This year’s Soirée du Vin is turning the page on a new chapter!
Welcome to Well Red, where we gather to toast the strength of our school’s roots and the boundless potential of our students. From the crimson hues in your glass to the scholarly heritage of our community, this evening is a tribute to the pursuit of excellence and the stories that shape us.
Our guest speaker will lead us through a narrative of following your passions, echoing the curiosity and lifelong learning that define our students and alumni. Just as a fine red wine evolves and matures, so does the impact of our school’s mission, fueled by the dedication of our supporters.
Savor a curated selection of world-class reds, indulge in a multi-course gourmet dinner designed to complement every note, and feel the adrenaline rise during our signature live auction, featuring rare cellar gems and exclusive experiences.
Soirée du Vin is a cherished tradition, a reunion of parents, alumni, and friends united by the shared mission to support INTL's future. Let’s celebrate the journey that brought us here and the exciting chapters yet to be written!
Meet the vintners pouring wine for all guests during the tasting period, and who have generously donated wine experiences to our live auction. Please support their wineries through tasting events or direct wine purchases.
2026 Guest Speaker - Anne Leyrat: Honoring a Legacy
We are privileged to share a story of passion that transcends borders, connecting the rugged peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the historic slopes of the Rhône Valley.
Gilles Leyrat envisioned a retirement rooted in the earth, where the high-altitude terrain near Montevina Ridge could produce a Syrah that rivaled his favorite French Côtes-Rôties. Though Gilles passed away in 2022 before the winery’s official launch, his dream lives on through his wife, Anne Leyrat, and the manicured vines he loved.
Nestled at 2,100 feet above the Lexington Reservoir, their twenty-four-acre estate is hand-farmed to produce an exceptional, French-inspired Syrah that balances the intensity of California sun with the elegance of traditional craftsmanship.
In Anne’s own words: "Gilles saw winemaking as his 'secret passion,' an art form that grounded his high-octane life in engineering and adventure." Gilles collaborated closely with winemaker Cody Muhly from Coastal Range Vineyards to ensure every bottle reflected integrity, harmony, and a sense of place. While Gilles left us too early to tell his own story, the wine you will enjoy at dinner is his way of connecting with you. We invite you to join us in toasting Gilles' memory and feeling the rhythm of the land he so dearly loved.
Live Auction Lots
The live auction features trips, dinners, and unique experiences, as well as wine lots carefully selected by Soirée du Vin's Steering Committee.
Unable to attend Soirée du Vin? You can still participate by submitting an Absentee Bid. Absentee bidding gives you the opportunity to participate in the live auction for a chance at winning the auction experiences and wine. See the 2025 Online Booklet for a description of all of last year's Lots.
Browse Featured Auction Lots From 2025 Below
#9 - Calligraphy Wines Up Close and Personal
Calligraphy Wines is a female-owned and operated winery nestled in the heart of Sonoma County. With a dedication to small-lot, artisanal winemaking, Calligraphy focuses on crafting exceptional wines in limited quantities. Their portfolio includes an exclusive Pinot Noir from the renowned Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard in the Russian River Valley and a beautifully structured Chardonnay from the esteemed Richard Dinner Vineyard in the Sonoma Mountain appellation.
... but a World Away! Are you dreaming of escaping with your significant other? Unveil the magic of California's Central Coast! Less than a 2-hour drive from the Bay Area, Monterey offers an irresistible blend of oceanfront beauty, fine dining, cultural charm, and outdoor adventure—perfect for couples seeking both relaxation and reconnection.
Happy 20th Anniversary to Soirée du Vin and our esteemed longest-standing partner Ridge Vineyards for 2 decades of unwavering collaboration and shared success!
To celebrate in style, Ridge invites you and five friends to a stunning winery location, for an Estate Tasting Experience. Enjoy a seated tasting flight of five single-vineyard wines from their renowned estate vineyards in Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Treat yourself and five guests to an epicurean journey featuring a four-course seasonal menu hand-crafted by Chef Greg Kuzia-Carmel at Camper, a rustic Californian restaurant in Menlo Park. Your meal will be paired with incredible wines provided by our knowledgeable wine connoisseurs and INTL parents Samantha Wang and Christophe Mallard.
Enter into a world of wonder as you step foot into Thomas Fogarty Winery, overlooking the stunning landscape of Silicon Valley. Perched along the majestic Northern California coast, the vineyard's intricate microclimates create the perfect conditions for the flourishing of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
#20 - The Flavors of Sud-Ouest Cuisine: Served to Perfection at Home
Experience the essence of French comfort cuisine to be served in style at your home. This Sud-Ouest five-course dinner cannot be experienced at our local French restaurants and promises to transport you to the heart of France’s terroirs.
