01 Aug 46th Annual l’Eté Du Vin raises over $2.6 million for the fight against cancer
NASHVILLE, TN (August 1, 2025) — The Nashville Wine Auction raised more than $2.6 million at the 46th Annual l’Eté du Vin, which was held July 26 at the JW Marriott Nashville. l’Eté du Vin Guests of Honor were co-proprietors and winemakers Philippe and Cherie Melka of Melka Estates, a multifaceted duo that has been involved in winemaking for over 30 years.
The l’Eté du Vin weekend also featured wines from friends and clients of Atelier Melka, Philippe’s wine consulting company. These featured wineries include Dalecio Family Wines, Flint Knoll Winery, Moone Tsai Wines, NAMO, Tench Vineyard and Zakin Family Estate.
The 46th Annual l’Eté du Vin Live Auction was the final wine event in a 3-day series, which included the Vintners’ Tasting on Thursday evening and the Patrons’ Dinner on Friday evening, both held at Four Seasons Nashville.
Proceeds from l’Eté du Vin, the country’s longest running charity wine auction, help fund the fight against cancer by supporting twelve local nonprofit organizations whose purpose is directly related to cancer research, innovative patient treatment and caregiver/patient support.
“We were in awe of the incredible organization of every event during the l’Été du Vin weekend. The kindness and generosity of the Board—as well as the supporters, patrons, and volunteers—were truly moving,” says Philippe and Cherie Melka. “We’ll never forget our first visit to Nashville and are so happy that l’Été du Vin was able to raise so much money to fight cancer. We will be lifelong supporters of the Nashville Wine Auction!”
The top lots sold at the l’Eté du Vin Live Auction include:
• An Intimate Dinner with collectors Jimmy John and Leslie Liautaud featuring world-class wines, such as 1959 Lafite, 1989 Pétrus, and DRC, paired with Southern cuisine by Chef Sean Brock. This unforgettable evening sold for $125,000.
• An Awesome Celebration of 1985, Forty Years Later brings together an extraordinary lineup of wines from one of the most celebrated vintages in recent history. Hosted by Deby and Keith Pitts in honor of their 40th anniversary, this once-in-a-lifetime dinner features rare bottles and Chef Ken Frank of Napa’s acclaimed La Toque curates the menu, with seasonal white truffles adding an extra touch of magic. Held at the home of Noelle Daugherty and Jay Erter, this fantastic evening sold for $80,000.
• The Grandest Celebration of Grand Cru Burgundy exploring iconic wines from Bonneau du Martray and Clos du Tart, with special guest Mary Margaret McCamic, one of just 52 Masters of Wine in the U.S. Hosted by Steve Taylor and Cynthia Himmelfarb, the Grand Senechal and the Chambellan for Nashville’s Chapter of the Confrérerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, this exceptional dinner sold for $75,000.
• Six Decades of Vega Sicilia and A Dinner of a Lifetime showcasing a 32-vintage vertical of Spain’s most iconic wine, Vega Sicilia Unico. With special guests Pablo Álvarez, CEO of Vega Sicilia and Jamie Pollack of Acker Wines. Donated by supporters Pam and Keith Browning, this rare experience sold for $65,000.
• The Barrel of a Lifetime! Willett Family Estate Private Barrel Selection Experience offering one lucky bidder, and up to five guests, the rare opportunity to hand-select a private barrel from one of Kentucky’s most revered Bourbon producers. With access to Willett’s finest aged inventory, this exclusive behind-the-scenes tasting and bottling experience sold for $105,000.
• Bubbles & Burgundy: A Grand French Odyssey with the Melkas offering a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Champagne and Burgundy with world-renowned vintners Philippe and Cherie Melka. This immersive experience for three couples blends iconic wine regions with insider access, unforgettable tastings, and time alongside two of the most respected figures in global winemaking. This extraordinary adventure sold for $90,000.
• Sicilian Splendor: Coast, Craters, and Culture for Two Couples is a luxurious six-night journey through the heart of Sicily, where volcanic slopes meet seaside vineyards. With every detail curated, from boutique accommodations to private tastings, this immersive experience captures the soul of Sicily through its beauty, history, and bold flavors. This trip sold twice at $50,000 each.
• Fall in Love with the Loire, Luxury French Vacation for Two Couples blending history, culture, natural beauty, and world-class wines. From the region’s stunning châteaux and charming villages to its storied vineyards and royal past, the Loire offers a quintessential French experience. This getaway sold for $45,000.
• For the Love of Arbadellia “Arby” Richardson is a heartfelt tribute to a beloved cancer survivor and advocate who believed deeply in community, compassion, and great wine. Assembled by her friends in support of Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee’s Capital Campaign, this extraordinary wine lot included top-tier selections from Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, Sassicaia, Cristal, Château Lafite Rothschild, and more. This meaningful collection sold for $22,000.
“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering generosity of our wine-loving community,” says Loren Chumley, President & CEO of the Nashville Wine Auction. “This year’s event reflects the continued momentum of our mission. It’s inspiring to see so many people, new and longtime supporters alike, rally around this cause. Together, we raised over $2.6 million to fund the fight against cancer and had a fantastic time doing it.”
Long-time Nashville Wine Auction supporters Lisa Maki & David Osborn and Kristen & Brian Junghans were co-chairs of l’Eté du Vin.
“Saturday night’s incredible generosity from our vintners, sponsors, donors, and bidders proved that when we come together with purpose, hope is contagious and giving is unstoppable,” says co-chairs Lisa Maki and David Osborn. “The record-breaking support from everyone who contributed—whether attending the event, donating wine, creating auction packages, bidding with such enthusiasm—sends a powerful message: we will not stop fighting until cancer no longer wins.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Nashville wine community for helping us exceed our fundraising goal and raise over $2.6 million,” says co-chairs Kristen and Brian Junghans. “The generosity we witnessed throughout the weekend was truly humbling. We also want to extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated Nashville Wine Auction staff, who are a well-oiled machine and take care of every detail, making our job as co-chairs exceedingly easy, and to all the volunteers whose hard work made this event a seamless and inspiring success.”
The Nashville Wine Auction is proud to have the following sponsors for this event: JW Marriott, Buchalter Law Firm, Clinical Solutions Pharmacy, Tennessee Oncology, Husch Blackwell, Avison Young, Frugal MacDoogal, Nicholas Air, Vault Insurance, D Cummins Community Betterment Fund, The Navin Group, Marlin Exteriors, Inc., BeOne Medicines USA, Hub International, Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, Polsinelli Law Firm, Genmab, Gary Musick Productions, Seyfarth, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and Diamond Cellar.
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ABOUT THE NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION
Nashville Wine Auction’s mission is to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer. In 2026, Nashville Wine Auction will celebrate Pairings: Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend on February 26 – 28 and the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin on July 30 – August 1 at JW Marriott. Established in 1980, the Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $43 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cutting-edge research, innovative treatment, and family/patient/caregiver support. www.NashvilleWineAuction.com
NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION BENEFICIARIES
American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, The Heimerdinger Foundation, HopeKids, Inc., Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Survivor Fitness Foundation, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.