Manhattan Wine Auction Sales Kick Off This Week

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA —The annual Manhattan Wine Auction kicks off its 27th year on June 12 with a virtual event to raise money for Manhattan Beach schools.

"This year, like last year, we'll be asking people to choose an experience that they will enjoy at their respective homes," Manhattan Beach Education Foundation Director of Development and Partnerships David Brennan told Patch.

Participants can choose from seven In-Home Culinary & Wine Experiences—which range in cost from $8-$12,000—for twelve guests. "They include delicious meals from the finest local restaurants paired with wines from the auction's Reserve Room winery partners," Brennan said. The Experiences are on sale now.

In addition, there will be virtual tastings at 5 and 6 p.m. featuring wines from eight different partners. You can place your orders beginning on May 1.

Like in prior years past, diners will enjoy their meals from 5-7 p.m. A live-stream will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature a paddle raise, raffle drawing, musical entertainment, and a live auction.

Bids for the silent auction—featuring items like wines, experiences, dinners, jewelry, and more—opens online on June 5.

Last year, the at-home/virtual fundraiser raised almost $1 M, Brennan said.

The MBEF is a community-driven fundraising organization that supplements state funding for programs that inspire learning, enrich teaching, and promote innovation and academic excellence in the public schools of Manhattan Beach. "Since our organization began in 1983, we've raised over $80 million for our schools," said Brennan. "But it's really thanks to the generosity of the parents and local businesses that we've been so successful."

For more information on how to participate, go to the Manhattan Wine Auctions website.