Cult California winery Diamond Creek has raised US$150,000 to fight Parkinson’s Disease.
The fundraiser took place in October, at a dinner organised by Diamond Creek proprietors Al and Boots Brounstein, and prepared by renowned chef Charlie Trotter. Fifty-one guests attended, each paying US$2,500.
‘We could not have done this without Charlie, whose generosity is only matched by his creative talent,’ Boots Brounstein said.
All of the money raised will be donated to the Parkinson’s Institute in Sunnyvale, California.
She added, ‘The reason we’re able to donate so much money is the fact that there were so many donations from people who weren’t able to come. Everyone’s generosity has just been overwhelming.’
Al Brounstein, now in his eighties, has lived with Parkinson’s for 25 years. He is still actively involved in the day to day running of the winery. The label for the 30-year anniversary release – the 2002 vintage – featured one of his recent paintings.
Thanking all his guests and benefactors, Al Brounstein said, ‘The researchers tell me we’re closer than we’ve even been to finding out what causes this debilitating disease, which will put us all that much closer to finding a cure.’
Founded in 1972, Diamond Creek is one of Napa’s oldest wineries. Producing around 2000 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon from three vineyards – Volcanic Hill, Red Rock Terrace and Gravelly Meadow – it is also one of the most sought-after. The wines are highly-prized at auctions around the world, regularly fetching four-figure sums for the best vintages.
Written by Adam Lechmere
