In the heart of Sonoma wine country, where rolling vineyards meet community spirit, a remarkable celebration is taking shape. Project Zin 2025 marks a significant milestone—15 years of bringing together exceptional wine, world-class cuisine, and a deeply personal mission that has touched thousands of lives across Northern California.
This beloved charity wine event, returning to Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor on August 16, 2025, has evolved from humble beginnings into one of the region's most impactful philanthropic gatherings. What began as a modest $25,000 fundraiser in 2010 has blossomed into a powerhouse charity event that raised nearly $400,000 in 2024 alone and over $3 million since its inception.
A Family's Journey Becomes a Community Movement
Behind every great cause is a powerful story, and Project Zin's origins are deeply personal. When Clay and Carrie Mauritson's son Brady was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at age 2½, the sixth-generation Sonoma winemaking family channeled their love into action. Together with close friend and culinary icon Chef Charlie Palmer, they created an event that would not only support their son but build a community of acceptance and advocacy.
"Brady has taught us that our differences are our greatest strengths, and that community support can move mountains," explains Clay Mauritson, whose family's 350-acre vineyard operation represents a winemaking legacy dating back to 1868. What started as a family's response to a personal challenge has transformed into a movement that unites wine lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and philanthropists around a common purpose.
"Project Zin has become so much more than a fundraiser—it's a celebration of inclusion, acceptance, and the power of coming together for something bigger than ourselves," adds Carrie Mauritson.
The Symbolism in Every Glass
The number 21 carries special significance at Project Zin. Each year, exactly 21 Zinfandel producers are featured—symbolizing Trisomy 21, the medical term for Down Syndrome. This thoughtful touch exemplifies how every aspect of the event is crafted with intention and meaning.
The 2025 lineup showcases an impressive collection of Sonoma's finest Zinfandel specialists, including Aperture Cellars, A. Rafanelli Winery, Bedrock Wine Co., Carlisle Winery, Ridge Vineyards, Turley Wine Cellars, and naturally, Mauritson Wines. These producers represent the pinnacle of Zinfandel craftsmanship, many bringing special library selections and limited releases exclusive to the event.
A Culinary Celebration Like No Other
What distinguishes Project Zin from other wine events is its extraordinary culinary program, which has become as sought-after as the wines themselves. The 15th anniversary gathering features an exceptional roster of talent, including:
- SingleThread Farms, bringing their three-Michelin-star excellence
- Chef Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen
- Montage Healdsburg
- Diavola Pizzeria
- Catelli's
- The Matheson
- Sweet T's Restaurant + Bar
"Clay and Carrie's commitment to their son, his peers, and the cause represents everything I believe in about hospitality and human connection," says Chef Charlie Palmer, whose restaurants have earned over 20 Michelin stars throughout his career. "Working with the Mauritson family and supporting DSCBA has been one of the most rewarding partnerships of my career."
The culinary offerings aren't merely accompaniments to the wine—they're carefully crafted pairings designed to highlight the distinctive characteristics of Sonoma Zinfandel while showcasing the region's agricultural bounty.
Auction Experiences That Create Lasting Memories
The heart-pounding excitement of the live auction has become legendary among Project Zin attendees. Franco Finn, the Golden State Warriors' beloved hype man and professional auctioneer, returns to lead bidders through an unforgettable collection of lots that extend far beyond typical wine packages.
The 2025 auction showcases experiences impossible to acquire elsewhere, including:
- A V Foundation package at Madison Square Garden
- A European/Mekong river cruise with business class tickets
- An exclusive bourbon and wine dinner with Julian Van Winkle
- A "Winemaker for the Weekend" immersion at Limerick Lane Cellars
- A family rafting adventure on the Ruby-Horsethief in Moab, Utah
- A Healdsburg weekend with Winemaker Henry de Lambert
- An LPGA tournament package with pro access
These once-in-a-lifetime opportunities consistently drive bidding to remarkable heights, furthering the event's impact on the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area.
Fifteen Years of Transformative Impact
Since 2010, Project Zin has provided critical support to DSCBA, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and supporting people with Down syndrome, their families, and the community that serves them. Following a recent merger with the Down Syndrome Association North Bay, DSCBA now serves families throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with comprehensive services including education programs, peer development initiatives, speech therapy, medical outreach, and family support groups.
The $3 million raised over 15 years has directly funded programs that help individuals with Down syndrome reach their full potential—from early intervention services to employment assistance and community integration. These resources have touched countless lives, creating ripple effects throughout Northern California.
Brady Mauritson, now 17 and a passionate advocate for inclusion, shares: "Project Zin has given me a chance to share my story and show that people with Down Syndrome can achieve anything they set their minds to. Every year, I see how this event brings people together and shows that our community is stronger when everyone is included."
How to Experience Project Zin 2025
For those wanting to participate in this milestone celebration, several ticket options are available:
- General admission tickets: $200, including access to all wines, culinary offerings, and the silent auction
- VIP event tickets: $350, featuring early entry, exclusive reserve wines, and premium seating
- VIP weekend packages: Starting at $3,100, including accommodations at Hotel Healdsburg or Harmon Guest House, exclusive access to Saturday events, and a new experience combining SingleThread Farms cuisine with intimate tastings at Mauritson Wines
All tickets and packages are available at www.projectzin.org, with proceeds benefiting Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area.
The Intersection of Wine, Community and Purpose
Project Zin exemplifies how the wine industry can leverage its influence and resources to create meaningful social impact. As consumer preferences increasingly favor brands with purpose, events like Project Zin demonstrate how authentic connections to causes can resonate with audiences while driving real change.
For restaurant and hospitality professionals, the event offers inspiration for how charitable partnerships can build brand equity while making a difference. In an era where customer experience matters more than ever, Project Zin shows how emotional connection and storytelling can transform a tasting into a transformative experience.
The success of Project Zin also speaks to broader trends in the wine industry, where community engagement has become essential for building loyalty and differentiation in a crowded marketplace. By combining exceptional quality with genuine purpose, Project Zin has created a model that resonates with today's socially conscious consumers.
A Legacy of Love in Every Bottle
As Project Zin celebrates its 15th anniversary, the event stands as a testament to how a family's love, a community's compassion, and the distinctive character of Sonoma Zinfandel can combine to create something truly extraordinary. What began as a response to a personal challenge has blossomed into a powerful movement of inclusion and support.
For Clay and Carrie Mauritson, Project Zin represents the intersection of their two greatest passions—wine and family. For the broader Sonoma community, it exemplifies the region's commitment to quality, community, and compassion. And for those supported by the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, it provides resources that transform lives every day.
To learn more about Project Zin 2025 or to purchase tickets, visit www.projectzin.org. To receive the most up-to-date information, including important ticket updates and event details, join the email list at www.projectzin.org/mailing-list.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1) linked to https://www.amazon.com/Beverage-Magazines-Guide-Restaurant-Success/dp/1119668964, Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
