Frequently Asked Questions

Your Winesong Questions,
Answered

About Winesong

  • Winesong is an annual charity wine and food festival hosted by the Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation (MCHF) on the beautiful Mendocino Coast of Northern California. Now in its 41st year, Winesong is one of California's most beloved coastal traditions—a weekend that blends world-class wine, outstanding local cuisine, live music, original art, and a spirited charity auction, all set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

    The 2026 event takes place over two days—Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12—with events at both the Little River Inn and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

  • Winesong is produced by the Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation (MCHF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of the Mendocino Coast community. MCHF is led by a volunteer board of directors and a small staff team, with generous support from event sponsors, exhibitors, and volunteers.

    You can learn more about the Foundation at mchfoundation.org.

Our Mission & Impact

  • Every dollar raised at Winesong supports the Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation's mission: supporting organizations that care for the health and wellness of our community. Funds go toward:

    • Grants for local healthcare partners and organizations

    • Nursing scholarships through the Excellence in Nursing Awards and the Student Support Fund

    • Community health initiatives that address unmet needs on the rural Mendocino Coast

    As Board Chair Terry Ramos notes, "Winesong is more than a celebration—it's a powerful expression of community, ensuring our Mendocino Coast neighbors receive the care they deserve."

  • Winesong is produced by the Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation (MCHF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of the Mendocino Coast community. MCHF is led by a volunteer board of directors and a small staff team, with generous support from event sponsors, exhibitors, and volunteers.

    You can learn more about the Foundation at mchfoundation.org.

  • The Mendocino Coast is a beautiful but geographically isolated community. Access to quality healthcare in rural areas faces unique challenges—from staffing shortages to funding gaps. The MCHF fills critical gaps by funding programs, equipment, and scholarships that might otherwise go unsupported, ensuring residents have access to the care they need close to home.

  • The Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 68-0041554). Charitable donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Ticket purchases and auction bids include goods and services, so only the portion exceeding fair market value may be deductible. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for specific guidance.

Schedule of Events

  • Pinot Noir Celebration — Beginning at 1:00 PM · Little River Inn

    Friday kicks off the Winesong Weekend with the Pinot Noir Celebration—an intimate, prestigious tasting event dedicated to showcasing Pinot Noir excellence from Anderson Valley vintners and select producers from Sonoma, Napa, and beyond.

    This event has been a flagship of the Winesong calendar since 2008. Tickets are limited to ensure an exclusive experience, set against the stunning Pacific Ocean views from the gardens at the Little River Inn, accompanied by smooth acoustic music.

  • Grand Tasting & Silent Auction — Beginning at 11:00 AM · Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

    Saturday is the heart of the Winesong Weekend, held at the spectacular Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The Grand Tasting features:

    • 70+ wineries, breweries, and distillers from Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, and Napa Counties

    • Incredible bites from local chefs, caterers, and restaurateurs

    • Live local musicians providing the "Song" in Winesong

    • A silent auction running throughout the morning and afternoon

    VIP Lunch & Live Charity Auction — Beginning at 2:00 PM · The White Tent

    Following the Grand Tasting, all guests are invited to the iconic white tent for the Live Charity Auction—the centerpiece of the Winesong weekend. VIP guests enjoy reserved seating and a delicious lunch. The auction features spectacular wine lots, rare vintages, large-format bottles, vertical collections, trips, experiences, and original art.

  • Not at all—each event is ticketed separately, so you can attend one or both days based on your interest. Many guests choose to make a full weekend of it by attending the Friday Pinot Noir Celebration and Saturday Grand Tasting. Separate tickets are required for each event.

The Auction

  • Winesong's auction is legendary for the quality and variety of its lots. You can expect:

    • Spectacular wines from the world's most prestigious producers

    • Rare vintages and large-format bottles (magnums, double-magnums, and beyond)

    • Vertical collections—multiple vintages of iconic wines

    • Trips and getaways—wine country escapes, vineyard tours, and more

    • Unique experiences and exclusive access packages

    • Original art from local and regional artists

    Preview auction lots in advance at winesong.org.

  • Yes. The silent auction runs throughout the Saturday Grand Tasting (beginning at 11:00 AM), giving all guests the chance to browse and bid at their leisure. The live charity auction begins at approximately 2:00 PM under the white tent, with a professional auctioneer presiding over bidding on the most exclusive and high-value lots.

  • Auction lots are listed in advance at winesong.org. We recommend bookmarking this page and checking back as the event approaches—new lots are added throughout the summer.

Contact, Volunteering & Partnerships

  • We'd love to hear from you:

  • Yes! Winesong relies on the generosity of community volunteers to make the event run smoothly. If you're interested in volunteering, please reach out to us at jonathan@winesong.org

  • Winesong offers exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities for wineries, breweries, distillers, restaurants, and businesses who want to reach a passionate, engaged audience while supporting a great cause. Please reach out to jonathan@winesong.org

Have any questions?

If you have questions about Winesong, purchasing tickets, or staying on the Mendocino Coast? We would love to hear from you!

CONTACT US

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