#3 - Dardagny Presents: An Oenophile Escape to Beautiful Ticino
Escape to the sun-drenched canton of Ticino, a slice of Switzerland where Mediterranean flair meets Alpine majesty. This Italian-speaking region, with its palm trees, vibrant bougainvillea, and pristine lakes, offers a captivating blend of Swiss precision and southern European charm. Nestled amidst this picturesque landscape is Gudo, a tranquil village renowned for its vineyards and breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore. For wine aficionados, Ticino is a true hidden gem, a region celebrated for its Merlot wines that thrive in the fertile soil and temperate climate. This is a place where you can savor exceptional wines, indulge in exquisite local cuisine, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of pure relaxation and natural beauty.
#4 - A Journey Through Heritage: A Personal Kaiseki Experience
Slip into a world where food becomes poetry and each bite is a brushstroke on a canvas of tradition. This Lot is a rare invitation into the soul of Japanese culture through Kaiseki, considered by many to be the pinnacle of refined cuisine.
Enjoy the ultimate mountain getaway with a 6-day, 5-night stay for 6 guests in a luxurious 2-bedroom and 2-bath condo with an additional sofa bed in the living room, at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, where alpine charm meets year-round excitement.
Don the red, white, and gold, and get ready for the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s® Stadium on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 1:25 PM.
Find the time to slow down, fill your glass, and relax during your stay at Clif Family Winery.
Nestled atop Howell Mountain, amidst a sprawling five acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines, sits the Clif Family's Cold Springs Estate guest house. This picturesque location, part of Howell Mountain's rich tapestry of rolling hills and microclimates, produces some of Napa's best wines. It's your perfect home base for an authentic two-night Napa Valley retreat.
Following thirteen vintages and rave reviews for their highly allocated Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, LANDO Wines emerged as highly sought-after producers. Their focus is to produce wines with fresh fruit, intensity, and elegance; wines they enjoy drinking and sharing with their friends. They only offer their wines for sale twice a year and most of what they produce is allocated to their mailing list of friends via specific offerings.
Embark on a culinary adventure at home—no time in the kitchen required! Immerse yourself in the delicate flavors of French cuisine, perfectly paired with exquisite wines. INTL parent and favorite cordon-bleu Véronique Micha invites your party of six to travel to the French countryside without leaving the comfort of your dining room. For wine pairing, Véronique is teaming up with INTL alumnus Basile Senesi, co-founder of the exciting new Sonoma winery, Coteau Pavot. This is a rare chance to discover a rising star in the world of wine, while enjoying a sensational, stress-free dining experience for six.
Calligraphy Wines is a female-owned and operated winery nestled in the heart of Sonoma County. With a dedication to small-lot, artisanal winemaking, Calligraphy focuses on crafting exceptional wines in limited quantities. Their portfolio includes an exclusive Pinot Noir from the renowned Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard in the Russian River Valley and a beautifully structured Chardonnay from the esteemed Richard Dinner Vineyard in the Sonoma Mountain appellation.
... but a World Away! Are you dreaming of escaping with your significant other? Unveil the magic of California's Central Coast! Less than a 2-hour drive from the Bay Area, Monterey offers an irresistible blend of oceanfront beauty, fine dining, cultural charm, and outdoor adventure—perfect for couples seeking both relaxation and reconnection.
Happy 20th Anniversary to Soirée du Vin and our esteemed longest-standing partner Ridge Vineyards for 2 decades of unwavering collaboration and shared success!
To celebrate in style, Ridge invites you and five friends to a stunning winery location, for an Estate Tasting Experience. Enjoy a seated tasting flight of five single-vineyard wines from their renowned estate vineyards in Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Treat yourself and five guests to an epicurean journey featuring a four-course seasonal menu hand-crafted by Chef Greg Kuzia-Carmel at Camper, a rustic Californian restaurant in Menlo Park. Your meal will be paired with incredible wines provided by our knowledgeable wine connoisseurs and INTL parents Samantha Wang and Christophe Mallard.
Enter into a world of wonder as you step foot into Thomas Fogarty Winery, overlooking the stunning landscape of Silicon Valley. Perched along the majestic Northern California coast, the vineyard's intricate microclimates create the perfect conditions for the flourishing of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
#20 - The Flavors of Sud-Ouest Cuisine: Served to Perfection at Home
Experience the essence of French comfort cuisine to be served in style at your home. This Sud-Ouest five-course dinner cannot be experienced at our local French restaurants and promises to transport you to the heart of France’s terroirs.
