La Vie Parisienne

Experience the Parisian Life with your very own Paris apartment for a week! This charming one bedroom loft-style apartment comes with a sofa bed in the living room to accommodate up to three. Conveniently situated on the Rue de Lévis, a bustling pedestrian market street with a variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants, the apartment is also quiet, since it is in the back of a courtyard. And it's just a short Metro ride from the center of the City of Lights! A fully equipped kitchen, laundry, double bed, and luxurious marble bath will make it a stay to remember. Roundtrip airfare for two is included! Click here to view the apartment. (Subject to availability; must be used by October 20, 2008; airfare requires 30-day advance booking.)

Value: $4,000

Donor: Anonymous and Hugh Davies & Kaneez Munjee

Private Tour of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in San Francisco

American Bach Soloists have a wonderful new venue in San Francisco: St. Mark's Lutheran Church! This historic facility, built in 1895, is home to the oldest Lutheran congregation this side of the Rockies and was lovingly restored in 2005-2006—including the installation of an amazing new Boody & Taylor Opus 37. You and up to 9 guests will have the opportunity to take a private tour of this amazing facility led by Gary Schilling, St. Mark's Renovations Chair, and listen to a demonstration of the spectacular organ by St. Mark's Director of Music and Liturgy (and frequent ABS Musician) Rodney Gehrke. (Date and time to be arranged, no later than March 1, 2008. No tours in December.)

Value: $1,000

Donor: St. Mark's Lutheran Church

Personal Wine Tasting Tour of Napa

Learn more about wines with a private guided tasting at four Napa wineries—including the famed Stag's Leap Wine Cellars—led by Kay Thompson. Ms. Thompson, a wine educator and events manager, will be your guide for a day touring the finest Napa has to offer. Meet Ms. Thompson at Stag's Leap to begin your day. After a special private tasting and tour of the winery, travel in style in a private limousine to three more specially selected wineries and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch before returning to your car. This event is for up to four people, tasting fees included. (Date to be scheduled by mutual convenience, no later than October 20, 2008.

Value: $1,250

Donor:M. Kay Thompson, American Bach Soloists, and Beau Wine Tours

Into the Woods…Private Concert, Hors d'Oeuvres, and Wine Tasting

Thirteen couples will enjoy a feast for all the senses in a beautiful St. Francis Woods Mission-revival home atop a hill with a spectacular ocean view in San Francisco. You will hear a selection of chamber music performed on period instruments by ABS musicians and taste fine wines from Tom Driscoll's private wine cellar. A scrumptious selection of hors d'oeuvres will be provided by Delicious! Inc. Catering This wonderful event is scheduled for Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 4:00 pm, and will be sold up to 13 times for two people each bid.

Value: $250 per couple

Donor: Nancy Quinn & Tom Driscoll, American Bach Soloists, and Delicious! Inc.

Bach's Birthday Bash

Celebrate Bach's birthday from 4-6 pm on Sunday, March 16, 2008 in historic Jackson Square at Argentum—The Leopard's Head, the only open shop in the western United States devoted solely to antique silver. This beatifully restored space holds the largest collection of antique silver west of New York City! As you enjoy scrumptous appetizers, Rosenblum wines, and soft drinks, peruse their unique collection featuring English silver from the 16th through 19th centuries, American silver, and select Continental antique silver. Antique experts Michael Weller and Perry Foster will be your hosts for the afternoon, and can answer your questions about their extensive collection. This item will be sold 15 times, for two people each bid.

Value: $100 per couple

Donor: Argentum—The Leopard's Head

Time Travel

Recharge your batteries with this one-week stay at a timeshare for up to six people at a destination of your choice (subject to availability). Locations include Hawaii and many other great vacation spots across the USA! (Desired location and dates, with one alternate choice, must be submitted at least six months in advance; date must be requested by October 20, 2008.)

