Winesong!
The Coast’s Iconic Food & Wine Event Turns 40
by Holly Madrigal
Living on the rugged and remote Mendocino coast, easy access to healthcare is not a given. Instead, healthcare here involves a delicate curation of wonderful local practitioners, out-of-town specialists, and often long drives to connect with the services our sometimes-fragile bodies require to keep going. Back in 1984, the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation (MCHF) was created to support and fundraise for the Mendocino Coast District Hospital—the only hospital on the coast. The original idea for Winesong came swiftly thereafter, as Barbara Bessler, the chair of the Development Committee, suggested they hold a benefit wine-tasting and auction at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
The Botanical Gardens spans 47 acres from Highway 1 to the sea, and was less than 20 years old when the first Winesong was held. The stunning gardens showcase rhododendrons, dahlias, ferns, and plants of every type that continually shift with the seasons. Because of their longstanding partnership, Winesong is the only fundraiser benefiting an outside organization held at the gardens.
The event has evolved over the years. Originally a small affair limited to the Dahlia Garden, it soon expanded to encompass the event lawn and beyond. The organizers worked hard to improve the event year after year, building the wine auction and developing a loyal group of attendees, some of whom would fly into the Little River Airport for the occasion. Less than ten years in, the celebration surpassed $200,000 in gross income in 1993, a significant milestone and evidence that the annual fundraiser was on the right track. The popular Winesong poster, a collector’s item for many, showcases commemorative artwork painted for each celebration’s year, usually by a local artist. Seeing this artistic legacy through the decades is its own body of work.
With any function as long-lived as this, there are bound to be changes, not all of them comfortable. Though the initial staff consisted entirely of volunteers, the organization transitioned to paid staff to maintain continuity and professionalism. The pandemic years required the group to pivot to virtual online auctions, but dedicated supporters continued to donate. Winesong weathered the challenges and has endured, continuing its important fundraising work for the hospital.
To help with the 40 year celebration of Winesong, coordinators Janis MacDonald and Jamie Peters have returned to produce this year’s event, along with Jonathan Darrow. Jamie shares, “You know Winesong as the must-attend event in September, where you can taste wines from regions all over Northern California and beyond, sample foods from local restaurants and chefs—all in the glorious beauty of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.” When asked why this event is so important in the community, she adds, “Every ticket helps provide healthcare and wellness through the Coast Clinics services, Street Medicine programs, food banks, nursing scholarships, and so much more.”
Jamie describes the Grand Tasting as a wine lover’s fantasy, allowing guests to taste award-winning wines and bid on special items at the silent auction. But the excitement reaches new heights during the live auction as guests compete for trips to international locales, regional adventures, original artwork, whiskey experiences, and a few incredible rare and collectible wine collections. Auction winner Greg Burke won a trip to Africa in 2024. He shared, “The dedication of MCHF and their selection of such a quality tour company helped make what could have been a stressful travel situation into truly a trip-of-a-lifetime experience.”
The gardens are bountiful in September, so guests can stroll down the path for a peek at the begonias or the giant Staghorn fern. Music from local musicians add to the celebratory atmosphere.
Living in a somewhat remote area requires creative problem solving, which is exactly why Winesong was created. Healthcare is a basic human right, and initiatives like Winesong help our hospital continue to serve its patients. Coming together to enjoy fantastic wine and food, all in a gorgeous setting, makes for an exceptionally good time—that also does a lot of good.
Winesong Weekend is the weekend following Labor Day:
Grand Tasting, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Saturday, September 6th, 11am - 2pm
Pinot Noir Celebration, Little River Inn, Friday, September 5th, 1 - 4pm
Live Auction Lunch, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Saturday, September 6th, 2 - 5pm
For more information and tickets, visit winesong.org.
Insta: @winesongmendocino
Holly Madrigal is a Mendocino County maven who loves to share the delights of our region. She’s fortunate to enjoy her meaningful work as the director of the Leadership Mendocino program and takes great joy in publishing this magazine.
Photos courtesy of Winesong