PONCHO newsletter

March 2010

In support of the arts and arts education, PONCHO has announced plans for the preeminent wine event of the year: Italia! Vino Arte, the 19th Annual International Wine Auction for the Arts, to be held May 22, 2010 at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. Ferdinando Frescobaldi, president of Frescobaldi wines and esteemed member of the Frescobaldi family of Tuscany, with over 700 years and 30 generations of viticulture influence, joins Northwest wine connoisseurs, cuisine lovers and arts supporters alike as the event's honorary vintner.

PONCHO's Annual International Wine Auction offers patrons a chance to bid on fabulous, rare and unique auction lots from around the world. Italia! Vino Arte will showcase Italian culture through the most acclaimed wineries, world-class chefs and exceptional cuisine. The auction will also feature large format bottles from all around the world; including France, Napa Valley and our own distinguished Washington Wines. PONCHO is also proud to have Fritz Hatton, one of the nation's leading wine auctioneers and founder of Arietta Wines in Napa, Calif., as the evening's auctioneer.

The auction attracts a mix of avid wine collectors and new enthusiasts who come together to celebrate the art of wine. This year's festivities are co-chaired by Doug True and Bob Parks, both local philanthropists and wine collectors, and Dan McCarthy of McCarthy & Schiering Wine Shops.

"We look forward to bringing the community together in support of the arts, and enjoying an evening of fine international wine and culture," said event co-chair Doug True. "PONCHO is honored by Mr. Frescobaldi's participation in support of our local arts community. We are thrilled to welcome him to Seattle and to the weekend's events," added PONCHO Executive Director Lorna Kneeland.

Weekend highlights include:

An intimate Vintner's Dinner with Ferdinando Frescobaldi on Friday, May 21, held at the private residence of Doug and Janet True
Exclusively for VIP ticket holders.
Italia! Vino Arte, one of the Northwest's premier wine auction events with honored vintner Ferdinando Frescobaldi, will be held on Saturday, May 22 at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. (see below for ticket options)

Over 700 years and 30 generations, commitment to agriculture and viticulture has always been uppermost in the activities of the Frescobaldi family.

Marchesi de' Frescobaldi, one of the most important producers of premium-quality wines in Italy, currently owns the largest extent of vineyards in Tuscany, with 1,200 hectares shared by seven estates, all of them located in esteemed viticultural areas and dedicated to the production of prestigious DOCG, DOC, and IGT wines. Ferdinando Frescobaldi is currently president of Compagnia dè Frescobaldi s.p.a., the Frescobaldi family holding company that directs the group's companies, and he serves as well as President of the Tenuta dell'Ornellaia s.r.l. wine estate.

For over 700 years and 30 generations, commitment to agriculture and to viticulture has always figured prominently among the activities of the Frescobaldi family. In particular, from the end of the last millennium, the Frescobaldis have become leading figures in the quality development of viticulture throughout the world, assuming the role of the most prestigious wine producer in Tuscany.

www.frescobaldi.it

Photo: Ferdinando Frescobaldi, President of the Compagnia de´Frescobaldi, this year's PONCHO Wine Auction Honorary Vintner

Ticket Levels for PONCHO's International Wine Auction - Italia! Vino Arte
May 22, 2010 - Sheraton Seattle Hotel
Click here to buy tickets now.

VIP Guest - $1,000

Invitation to the exclusive Vintners Dinner on Friday, May 21 with Honorary Vintner Ferdinando Frescobaldi
Invitation to the VIP Wine Auction Preview Party, exclusive to VIP ticket holders, select key sponsors and vintners. This event takes place approximately one month prior to the Wine Auction.
Choice of complimentary town car service or valet parking on auction night
Complimentary delivery of purchases
Invitation to the private champagne reception auction night with pre-bidding opportunities
Recognition in the catalog, at the auction, in the online newsletter and on the PONCHO website
Exquisite five course dinner
After dinner liquers
Open bar

Special Guest - $600
Complimentary valet parking
Invitation to the private champagne reception auction night with pre-bidding opportunities
Recognition in the catalog, at the auction, in the online newsletter and on the PONCHO website
Exquisite five course dinner
After dinner liquers
Open bar

Guest - $400
Exquisite five course dinner
After dinner liquers
Open bar

If you are intersted in hosting a corporate table, please contact Lorna Kneeland at lorna@poncho.org or call 206-623-6233 ext. 201.

Photo credits:
Layout photography by Scott Aitken for Team Photogenic: Juan Alonso, PONCHO 2007 Artist of the Year; Simone Porter, Member of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras; Reilly Jensen, Artist; Joyce Degenfelder, Wig Master at the Seattle Repertory Theatre; Dmitri Carter(center), Puppeteer, Francisco Carter, Third Generation Puppeteer, and Pulcinella from the Northwest Puppet Center; Marita Dingus, PONCHO 2005 Artist of the Year; Annie DeFranco, Member of the Spectrum Dance Theatre Spectrum Dance Theatre; and Michael Moore, Scenic Studios Manager at the Seattle Opera.