Value: $2,000

Donor: Jan Goldberg

Bach on the Slopes

Enjoy a ski holiday in a cozy one bedroom cabin right on the water's edge at Tahoe Sands Resort, replete with fireplace, full kitchen, and sauna on the property. Close to restaurants, shopping, and the ski resorts at Northstar, Alpine and Squaw Valley. (Check-in 4:00 pm Saturday, February 23, 2008; check-out 11:00 am Sunday, March 1, 2008.)

Value: $1,136

Donor: Kwei & Michele Ü

Day on the Bay

A beautiful day on the San Francisco Bay aboard the Élan, an Express 37 sailboat designed both for comfortable sailing and competitive racing. The Élan won her division of Pacific Cup 2000 (San Francisco to Hawaii) and finished second overall in the 2003 Coastal Cup (San Francisco to Catalina Island). No previous sailing experience is necessary as Bill and Ray Reiss will be captain and crew (experienced sailors will, however, be welcome to lend a hand!) You and up to three guests will be treated to a fabulous picnic lunch; snacks and beverages will also be provided, as well as wine and cheese dockside at the end of the outing. (Date to be scheduled by mutual agreement, no later than October 20, 2008.)

Value: $1,250

Donor: Bill & Ray Riess and Delicious! Inc.

Private Dinner in Piedmont

You won't have to lift a finger when you entertain your friends at the gracious Piedmont home of Perry and Cynthia Foster. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a four-course dinner for up to eight people; select your wine from the wine cellar and eat with the flatware used by Prince Charles and Lady Camilla when they dined at the DeYoung. (Date and time to be arranged by mutual convenience before June 30, 2008.)

Value: $800

Donor: Perry & Cynthia Foster

Private Salon Concert

Journey back to the salon of 18th-century France with your very own private harpsichord recital on a gorgeous John Phillips harpsichord given by professional performer and recording artist Kathy Roberts Perl. She is dedicated to the challenges of expressive harpsichord playing and is known for her poetic interpretations and sensitivity to acoustics. Her unique playing style has been developed over thirty years of performing on the harpsichord, beginning with her studies as a teenager in Los Angeles.Your concert will take place in her beautiful Victorian music salon in San Francisco's Noe Valley. Also included will be a delightful selection of wines and cheeses for you and your friends. (The date of your concert to be arranged by mutual convenience and performed by October 20, 2008.)

Value: $800

Donor: Katherine Roberts Perl

Wine Bottling Party and Picnic

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the wine industry as you and up to seven guests participate in a bottling party at the private Glen Ellen family winery of Paul and Sandra Ogden, Stone Tree Cellars, noted for their superb Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Following the bottling, you and your guests will be treated to a delicious picnic lunch paired with Stone Tree Cellars wines. (Tentatively scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend - winner will be notified of actual date by April 30, 2008.)

Value: $800

Donor: Dr. & Mrs. Paul Ogden

Dinner for Four with Maestro Thomas at the home of Helen and Fraser Muirhead

Be the guests of Fraser and Helen Muirhead in their gorgeous Tiburon home, designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, and enjoy engaging conversation with ABS music director Jeffrey Thomas on Saturday, January 12, 2008. You will have a stunning view of the water and enjoy a sumptuous four-course dinner prepared by Helen; the menu will be planned in consultation with you.

Value: $500

Donor: Fraser & Helen Drake Muirhead, Jeffrey Thomas

Blinded by Science…An Insider's Tour of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Here's your chance to tour one of the world's top research facilities, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, with ABS Board member Jose Alonso, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at the Lab. Your unique tour will be designed personally in consultation with Dr. Alonso and can include visiting the atom-smashing accelerator. Lunch for four completes this exciting package. Jose received his Ph.D. in nuclear physics from MIT. He and his wife Carol, also a nuclear physicist, were part of the team that discovered Element 106, Seaborgium. Jose served as the Director of Operations for the Bevelac, the world's first high-enery accelerator for heavy ions. In recent years, he has worked on IceCube, a neutrino detector at the South Pole; ATLAS, a high-energy physics detector being built at CERN in Switzerland; and the "technology-transfer" aspects of accelerator-based radiation therapy with charged particle beams. (Date subject to availability and must be used by October 20, 2008.)

