2026 Live Auction Preview
Wine Country Making & Tasting Adventure
A Custom Sonoma County Experience: From Blend to Bottle
Six Guests are Invited on an Extraordinary Two-Day, Private Immersion into the Heart of Sonoma County, Curated by Aperture Cellars and Founder and Winemaker, Jesse Katz to Create Six Cases of Your Own Custom Blend
Your journey into the heart of Sonoma winemaking begins with an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime custom blending experience at the stunning Aperture Estate. Under the expert guidance of Aperture’s acclaimed winemaking team, you will participate in an intimate, hands-on private session where you will craft a wine that reflects your personal palate and artistic vision. This rare opportunity allows you to step into the role of winemaker, culminating in the ultimate collector’s keepsake—six cases of your finished custom blend, professionally bottled and delivered upon completion. Following this immersive experience, you will gather for an elegant private dinner at Aperture Estate, where a renowned chef will curate a thoughtfully paired multi-course culinary experience designed to highlight Aperture’s remarkable portfolio of aromatic white wines, Bordeaux-inspired blends, and single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. The evening unfolds in a secluded gallery lounge overlooking the estate vineyards, offering a breathtaking setting that is as memorable as the wines themselves.
Your Sonoma exploration continues the following day with privileged access to some of the region’s most celebrated neighboring estates. You will enjoy a private tasting of the legendary Bordeaux-style wines of Vérité, one of California’s most critically acclaimed producers, whose wines have earned remarkable recognition including 97+ points from Wine Advocate, praising them as “stunning and singular this vintage… layered and concentrated, with fine structure and freshness lifting a very long finish,” as well as approximately 95 points from James Suckling for their precision, depth, and elegance. The experience continues with a visit to Skipstone, a breathtaking estate nestled along the scenic western hillsides of the Mayacamas Range in Alexander Valley, where you will enjoy an intimate private tasting showcasing the estate’s meticulously crafted wines. The day concludes with an exclusive tasting and leisurely lunch at the private Healdsburg residence of Prophet & Poet, Sonoma’s newest cult wine label, offering an insider’s glimpse into one of the region’s most exciting emerging producers.
To bring this extraordinary experience full circle, you may elect to have a member of the Aperture team travel to a venue of your choosing to host an intimate, in-home tasting, sharing your custom blend alongside select wines from Aperture’s distinguished portfolio, allowing you to relive and share your Sonoma journey with friends and family. As an exceptional commemorative centerpiece, you will also receive a custom L’Amour du Vin–etched 3-liter bottle of the 2017 Aperture Del Rio Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that has earned outstanding critical acclaim, including 97+ points from Wine Advocate, 95 points from James Suckling, approximately 95 points from Decanter, 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, and an extraordinary 99-point recognition from International Wine Report. This remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated for its profound depth and complexity, revealing layers of blackberry, black currant, boysenberry, cedar, graphite, and dark cocoa, interwoven with notes of tobacco leaf, leather, and warm baking spices. Full-bodied and richly textured, the wine showcases firm yet refined tannins, vibrant acidity, and exceptional concentration, culminating in a long, elegant finish with impressive aging potential extending well into the next decade.
This experience is subject to mutually agreed-upon dates. Airfare and lodging are not included, and all experiences are based on availability and advance scheduling.
Donor: Aperture Cellars
Limerick Lane Cellars
Up to Three Couples Will Enjoy a Three-Night Stay at the Beautiful Three-Bedroom, Two-Bath Vineyard Farmhouse at Limerick Lane Cellars in the Russian River Valley!
Get ready to experience the ultimate wine country getaway! This exclusive package invites up to three couples to enjoy a three-night stay at the beautiful Vineyard Farmhouse at Limerick Lane Cellars. Nestled among century-old vineyards and adjacent to the renowned Limerick Lane Winery, this charming home offers a serene retreat in the heart of the Russian River Valley.
