St. Marks 4th Annual Cellar Classic

The Cellar Classic is coordinated by a committee of dedicated volunteers led by co-chairs Steve Pepe (owner of Clos Pepe Vineyards) and Brooks Firestone (owner of Curtis Winery).

The Cellar Classic features both a live auction of rare, collectable wines such as Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and California cult wines conducted by professional auctioneer John Glines; as well as a silent auction of other fine wines, wine-related gifts and lifestyle packages. Bountiful gourmet hors d’oeuvres will be served along with local wines accompanied by live entertainment.

According to the Church’s priest and rector, The Rev. Dr. Randall Day, “We embrace a spacious Christianity where there is room for absolutely everyone. St. Mark’s is the home of a vibrant Episcopal congregation as well as serving as a meeting place for more than 40 other groups including the area’s Jewish community as well as the Food Bank, Santa Barbara County commission hearings, Solvang Festival Theatre, People Helping People, Los Olivos Business Organization, and Rotary just to name a few. We actively support the arts with our Schoolhouse Music Evenings and other concerts throughout the year as well as hosting exhibitions of photography and painting. Our Pre-School provides top-flight early childhood education for those of all faiths. Everyone is invited to attend the Cellar Classic, truly a stellar wine industry event.”

Steve Pepe remarked, “All the wines, live and silent auction items were donated by St. Mark’s members and friends. In the Cellar Classic’s first three years, the event has been an incredible financial success raising more than $300,000 with expenses only 10%. We are very grateful and plan to continue to provide important community services and support. For example, in 2012, the Cellar Classic made a $10,000 donation to help area children to attend the nearby Circle V Ranch Camp. St. Mark’s depends on the generosity of its parishioners especially the wine industry surrounding it to provide sufficient funds to continue its mission to openly serve an increasingly diverse population with a very wide range of needs here.” To donate wine for the auction, contact Steve Pepe directly at steve@clospepe.com or call him at 805-735-7867.

Cellar Classic tickets are $100 per person including wine, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment—available only in advance with payment by check, credit card or PayPal (online at www.SMITV.org). To purchase event tickets, call the church office at (805) 688-4454 or send an email request to info@SMITV.org.