Value: $500

Donor: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The Well-Tempered Clavier

Experience an evening in Baroque Leipzig when you join ABS Board Member and harpsichordist David Cates for a private recital of the Well-Tempered Clavier and Partitas in his home for up to eight people. Mr. Cates has been noted as "one of the 20 most important harpsichordists available on recordings today" by the 2002 Classical Music Listener's Companion, which also described him as "an unusual interpreter" and an "outstanding talent." Your evening will be complimented with refreshments of selected wines and cheeses. (The date of your concert to be arranged by mutual agreement, no later than October 20, 2008.)

Value: $500

Donor: David Cates

The Age of Radio

Tour the studios of Classical 102.1 KDFC, the Bay Area's radio station for classical music, with on-air personality Hoyt Smith. Meet other KDFC staff and see how the studio operates behind the scene. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at TWO San Francisco Restaurant (formerly Hawthorne Lane Restaurant) with Mr. Smith. (For up to two people, dates subject to availability [Monday-Friday only] and to be used by April 20, 2008.)

Value: $500

Donor: KDFC and TWO San Francisco Restaurant

Instant Wine-Cellar

The inspired beginning—or perfect addition—to any wine collection! This 18-bottle wine refrigerator comes fully stocked with a selection of wines from California and abroad.

Value: $1,000

Donor: The Board of Directors of American Bach Soloists

Selection of Pezzi King Wines and Private Tasting at Pezzi King Vineyards

Take home a six-bottle selection of fine wines from Pezzi King Vineyards. Then, you and up to five guests can enjoy a VIP private tasting offered poolside in the hills above Dry Creek Valley at the picturesque Pezzi King estates.

Value: $750

Donor: Pezzi King Vineyards and Jan Goldberg

Gastronomic Adventure with Chef Rick Hackett of MarketBar Restaurant

Host the dinner party of a lifetime without lifting a finger! Rick Hackett, one of San Francisco's most celebrated chefs, will prepare a three course meal at your home for up to 8 people. A graduate of the San Francisco Culinary Academy, Mr. Hackett is currently the Executive Chef at MarketBar in San Francisco's trendy Ferry Building. He has worked at Le Pavillon and the Jockey Club in Washington DC before coming to the Bay Area where he has worked at Chez Panisse, Bay Wolf, Oliveto, Enrico's and Florio. This unforgettable event includes all the food in addition to Mr. Hackett's services; date to be arranged by mutual convenience (Saturdays or Sundays only; must be completed by July 31, 2008.)

Value: $1,500

Donor: Chef Rick Hackett

ABS Trio in Your Home

Bring your next party to life with the magic of live entertainment. Three ABS Musicians - violinist Lisa Weis, violist David Daniel Bowes, and 'cellist William Skeen - will come to your home to perform a selection of string trios by Franz Joseph Haydn. The perfect entertainment for any special occasion! (Date and time to be mutually agreed upon; date must be scheduled by June 30, 2008.)

Value: $1,500

Donor: David Daniel Bowes, William Skeen, and Lisa Weiss

ABS at the Mondavi

A truly unforgettable evening can be yours with tickets for two to American Bach Soloists' Monday, January 28, 2008 performance of Bach's Christmas Oratorio in the stunning Robert & Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts in Davis. Before the show, check in at the luxurious Hallmark Inn in downtown Davis where you'll be staying for the night in a spacious queen suite. ABS Board Member and Davis resident John Crowe and his wife Lois will be your hosts for the evening, joining you for a delicious tapas meal at Aïoli Bodega Española Restaurant before heading over to the Mondavi for the performance and a private backstage tour. The following morning, enjoy the deluxe complimentary breakfast offered at your hotel before exploring the many shops of downtown Davis.

