The 48th Annual San Francisco Wine Auction hosted the premier philanthropic evening uniting wine enthusiasts and community leaders in support of The Guardsmen’s mission of creating opportunities for youth from under-resourced communities. This night of elegance and purpose was held on February 22 at Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
Proceeds from the event support The Guardsmen’s mission to provide educational campership and scholarship opportunities for over 2,200 Bay Area youth. Each year, The Guardsmen send youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to outdoor camping programs. For many recipients, it is their first time in the wilderness.
Post-camp, these youth show dramatic improvement in leadership, communication skills, and self-confidence. They form lasting bonds with friends and mentors and come to experience their impact on the world.
Photo Credit: Harrison McCullough
Photo Credit: Harrison McCullough
More than 100,000 children between the ages of five and 17 live in poverty in the Bay Area, and many are underserved by local public schools. Despite dedicated family support, they are unable to break cycles of poverty, drug abuse, and violence. The Guardsmen provide scholarships for over 250 students to attend private schools that give them the intense support and quality education they need.
The black-tie event with a splash of wine country chic was sponsored by Northern Trust and a dozen wineries, including JCB Boisset Collection, Far Niente, Antinori NapaValley, Saison Winery, and Moon Hollow Estate. The event featured the Changemakers Reception, wine tasting and silent auction with over 30 leading wineries, a seated dinner with live auction offering rare vintages and luxury experiences, and an after-party.
Photo Credit: Harrison McCullough
Photo Credit: Harrison McCullough
This year’s event honored Xochi Birch, Officer of the Order of the British Empire, for her philanthropic contributions. The owner of Moon Hollow Estate in Sonoma’s Moon Mountain District, Birch is also known as a technology pioneer and wine innovator. The vineyard (certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers) produces remarkable, high-elevation wines while embodying her commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.
Through Battery Powered, the philanthropic initiative of The Battery social club she co-founded with her husband, Michael Birch, Xochi Birch has directed nearly $30 million to early childhood education, childhood nutrition, and vulnerable youth—all aligned with The Guardsmen’s mission of transforming young lives.
Photo Credit: Harrison McCullough
Birch joins an illustrious roster of past honorees, including Jean-Charles Boisset of the Boisset Collection, Carlton McCoy of Lawrence Wine Estates, and Joe and Patricia Harbison of Harbison Estate Wines—all visionaries who have shaped the California wine industry while demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to philanthropy.
Photo Credit: Harrison McCullough
This year’s event honorees also included Cathy Corison, who was named Winemaker of the Year for her pioneering work in Napa Valley, and Matt Stampe, who was recognized as Sommelier of the Year for his dedication to wine education.
Guests enjoyed an evening of fine wine and meaningful impact and celebrated Xochi Birch’s dynamic and impactful leadership spanning the worlds of wine and transformational philanthropy.