News Summary
The 19th Annual Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit in Newport Beach raised over $400,000 to support The Wooden Floor, an organization focused on youth development through dance and education. The event featured over 240 attendees, a selection of exceptional wines, a culinary menu prepared by Chef Craig Strong, and inspiring speeches from students and board members. The benefit continues to support The Wooden Floor’s mission, showcasing a commitment to transforming young lives.
Newport Beach, California – The 19th Annual Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit raised over $400,000 to support The Wooden Floor, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through dance and educational access. The prestigious event took place on September 25 at Big Canyon Country Club, drawing more than 240 attendees.
With a total of over $4.8 million raised since its inception, the event featured over 200 bottles of wine, including 12 outstanding selections, all rated a minimum of 97 points. Among the notable wines highlighted during the evening were the 2019 Cirq Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley, which earned a perfect score of 100 points, and the 2020 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge from Pessac-Leognan, rated at 99 points. Chefs prepared a delightful menu, including small plates such as Saffron Arancini, Lobster Lumpia with Calamansi, and Mini Beef Wellington.
Executive Chef Craig Strong curated the culinary offerings while Master Sommelier Steven Poe led the wine tasting. The event’s design was orchestrated by The Fashionable Event’s Stephanie Jernigan, complemented by stunning floral arrangements from Meri Wagner Florals.
The popular wine tasting competition was won by Nancy Eng, who successfully identified 10 of the 12 wines featured during the tasting. Attendees also participated in Opportunity Drawings, which offered prizes including red and white wine magnums, as well as a gift card and wine package from RH Gallery. Silent auction items included a package featuring the Anaheim Ducks and a Burberry package containing a Burberry Snip bag and sunglasses.
Emma Velazquez, a student and member of the Class of 2026, was a key speaker at the event, sharing her personal story and the positive impact The Wooden Floor has had on her life. Remarks were also made by board members, who discussed the significance of The Wooden Floor’s influence within the community and emphasized the organization’s mission of student success.
The Wooden Floor has been operational since 1983, fostering youth development through creative arts and education. It boasts a remarkable commitment to its students, with 100% of graduates enrolling in higher education, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in transforming young lives.
The event received generous support from various sponsors, including Premier Sponsors The Beall Family Foundation and Janice & John Markley, as well as Platinum Medal Sponsor Hughes Family and Richard LeBrun. Further backing came from several Gold Medal Sponsors, including Theresa & Johnaton Allen and Wendy & Michael Arciero.
The Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit continues to unite community members in support of The Wooden Floor’s mission, providing not only a memorable evening of fine wine and cuisine but also ensuring that young lives are positively impacted through the arts and education.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy: Wine Tasting Event
- Wikipedia: Wine Tasting
- Newport Beach Indy: Premier Wine Tasting Event
- Google Search: Wine Tasting Events
- New York Times: Wine Tourism in Turkey
- Google Scholar: Wine Tasting Benefits
- OC Register: Wooden Floor Wine Tasting Benefit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine Events
- Modern Luxury: September Events Orange County 2025
- Google News: Charity Wine Tastings
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