Value: $500

Donor: Hallmark Inn, Aïoli Bodega Española Restaurant, John & Lois Crowe, and American Bach Soloists

Dinner for Six and Concert Featuring Lautenwerk and Soprano

Join ABS Board Member David Cates and his wife, ABS soprano Cheryl Sumsion, for a very special evening at their Berkeley home for up to six people. Sit back and enjoy program of works by Bach, Weiss, and Dowland with Mr. Cates at the Lautenwerk—a unique keyboard instrument that sounds like a lute—as he accompanies Ms. Sumsion. The join them for an intimate dinner. (Date to be scheduled by mutual convenience by June 30, 2008.)

Value: $750

Donor: David Cates and Cheryl Sumsion

Tour and Tasting at Rosenblum Cellars

Founded in 1978, Rosenblum Cellars offers an acclaimed portfolio of Zinfandel and Rhone varietals from California's finest vineyards and appellations. Wine & Spirits magazine just named Rosenblum Cellars one of America's Best Producers of the past 25 years (Fall 2007). One of only six California wineries given such an honor, Rosenblum was crowned "America's Best San Francisco Bay Producer". Your party of up to 12 people will receive an exclusive tour of Rosenblum Cellars' Alameda Winery, led by Roger Rosenblum and George Peyton, and sample wines yet to be released with a special barrel tasting. Your tour culminates with a private wine tasting with hors d'oeuvres in their tasting room with its stunning Bay views. (Date and time to be scheduled by mutual convenience.)

Value: $375

Donor: Rosenblum Cellars

Christmas in the City

Ring in the Holidays with a night on the town with ABS! This exclusive package features two front-row tickets to ABS' performance of Handel's Messiah on Thursday, December 20 or Friday, December 21, 2007. Before the show, take in dinner at San Francisco's famed Trader Vic's Restaurant with a $100 gift certificate. After the performance, settle in for the night in an elegantly appointed room at the luxurious Inn at the Opera. Wake up to their complimentary continental breakfast buffet to prepare you for a day of shopping for those last-minute gift items at the unique boutique shops along Hayes Street. (Hotel room selection subject to availability; check-in is at 3:00 pm, check-out is at 11:00 am.)

Value: $400

Donor: The Inn at the Opera, Trader Vic's Restaurant, and the American Bach Soloists

Two Tickets Aurora Theatre

Certificate good for two tickets to any Aurora Theatre Company production. (Reservations are required, subject to availability. Opening nights excluded. Offer good through October 20, 2008.)

Value: $84

Donor: Aurora Theatre Company

Two Guest Passes to the Asian Art Museum

2 guest passes to San Francisco's famed Asian Art Museum. These special passes may be used for any day the museum is open, and must be used by October 31, 2008.

Value: $24

Donor: Asian Art Museum

Case of "Trumer Pils" Beer from Trumer Brauerei Berkeley

Enjoy a taste of Austria—crafted in Berkeley! Trumer Brauerei Berkeley  won a gold medal in the World Beer Cup in 2006 for Best German-Style Pilsner, becoming the first U.S. brewer to win that category. The brewery also received the 2004 European Beer Star Gold Medal for best German-Style Pilsner, winning against all German and international competitors in a category that represents the most popular style of Bavaria, where the competition was held. The ingredients for Trumer Pils beer come from Austria and the water for our own Mokelumne River. The Berkeley brewmaster, Lars Larson, is one of the few in the U.S. with a "Diplom-Braumeister".

