Courtney Davidson Photography
The Nashville Wine Auction’s 44th annual l’Eté du Vin furthers NWA’s mission to unite the wine community through world-class fundraising events that fund the fight against cancer. This year’s event co-chairs Jay Jones and Rob Turner chatted with Nashville Lifestyles to share how they got involved with this worthy cause.
Nashville Lifestyles: What made you want to chair this year’s l’Eté du Vin?
Rob Turner: When I was asked to join the board of the Nashville Wine Auction, Holly Whaley, said, “You and Jay should consider co-chairing l’Ete du Vin.” “Sure,” I said. I told Jay and he said, “What did you sign us up for?!” I said, “Think about this: We love wine and hate cancer, how could we say no?”
NL: How are the funds raised utilized?
Jay Jones: The Nashville Wine Auction raises funds for thirteen cancer- fighting organizations through events that encourage generous giving from wine enthusiasts. We hold two major fundraising events each year, Pairings in February and l’Eté du Vin in July with l’Eté du Vin being our largest auction raising more than $2.1 million in each of the past two years. Since its inception in 1980, Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $33 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cancer research, patient treatment, and caregiver/patient support. The mission, uniting the wine community to fund the fight against cancer, brings together a unique, fun, and generous community which creates a stream of funding for these charities that would likely not otherwise exist.
NL: Why is supporting the Nashville Wine Auction through events like l’Eté du Vin so important?
JJ: Everyone, without exception, has been touched by cancer and, unfortunately, as we get older, we see more and more of our family and friends having bouts with cancer. Combating cancer serves to extend people’s lives so they can continue to impact their families and communities.
RT: The main difference I see between now and when I was a child is that cancer survival rates are much, much better. Because of non-profit fundraising like l’Ete du Vin supporting the detection and treatment of cancer, the Nashville Wine Auction has been a partner to reduce mortality rates.
NL: What inspires you to use your time, talents, and treasure to support non-profits?
JJ: We can see a direct impact from our financial contributions. At the Nashville Repretory Theatre, our giving provides tickets for underprivileged children and, I’m sure everyone who has seen a production would agree, more professional and inspiring production. At the Opera, it is Opera on Wheels, where the Opera goes into underserved communities making opera accessible to everyone. At l’Ete du Vin we have our personal friend Damien Barton-Sartorius, the CEO of Château Langoa Barton and Château Léoville Barton, coming into Nashville and doing a Master Class on his wines; this man’s brand Leoville Barton won Wine Spectator Wine of the Year! That’s pretty special, right?