Thirty Jewish vintners and winemakers from Napa Valley will gather for the second L’Chaim Weekend, a celebration of a return to their agricultural roots, June 29-July 1.

Wine has always been a major part of Jewish tradition, and the weekend will be a benefit to pay tribute to the agricultural heritage of the Jewish people. It will reinforce the cultural and spiritual link between Jews and the special role in Judaism of the “fruit of the vine,” a phrase found in the traditional blessing over wine offered every Sabbath and on holidays, and will be a celebration of wine, cuisine, camaraderie and history.

When the event debuted last year, many people, even those in the local Jewish community, were surprised to learn that there were more than 30 wineries that had ties to Judaism, either through their owners or winemakers. The weekend was so successful that there was no question that it would become an annual event.

Sabbath supper

The weekend begins with a Sabbath wine supper at the home of Sue and Dick Wollack, with the traditional lighting of the Sabbath candles and, of course, the blessing of the wine. A buffet dinner will be prepared by Brannan’s in Calistoga.

During the next day June 30, many of the participating wineries will hold open houses, and that evening guests gather at the Culinary Institute of America for a walk-around tasting featuring all 30 vintners, plus Margalit, a guest winery from Israel.

A dinner prepared by CIA chefs follows the tasting, and the highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Al Brounstein Meritorious Service Award to Art Finkelstein, one of Napa Valley’s pioneer winemakers and founder of Judd’s Hill.

Vintners host each table and pour their wines, along with those of the other participating wineries. A silent auction will be conducted during the walk-around tasting and reception, and a live auction will take place following dinner, with lots featuring some of the top wines of Napa Valley.

A brunch on July 1 closes the weekend. It’s hosted by the Jewish Historical Society at the Napa Valley Museum, which features a historical display including information about the early Jewish community in Napa Valley and their contributions over the last 150 years.

New rabbi entertains

The newly-appointed rabbi for Congregation Beth Sholom in Napa, Rabbi Oren Postrel, who happens to be a wine buff, will speak and also will entertain with his guitar, as guests join in song to close the weekend.

“This is more than a fun time, more than a country weekend,” said Dick Wollack, event chair. “It’s a joyous celebration of roots, culture and wine, and an extraordinary feeling permeates every event throughout the weekend.”

Participating wineries include Alpha & Omega Winery, Anomaly Vineyards, BigHorn Cellars, Calix Cellars, Chateau Potelle Winery, Cliff Lede Winery, Clos Pegase Winery, Coho, Covenant Winery, Diamond Creek Vineyards, Fort Ross, Frank Family Vineyards, Gemstone, Hagafen Cellars, Hall Wines, Herzog Wine Cellars, Honig, Howell at the Moon Vineyards, JC Cellars, Judd’s Hill, Krupp Brothers Estate, Margalit, Matthiasson, Reverie On Diamond Mountain, Rudd Vineyards & Winery, Ruston Family Vineyards, Silver Oak Cellars, SoloRosa Wines, Spring Mountain Vineyard, Tablas Creek and Z-Mor.

Tickets for the entire weekend are $500 per person.

Proceeds from the event benefit a number of different organizations including Napa Valley Center for Jewish Culture, the Table, which feeds the hungry in Napa Valley, Napa Valley Museum, Congregation Beth Sholom and the Jewish Historical Society of Napa Valley.

Information and reservations, lchain@napavalleycjc.org or 968-9944.