Value: $84

Donor: Trumer Brauerei Berkeley

Magnum of 2004 Acacia Vineyards Pinot Noir Carneros

Situated just two miles from San Francisco Bay in the Carneros District of Napa Valley, Acacia Vineyard is distinguished by a cool microclimate dominated by wind and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean, and by shallow, dense clay soils. While these difficult growing conditions limit grape production, they result in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes of rare power and complexity. Their 2004 Pinot Noir Carneros was aged 9 months in predominantly French Oak barrels. Ruby in color, this wine offers deep, ripe aromas of satsuma plum, raspberry, rose petal, smoke, and wet earth. On the palate, it is sweet on the entry with flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry, and finishes long with a rich earthiness.

Value: $55

Donor: Acacia Vineyard

1904 Painting of Edinburgh, Scotland

This beautiful painting, entitled "The Corner of West Bow, Edinburgh," dates from 1904 and is by Alfred Montague. The painter is the son of Alfred Montague, Sr., who founded the "Scottish School of Art" in the late-19th century, which featured primarily country scenes in Scotland. A talented artist, Montague was primarily known for painting landscapes, town and coastal views. The oil-on-canvas-on-board painting measures 27" x 21" and has been professionally framed.

Value: $600

Donor: Kevin & Peggy Harrington

Pair of Anna Lambert Candlesticks

British potter and ceramicist Anna Lambert is most widely known for her work in decorative functional earthenware. She has won numerous awards, and her works can be found in galleries throughout the world, including the Salisbury Art Gallery, Cleveland Crafts Center, and the Pinchen Collection at the City Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent. This one-of-a-kind pair of candlesticks, signed by the artist, features highly detailed decorations of brightly colored goldfinches and high-relief foliage.

Value: $250

Donor: Kevin & Peggy Harrington

Anna Lambert Candelabra

From simple bowls to complex multiple forms, Anna Lambert aims to represent memories of land and seascape and her enjoyment of the ordinary. Each piece is constructed individually by pinching, modelling, and relief decoration. It is coloured with subtle underglaze washes, oxides and transparent glazes and fired to 1085°C. This unique candelabra features a highly detailed Montagu's Harrier and is topped by cups for four candlesticks. Signed by the artist.

Value: $200

Donor: Kevin & Peggy Harrington

Four 2008 Season Passes to Seventh Avenue Performances Series

Four season passes to Seventh Avenue Performances complete 2008 concert series—eleven different programs—at San Francisco's Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church. Programs include the early music duo Asteria (soprano Sylvia Rhyne and tenor/lutenist Eric Redlinger), the Sephardic Women's Chorus, and a program of works by the Milanese Benedictine nun Chiara Margarita Cozzalani performed by two ABS choristers, soprano Julia Earl and alto Katherine McKee.

Value: $600

Donor: Seventh Avenue Performances

Two Subscriptions to Noe Valley Chamber Music and Dinner at Firefly Restaurant

Immerse yourself in music with two subscriptions to Noe Valley Chamber Music's entire 15th Anniversary Season, a varied series of chamber music performances on Sunday afternoons in an informal setting. After one of your series performances, treat yourself to dinner at Noe Valley's premier dining destination, Firefly Restaurant, with a $75 gift certificate. (Dining certificate expires October 20, 2008.)

Value: $400

Donor: Noe Valley Chamber Music and Firefly Restaurant

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra Sampler

Hailed by the New Yorker as "one of the world's finest period-instrument bands," Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra performs music of the Baroque, Classical and early-Romantic eras on original instruments. Under Music Director Nicholas NcGegan, the ensemble has earned a reputation for its sound, its energy and its artistry, with Grammy nominations and Musical America's "Ensemble of the Year" award in 2004. Come hear this world-traveling ensemble at home in the Bay Area with two pairs of tickets to any 2007/2008 performance, plus two recordings: Rameau Orchestral Suites and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. (Ticket selection subject to availability.)

Value: $276

Donor: Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra

Backstage Tour of the San Francisco Opera and 75th Anniversary Book

Take home this beautiful display book commemorating the San Francisco Opera's 75th Anniversary - signed by Maestro Donald Runnicles. Then learn what goes on behind the scenes at the San Francisco Opera with this exclusive backstage tour for two with host Andy McGuire, Director of Annual Giving at the Opera. (Backstage tour date selection subject to availability.)