Imagine unwinding in a stunning three-bedroom, two-bath farmhouse, surrounded by breathtaking vineyard views from every window. Sip a glass of world-class wine by the gated wine bottle shaped pool and let the peaceful ambiance of wine country wash over you. Whether gathering in the spacious living areas or finding a quiet nook to relax, this farmhouse is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance.
As part of this extraordinary experience, you and your guests will enjoy a vineyard tour and a private VIP tasting amidst the historic vines of our iconic 1910 Vineyard—the heart of Limerick Lane Cellars. Surrounded by century-old Zinfandel vines and sweeping views of the Russian River Valley, this intimate experience showcases the heritage, craftsmanship, and sense of place that define Limerick Lane wines
Located just three miles from downtown Healdsburg, you’ll have access to some of the best dining and wine-tasting experiences in the country, making this the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Limerick Lane and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Terms & Conditions:
Maximum of six guests with Sunday – Thursday bookings. Additional nights are available at regular rates. Subject to availability and blackout dates, including holidays. Auction winner must sign a rental agreement and provide a credit card for incidental charges. Stay must be completed by March 31, 2027. Six-week advance booking required.
Donor: Limerick Lane Cellars
Cataloochee Ranch
Kick off your boots, saddle up, and stay for a while with a grand two-night stay for four guests at Cataloochee Ranch with spa and dining opportunities at The Swag in Western North Carolina, near Waynesville
Perched on a mountaintop in the Smokies, Cataloochee Ranch mixes classic ranch fun with exceptional accommodations and cuisine. A stunning mountain setting and the comfort of newly restored rooms and cabins.
Founded almost a hundred years ago by the Alexander family, Cataloochee Ranch has been a favorite mountain getaway for generations of high-country adventurers. Spread across hundreds of acres along the southeastern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the property’s breathtaking elevation, open balds, and long-range views are complemented by classic comforts, perfectly rustic cuisine, humble hospitality, and hands-on, expert-led activities.
Make time to pamper yourself with four 1-hour spa treatments at The Still, The Swag’s serene spa, where expert therapists will help you unwind in the tranquil mountain atmosphere. For a touch of adventure, embark on a half-day horseback riding experience for four, exploring the scenic trails of the Cataloochee Ranch and immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty. During your stay, you will also enjoy a complimentary gourmet lunch or dinner for four at The Swag’s acclaimed restaurant, where Executive Chef Jake Schmidt crafts seasonal dishes using the freshest local ingredients. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience accompanied by panoramic mountain vistas.
Cataloochee has been reconnecting families and friends to each other and to the wild natural beauty of the Smokies for generations. From hiking to horseback, to hanging out under the stars, unplug on the ranch and share unforgettable experiences with your favorite people. Bid on this extraordinary getaway and create memories that will last a lifetime in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains!
Expires: September 1, 2027, not valid on Holidays. Please note, gratuity is not included for dining experiences.
Donor: Annie and David Colquitt: Cataloochee Ranch
CIRQ & CHEV
An Unforgettable Three-Night Stay for Four Guests at the Private CIRQ & CHEV Estate, including a private tour and library tasting, and farm to table dinner at the estate, PLUS; A Flood of Russian River Valley Wine with Thirty-Two Bottles Total of Varying Size:
12 [750mL] 2021 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
12 [750mL] 2022 CHEV Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
The following Bottles are Etched, Custom Engraved and Signed by Sarah & Michael Browne, One Each:
[5L] 2013 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Bootlegger’s Hill
[5L] 2019 CHEV Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
[3L] 2019 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
[3L] 2018 CHEV Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
[1.5L] 2018 CHEV Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
[1.5L] 2017 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
[1.5L] 2014 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Treehouse
[1.5L] 2014 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Bootlegger’s Hill
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Russian River Valley during a three-night retreat for two couples at the private CIRQ & CHEV Estate. As CIRQ proclaims, “The Russian River Valley is the Garden of Eden. It’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”
Surrounded by sweeping 360-degree views, unwind by the pool, explore the estate on a private tour, and indulge in a library tasting paired with artisanal bites. One evening will feature a farm-to-table dinner at the estate, thoughtfully prepared by a private chef, showcasing seasonal ingredients and paired with exceptional CIRQ & CHEV wines. As a valued auction winner and guest of the estate, you will also receive priority access to future CIRQ & CHEV allocations, including limited-production and library offerings not made available to the general mailing list.
