Dick Grace of Grace Family Vineyards to Join Collective Spirits Lineup

Dick Grace, of Grace Family Vineyards, is the latest addition to the lineup for the Collective Spirits Wine Festival to be held in Highlands, NC, on May 21-22. Grace will speak at the Saturday evening "Chateau Bascom" Gala Wine Dinner and Auction just prior to the start of the live auction.

Following a distinguished career in the Marine Corps and then as Senior Vice President for Smith Barney, Dick Grace and his wife, Ann, started a small winery in the Napa Valley of California. Although the family began their venture with virtually no experience in wine making, the Insider’s Wine Line says, “the Cabernet Sauvignons that have evolved from the original one-acre vineyard on the property have now become legend, bringing at charity auctions more money than any other wine made in America.”

It is charity and compassionate action that is at the heart of Grace’s personal transformation and the mission of the Grace Family Vineyards. Known as much for its mission statement, “Wine as a catalyst towards healing our planet,” as for its prized wine, Grace Family Vineyards raises well over a million dollars annually for various charitable causes. Among those who have benefited from the profits of the vineyard are organizations caring for children with cancer, pediatric AIDS, abused children, and organizations serving the children of China, Tibet, India, Nepal, Mexico and, of course, America.

Grace is emphatic about his belief that donating money is only a small part of his charitable equation. As he explains, “the other part includes personal involvement and personal commitment to raising others’ awareness and being generous not only with one’s capital but also with one’s vision, time, energy, and most importantly, one’s love."

We are both honored and excited to have Dick participate in our event, which will benefit art exhibition and education at The Bascom! Please join us!

Collective Spirits 2010 weekend will be upon us soon! Save the dates - May 20-22, 2010 and make plans now to be in Highlands for this grand Wine Tasting event!

A grand wine tasting 'stock your cellars' party will be held on Friday, May 21 at The Bascom.

Joe Davis has been added to the roster of Saturday's symposium hosts, joining such noted wine experts as Michael Bryan, Carson Demmond, Yves Durand, Mary Ann Hardman and Caroline Hoogenboom, and Janet Viader.

Saturday evening's Wine Gala Dinner at The Bascom will be the culmination of the weekend's events.

If you haven't visited our website, please check out www.collectivespirits.com and learn more about this spectacular event!