Value: $200

Donor: San Francisco Opera

Merola Opera Program Package

Hear the future stars of the opera world today with two tickets to two events presented by San Francisco Opera's famed Merola Opera Program. Don Giovanni is Mozart's classic opera about a man beyond redemption and his attempt to outwit justice. The fully-staged production will be performed by Merola's young artists in the intimate Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center on August 1 and 3, 2008. Then on August 16, enjoy an exciting evening at the Merola Grand Finale, a concert of arias and ensembles that is the culmination of an intensive eleven-week summer training program. The finale is performed onstage at the War Memorial Opera House by young artists on the verge of thrilling careers.

Value: $172

Donor: Merola Opera Program

Halloween Delights

Trick-or-treat yourself to a wickedly good Halloween concert by San Francisco Renaissance Voices with special guests the Trillium Harp Trio on October 28 or 29, featuring hauntingly beautiful funeral music of the English Renaissance and Baroque with Medieval and Renaissance music for Celtic harp. And the concert tickets are just some of the treats awaiting you in this Halloween gift basket.

Value: $150

Donor: J. Jeff Badger and San Francisco Renaissance Voices

Two Tickets to San Francisco Choral Society's Spring 2008 Concert

Enjoy an evening of choral singing with the critically acclaimed San Francisco Choral Society, a 200-voice community chorus led by Robert Geary. Two tickets to The Armed Man - A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins. Choose from two San Francisco dates: April 5 or 6, 2008 at St. Paul's Church.

Value: $56

Donor: San Francisco Choral Society

Two Tickets to Clerestory

Discover the Bay Area's newest men's a cappella choral ensemble Clerestory with two tickets to any upcoming performance in their 2007/2008 Season.

Value: $30

Donor: Clerestory

Dinner at the Ward Street Café in Larkspur

Located in downtown Larkspur, the charming Ward Street Café features a home-style menu that spotlights fresh, local ingredients. Have lunch or dinner in their inviting and relaxing dinning room or even try their lovely outdoor rear patio (weather permitting).

Value: $50

Donor: Ward Street Café

Custom Designed Amethyst Ring

You'll be the talk of the town when you wear this dazzling one-of-a-kind ring designed just for ABS' 2007 Gala auction by Davis jewelry maker Richard Luna of De Luna Jewelers. The ring features a magnificent 9.5ct amethyst surrounded by .75ct in diamonds in a 14k yellow gold setting.

Value: $1,700

Donor: De Luna Jewelers

Civil War Era Coin Silver Water Pitcher

A fine American Civil War period (1860-1865) "Coin Silver" water pitcher made by Gorham, Providence, Rhode Island. "Coin Silver" is the early American standard of 900/1,000 pure. The piece is marked with the Gorham trademarks, the word "COIN," and a stamped pattern number. Under the foot is an engraved inscription stating that the pitcher was owned by Hugh White and M.M.W., 22 January 1863;  later owners in the family are also indicated. Engraved with initials on the front, the pitcher measures 12" to the top of the handle, and has a 21-ounce capacity.

Value: $2,000

Donor: Argentum - The Leopard's Head

Custom Cabinet Design Consultation

The Kleid Group specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of custom, quality cabinetry for all your needs, including kitchens, libraries, home theaters, entertainment centers, offices, and more. Cabinetry built by their master craftspeople has been featured in Sunset Magazine and Architectural Digest. With this certificate, John Klein will personally consult with you on any of your cabinetry needs. The certificate entitles the successful bidder to two hours of design consultation. (Valid through April 30, 2008.)