Complementing this extraordinary getaway is a remarkable collection of CIRQ and CHEV Pinot Noirs spanning multiple vintages and large formats, including etched, custom-engraved, and personally signed bottles by Sarah and Michael Browne.
The centerpiece is the 5-liter 2013 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Bootlegger’s Hill, the first vintage ever produced from this prized vineyard site. Jeb Dunnuck awarded 96 points, calling it “one of the superstar Pinot Noirs from California,” praising its seamless texture, purity of black currant and crème de cassis fruit, integrated oak, and extraordinary finish, with the ability to age 10–15+ years. Vinous rated it 93 points and Wine Spectator awarded 95 points.
Equally impressive is the 5-liter 2019 CHEV Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CHEV’s flagship expression. Jeb Dunnuck scored this wine 94 points, praising purity, freshness, and graceful medium-bodied structure. James Suckling awarded it 93 points and Vinous rated it 92 points.
Next is perfection in a glass: the [3L] CIRQ 2019 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, awarded a flawless 100 points from Jeb Dunnuck, who praised its pristine cherry, rose petal, and sweet herb aromatics, remarkable clarity, and silky refinement built for long aging. From a beautifully balanced 2019 vintage, it reveals vibrant layers of red raspberry, cherry, and cranberry with hints of citrus and orange peel, framed by lively acidity and integrated tannins that drive a long, energetic finish. Additional accolades include 96 points from Wine Enthusiast and 94 points from Vinous, securing its place as a benchmark Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and a rare 100-point collector’s gem.
Awarded 96 points from Jeb Dunnuck and 95 points from Wine Enthusiast, this [3L] 2018 CHEV Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a standout California Pinot with rich medium-to-full body and layers of ripe red and dark berries, iron, sagebrush, and forest floor. Its polished, opulent texture reveals jam-packed red and black fruit, raspberry, and rhubarb, supported by vibrant acidity and balanced structure. Intense yet refined, it is a superb expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir with excellent aging potential.
From a highly collectible vintage, the magnum [1.5L] of 2014 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Treehouse Vineyard earned 94 points from Vinous, describing a boisterous yet racy wine layered with black cherry, cola, spice, and menthol with rich texture and resonance and Wine Spectator awarded this wine 92 points.
Rounding out the collection, the magnum [1.5L] of 2014 CIRQ Pinot Noir, Bootlegger’s Hill received 93 points from Vinous, noting sweet tobacco, dried flowers, mint, and orange zest layered over red-toned fruit, describing it as gracious and silky. Wine Spectator awarded 92 points.
The collection expands further with two more etched, custom engraved, and signed magnums [1.5L] Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, one each: 2018 CHEV and 2017 CIRQ and twelve bottles [750mL] each of 2021 CIRQ Pinot Noir and 2022 CHEV Pinot Noir, offering exceptional cellar depth and entertaining potential with well over two dozen bottles total.
More than a wine collection, this lot is an invitation into the private world of Sarah and Michael Browne — pairing museum-worthy large formats and critically acclaimed vineyard-designated wines with a rare, intimate estate retreat. With unparalleled access, extraordinary scale, and unforgettable hospitality, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors, hosts, and Pinot Noir enthusiasts alike.
