named a 2024 Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
Kuhn, in her 27th year of undying dedication, devotion, and monumental vision for a more peaceful world, has single-handedly changed our Earth and those who grace it.
“Our Mother Earth is contaminated by warfare and land mines; there are an estimated 60 million landmines in 60 countries worldwide,” stated Kuhn in her opening speech. “Children should have the same freedoms worldwide: to be able to kick a soccer ball out of bounds without having to worry about losing a limb or a life.”
Her moving opening speech touched the hearts and souls of all 110 guests. Esteemed consuls general, representing 20 different countries from Japan to Georgia, local politicians, Napa Valley vintners, supporters, and their guests gathered in support of a hopeful, peaceful future for generations to come.
Roots of Peace, based in Marin County, California has become the leading cornerstone of Peace through Agriculture, a business model for peace to be scaled around the world.
The Pax Agricultura event at Castellucci Napa Valley honored the 27th anniversary of Roots of Peace, uniting under the vision of transforming mines to vines, turning dangerous minefields into thriving vineyards. Kuhn’s groundbreaking work has profoundly impacted millions of farmers and families worldwide, converting war-torn fields into sustainable agricultural landscapes.
The San Francisco Opera performed melodic Italian arias and, most touching, the Prayer for Ukraine, sung in Ukrainian. The voices of soprano Olivia Smith and tenor Christopher Oglesby, accompanied by pianist Yang Lin, sent an angelic, harmonious tone throughout the event: we are globally united through custom and culture and have a responsibility to better the lives of those living among war and destruction.
“We are all connected through song, through cultural avenues,” said Marcus Nobel, great grandson of Nobel Peace Prize creator Dr. Alfred Nobel. Presenting a particularly expressive and gripping keynote speech, Nobel gave insight into the Nobel Peace Prize, its origination, and Kuhn’s remarkable achievements.
He spoke of the need for understanding cultures in a more profound way to dramatically aid in healing the world, a piece of Nobel’s speech that hit home for many in attendance.
Among the impressive list of accolades, Kuhn was awarded the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice this year and, most notably, was designated a 2023 World Food Prize Laureate, coined as the Nobel Peace Prize for agriculture.
Consul General Dymtro Kushneruk of Ukraine commented on the state of his country and the positive impact that Roots of Peace will have as they take the necessary steps to move into Ukraine to begin de-mining once it is deemed safe.
Needless to say, the stunning Castellucci Estate overflowed with talented voices, activists and global leaders all banding together for the welfare of others. It was philanthropy at its finest!
Gracious hosts, Maria Castellucci Moore and her parents, Antonio and Rita Castellucci of Castellucci Napa Valley, have been dedicated supporters of Kuhn and her transformative work since its inception.
As pillars in the community, the Castellucci family is proud to support Kuhn’s valiant efforts and heroic deeds, serving millions of people and economies around the world.
“As an immigrant, being able to give back to a cause that has such incredible reach around the world has been very fruitful, no pun intended,”stated Antonio Castellucci.
From the initial support of the Mondavi family, Tor Kenward or TOR Wines, and Diane Disney Miller of Silverado Vineyards, to name a few, the tremendous patronage and blessings from the Napa Valley vintners have rooted Kuhn in her life’s calling: “We are all connected and grounded in the Earth we share, in the soil we nurture, giving life and opportunity toward a peaceful and prosperous future.”