Value: $350

Donor: The Kleid Group

Framed Photograph of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig

Bring a little Bach history into your home with this beautiful photograph of the interior of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, the place Bach worked from 1723 until his death in 1750. It was at St. Thomas Church that Bach first performed some of his greatest works, including the St. John and St. Matthew Passions and the Magnificat. The photograph, entitled "Ev. Thomaskirche, Leipzig, May 2007" was taken by Dr. Fraser Muirhead, and measures 13" x 19".

Value: $250

Donor: Fraser Muirhead

Custom Designed Topaz Earrings

Take home this custom-made earring set designed just for ABS' 2007 Gala auction by Davis jewelry maker Richard Luna of De Luna Jewelers. The earrings feature pale blue topaz in a 14k yellow gold setting.

Value: $238

Donor: De Luna Jewelers

Three Magnum Bottles of 2004 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Freeman Vineyard & Winery

You'll be all set for your next dinner party with these three magnums of Pinot Noir from Freeman Vinyard & Winery, one of the most respected vineyards in Sonoma. Their wines are served at the Bay Area's finest restaurants, including Aqua, Restaurant Gary Danko, and The French Laundry. This exclusive, limited-production winery focuses solely on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and their wines are not available in any retail store.

Value: $240

Donor: Jan Goldberg

Four Bottles of Turley Zinfandel

Turley Wine Cellars, in the Pasa Robles region just north of Santa Barbara, has developed quite a cult following for their lush Zinfandels, coveted for their deep color, intensity of flavor, and full-bodied complexity. This sampler pack includes two bottles of their Juvenile Zinfandel (2004 & 2005)—a blend of Turley's youngest plantings in older vineyards—and two bottles of their famed Old Vines Zinfandel (2004 & 2005).

Value: $250

Donor: Jan Goldberg

Case of Sauvignon Blanc from Everett Ridge Winery

Stock your cellar with this full case of 2005 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley from Sonoma's Everett Ridge Winery. This complex, fruity wine features herbal and delicate citrus notes on the nose and palate. A nicely blended acidity makes this a wonderful food wine that pairs well with shellfish and ethnic dishes. Gold Medal winner at the 2006 Sonoma County Harvest Fair, and a Silver Medal winner at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Value: $132

Donor: Everett Ridge Winery and Esterlina Vineyards & Winery

A Trio of French Reds

Enjoy a chance to compare and contrast three distinctive French varietals: a Rhone, a Bordeaux, and a Burgundy. The Rhone is a 2003 from Les Eschamps, St. Joseph appellation, where the wines often have more structure than the wines from Croze-Hermitage. 2003 in this appellation saw a muscled, half-size crop; intense sun gave cooked "southern" flavors and low acidity. The Bordeaux is a 2002 Chateau Lanesson from the Haut Medoc. This is a distinguished "cru bourgeois superieuer" from just south of St. Julien. This wine should be cellared for at least two years, and should age very well. The Burgundy is a 2003 Domaine Michel Lafarge from Volney (between Pommard and Mersault), an area that yields some of the best reds in the Côte de Beaune - and Lafarge is considered one of the best growers in this region. This luxuriously fruity wine should be cellared for at least one year.

Value: $85

Donor: Marie Hogan and Douglas Lutgen

Tasting for Six at St. George Spirits

Alameda-based St. George Spirits is a craft distillery, which means they do everything by hand. Located on the decommissioned Alameda Naval Air Station in an airplane Hanger, St. George Spirits uses small copper pot still and traditional methods to create some of the world's best craft distilled spirits. Founded in 1982 by Jörg Rupf, St. George Spirits has been a leader in the craft distillery movement for over 25 years. This certificate will let you and up to five guests taste their Hangar One Vodka, St. George Single Malt Whiskey, and Aqua Perfecta eaux-de-vie & liqueurs while enjoying breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline. (Tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to seven, and Sunday, noon to six. Be there at 1 pm on a Saturday or Sunday, and you can take their informative tour.)

Value: $60

Donor: St. George Spirits