#3 - Dardagny Presents: An Oenophile Escape to Beautiful Ticino
Escape to the sun-drenched canton of Ticino, a slice of Switzerland where Mediterranean flair meets Alpine majesty. This Italian-speaking region, with its palm trees, vibrant bougainvillea, and pristine lakes, offers a captivating blend of Swiss precision and southern European charm. Nestled amidst this picturesque landscape is Gudo, a tranquil village renowned for its vineyards and breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore. For wine aficionados, Ticino is a true hidden gem, a region celebrated for its Merlot wines that thrive in the fertile soil and temperate climate. This is a place where you can savor exceptional wines, indulge in exquisite local cuisine, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of pure relaxation and natural beauty.
#4 - A Journey Through Heritage: A Personal Kaiseki Experience
Slip into a world where food becomes poetry and each bite is a brushstroke on a canvas of tradition. This Lot is a rare invitation into the soul of Japanese culture through Kaiseki, considered by many to be the pinnacle of refined cuisine.
Enjoy the ultimate mountain getaway with a 6-day, 5-night stay for 6 guests in a luxurious 2-bedroom and 2-bath condo with an additional sofa bed in the living room, at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, where alpine charm meets year-round excitement.
Don the red, white, and gold, and get ready for the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s® Stadium on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 1:25 PM.
Find the time to slow down, fill your glass, and relax during your stay at Clif Family Winery.
Nestled atop Howell Mountain, amidst a sprawling five acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines, sits the Clif Family's Cold Springs Estate guest house. This picturesque location, part of Howell Mountain's rich tapestry of rolling hills and microclimates, produces some of Napa's best wines. It's your perfect home base for an authentic two-night Napa Valley retreat.
Following thirteen vintages and rave reviews for their highly allocated Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, LANDO Wines emerged as highly sought-after producers. Their focus is to produce wines with fresh fruit, intensity, and elegance; wines they enjoy drinking and sharing with their friends. They only offer their wines for sale twice a year and most of what they produce is allocated to their mailing list of friends via specific offerings.
Embark on a culinary adventure at home—no time in the kitchen required! Immerse yourself in the delicate flavors of French cuisine, perfectly paired with exquisite wines. INTL parent and favorite cordon-bleu Véronique Micha invites your party of six to travel to the French countryside without leaving the comfort of your dining room. For wine pairing, Véronique is teaming up with INTL alumnus Basile Senesi, co-founder of the exciting new Sonoma winery, Coteau Pavot. This is a rare chance to discover a rising star in the world of wine, while enjoying a sensational, stress-free dining experience for six.
Soirée du Vin aims to maintain the status of Silicon Valley’s premier wine auction. To accomplish this, we look for community partners who not only appreciate gourmet food and fine wines, but also seek to support the mission of an educational institution like the Silicon Valley International School (INTL).
INTL's focus on inquiry and bilingualism empowers young minds to embrace complexity, think critically from multiple perspectives, and demonstrate integrity and sensitivity across cultures.
Soirée du Vin is a benefit for INTL's Charlotte de Géry Endowment Fund. By supporting Soirée du Vin, you are helping to ensure that INTL is able to continue its mission indefinitely. Raise a glass at Soirée du Vin, and support the students of the Silicon Valley International School.
Past Soirées du Vin Photos Gallery and Testimonials
Rob Jensen, Testarossa Winery
“We have talked to other winemakers, and they said that the quality of people who attend this event, who appreciate fine food and fine wine, is higher than any other event in the area... We reached out and were very fortunate to be selected.”
Tom Fogarty Jr., Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards
“I can count on one hand the number of fundraising tastings I've done where I felt like the quality of the participating wineries was high across the board and the guests truly appreciated the wines ... It's a pleasure when that happens, and you guys nailed it."
Jim Varner, The Council
“I find the event to be very elegant. I love the international aspects and have had wonderful conversations with people from diverse cultures.”
Mark Vernon, Ridge Vineyards
“We always like this group because they really love wine. When it’s a group that appreciates good wine, it gives us a chance to talk about it, share our stories and our ideas."
Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat
“The important thing for me is that my life changed when I learned French. I used my knowledge of French to go to Burgundy to learn how to make wine and start my own company. French culture totally changed my life. I feel a real connection to the school.”
Thierry Nivaggioli, Former Soirée du Vin Chair
"My favorite part of the event is meeting with the winemakers, to hear them describe their wine and what is going on at their wineries.”
Soirée du Vin is Silicon Valley's must-attend event for all who enjoy fine wine, gourmet food, and great company.
Steering Committee Co-Chairs: Christophe Mallard and Véronique Micha
Steering Committee Members: Samantha Wang, Boris Micha, Linda Wang, Albert Huntington, Andrea Li, Olivier Crémel, Liz Maas, Ryan Maas, Sofya Salah, George Salah, and Patricia Colin