Donor: CIRQ. | CHEV. Estate by Sarah and Michael Browne
L’Amour du Vin 2026 Featured Artwork
Tiffany Calvert
#464
Oil on Inkjet Print on Canvas
60 x 48 inches
2025
Bridging the tactile language of traditional painting with the cutting edge of emerging technology, acclaimed contemporary artist Tiffany Calvert creates visually arresting works that explore the intersection of gesture, data, and perception. This striking large-scale painting exemplifies Calvert’s signature fusion of analog and digital processes, offering collectors a dynamic and thought-provoking centerpiece from one of today’s most innovative voices in contemporary abstraction.
Calvert’s work is celebrated for its layered visual complexity and energetic mark-making. Renowned art critic John Yau, writing for Hyperallergic, has compared the artist’s “improvisational riffs and fractured views” to the expressive dynamism of Willem de Kooning, highlighting Calvert’s ability to merge spontaneity with structure. Their paintings challenge viewers to navigate between physical and virtual realities, where algorithmic imagery and hand-painted gestures coexist in compelling tension.
For this work, Calvert employed a groundbreaking hybrid process. The foundational imagery printed onto the canvas was generated through a custom machine learning diffusion model developed in collaboration with engineers at the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. A precisely cut vinyl stencil was then applied to the surface, creating crisp, deliberate boundaries between reproduced digital imagery and the artist’s expressive painted interventions. The resulting composition pulses with contrast—hard edges meeting fluid gestures, digital precision meeting human improvisation, embodying the evolving dialogue between technology and artistic tradition.
Calvert’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with notable presentations at the Lawrimore Project in Seattle, E.TAY Gallery in New York, the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, the Susquehanna Art Museum in Pennsylvania, and Cadogan Contemporary in London. Their distinguished residency history includes the prestigious Djerassi Resident Artists Program, I-Park, and ArtOmi International Arts Center, where Calvert was honored with the Geraldine R. Dodge Fellowship. Additional recognition includes grants from the highly respected Great Meadows Foundation and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation.
In addition to maintaining an active studio practice, Calvert serves as Associate Professor and Chair of the MFA in Visual Art program at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, shaping the next generation of artists while continuing to expand their own influential practice.
This exceptional large-scale painting offers collectors the rare opportunity to acquire a museum-caliber work that captures a pivotal moment in contemporary art, where artificial intelligence, traditional painting, and human intuition converge to create something wholly new.
Donor: Tiffany Calvert
Windy Hill Farm & Preserve
Two-Night Cabin Getaway for Four Guests at the Windy Hill Farm and Preserve, featuring four-course farm-to-table meal from Chef Ben Warwick, Complimentary Activities and L’Amour du Vin wine pairing with Mary Ellen and Steve Brewington
Escape to the peaceful beauty of East Tennessee with this unforgettable two-couple getaway, created especially for supporters of Knoxville Museum of Art’s L’Amour du Vin.
Your group of four guests will enjoy two nights in two private Water Tower Cabins, where modern comfort meets serene natural surroundings. Wake to fresh country air, unwind under star-filled skies, and savor the slower rhythm of farm life. During your stay, indulge in all-included meals and take advantage of complimentary on-property activities designed to help you relax, explore, and reconnect.
The highlight of your retreat awaits one unforgettable evening.
You and your guests will be welcomed into the private riverside residence of Steve Brewington and Mary Ellen Brewington for an intimate wine and dine experience with Executive Chef Ben Warwick. Set beside the gentle flow of the Tennessee River, Chef Ben will prepare a seasonal four-course farm-to-table dinner featuring ingredients sourced from the property and local purveyors.
Throughout the evening, your hosts will share and pair a curated selection of favorite wines from memorable L’Amour du Vin vintners over the years — a celebratory nod to the spirit of the event and the art of gathering around the table.
This is more than a getaway. It’s a chance to slow down, savor exceptional food and wine, and share meaningful time together in a beautiful and private setting.
Dates reserved by mutual agreement with Windy Hill Farm and Preserve. Expires: 02/28/27
Donor: Mary Ellen & Steve Brewington – Windy Hill Farm & Preserve