Red is smitten with the Russian River Valley and can’t wait to photograph it all: ancient redwood groves, lush farmlands, rolling hills and charming hamlets. Close enough to the Pacific for moderate temperatures yet protected by mountains, the valley’s fertile volcanic soil is a winemaker’s dream.

Michael Browne has profoundly shaped Russian River winemaking. In 1997 he co-founded Kosta Browne, setting the standard for vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In 2009 he launched his first small-batch Pinot Noir under the CIRQ label, named for his six years as a teenage circus performer. After selling Kosta Browne, he and his wife Sarah founded Browne Family Wines in 2015, which includes CIRQ and CHEV Wines, CHEV honoring the old-fashioned craftsmanship he admired in his father’s workshop. CHEV wines come from select vineyards in Russian River, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Lucia Highlands and Oregon.

The winning bidders’ party will experience CIRQ and CHEV Estate up close, along with downtown Healdsburg’s dynamic culinary scene. Begin with a four-night stay at the winery estate, observing the precision behind Sarah and Michael’s creations and enjoying a multi-course chef-inspired dinner. For relaxation, head to Mayacama for the group’s choice of a spa treatment or a round of golf at its Jack Nicklaus-designed course.

Your journey will continue in Healdsburg at the Appellation Hotel, a luxury oasis located where the town meets the vineyards. While there, you’ll have the pleasure of dining at Folia, created by Master Chef Charlie Palmer, one of the pioneers in America’s farm-to-table movement. Folia is a deeply rooted expression of Sonoma County’s land, flavors and seasonal rhythms, specializing in live oak cooking over an open hearth. The wood-fired grill infuses oak-ember flavors into the finest local seafood, poultry and meat.

2026 NWWF Chef de Cuisine Dustin Valette will prepare a multi-course dinner for you at his namesake restaurant in downtown Healdsburg. Opened in 2015 in a former French-style bakery, Valette is a collaboration between Dustin and his brother, wine expert Aaron Garzini. Sarah and Michael will host you as you savor inventive California cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

The winners will receive a stunning piano collection of bottles from both CIRQ and CHEV, many in Large Formats. Each couple will also enjoy a 500-gram tin (over a pound) of caviar from Wine Country Caviar, devoted to indulgence and luxurious decadence.

Red envies the winner of this special lot, and the opportunity to savor the sights and tastes of Russian River and Healdsburg. A generous bid will make it yours!

Insider’s Info

This trip is for two (2) couples. Visit to be scheduled for mutually agreeable dates, based on availability, and blackout dates include, but are not limited to, November 24-28 and December 21, 2026-January 4, 2027. Airfare is not included. Golf or spa at Mayacama are only valid mid-week and exclude the weekends. All four (4) guests must either participate in one (1) round of golf as a group or spa treatments. Dinner at Folia is a prix fixe menu. Meals are only included as stated above and served with non-alcoholic beverages and select wines. Any additional meals, alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages and all gratuities are not included.