Wine Festival Event Series
2024 EVENTS
- SATURDAY, MARCH 2- WINE AT THE WAREHOUSE
TICKETS - SATURDAY, APRIL 13- PREVIEW DINNER
TICKETS - SATURDAY, MAY 18- WINE TASTING
TICKETS
More event details below
The St. Ambrose University Wine Festival is about so much more than just fine wine. It's about supporting our students and raising much needed scholarship dollars to support their dreams and ambitions. Through the generous support of our community, alumni, and donors, we have raised $1.7 million in our 22-year history. Those dollars support driven, dedicated, and creative students as they chart their own path.
Make plans to join in 2024. Whether you are new to wine tasting or are a bit of a connoisseur, consider taking part in all 3 of our events (yes, there are 3 Wine Festival events) and supporting our worthy cause.
Come raise a glass with us and make the future so much brighter for so many students. Here's to another record-breaking year. Cheers!
Ed & Molly Carroll
2024 Wine Festival Committee Event Chairs
Sign up for Wine Festival event emails Donate to support student scholarships
Cheers to Fine Wine and Scholarships
The St. Ambrose Wine Festival is a must for local wine lovers. We hope you'll join us for all of our events: Wine at the Warehouse, Preview Dinner, and Wine Tasting.
Wine Festival Event Series
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2024
4-6PM
Dimitri Wine & Spirits
1735 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA, 52802
TICKETS:
$40 until Feb 1
$50 Feb 2-Mar 1
$60 at the door on Mar 2
About the Event
Wine at the Warehouse is a casual tasting in the Dimitri Wine & Spirits warehouse. Dimitri Papageorgiou and his staff offer a sampling of their favorite wines while guests enjoy delicacies from several Quad Cities restaurants.
A special thank you to Dimitri and Kathy '94 Papageorgiou for hosting this annual event.
The following restaurants will be providing hors d'oeuvres at Wine at the Warehouse on March 2, 2024
- Village Corner Deli
- Flaherty's Irish Candy
- Happy Joe's Pizza
- Antonella's II
- Bayside Bistro
- Mama Bosso
- Angerer Eats
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024
6:00pm
Rogalski Center Ballroom, St. Ambrose Campus
518 W Locust St, Davenport, IA 52803
TICKETS:
$160/ Individual
*Preview Dinner ticket price includes ticket to Wine Tasting on May 18, 2024
About the Event
Preview Dinner is an elegant evening in the Rogalski Center Ballroom including featured wines froma selected vintner. Enjoy a delicious meal alongside a live and silent auction.
Ed and Molly Carroll- Preview Dinner Co-Chairs
Lisa and Paul Harrington- Preview Dinner Co-Chairs
About Stu Smith, Founder & General Partner, Smith-Madrone
Brothers Stuart and Charles Smith are the vineyard managers and winemakers of
Smith-Madrone Winery. Also in the family attic is the Fetherolf family, German
farmers from the Palatinate region, who came to America on the Good Ship Thistle
in 1730. The name for the winery came as a tribute to the Smith brothers who
pursued their dream and to the Madrone trees which distinguish the property.In May
1971, with a partnership of family and friends, Stuart Smith bought the 'terroir' which
today is Smith-Madrone Vineyards & winery. Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet
Sauvignon were initially planted in 1972. Cabernet Franc and Merlot were added in
1998. Petite Verdot was added in 2007. Pinot Noir was planted in 1972 but grafted
over to Chardonnay in 1986. The vineyards sit at elevations between 1,300 and
2,000 feet, on steep slopes which range up to 34%. Stuart Smith chose specific
slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards:
eastern exposure for Riesling, southern and western exposures across flat stretches
for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the coolest north-facing slopes for the Chardonnay.
There are numerous historical sights on the ranch, as well as the huge array of
natural beauty and wildlife.
He was 22 years old and had just received his B.A. in Economics from UC Berkeley
and was taking classes towards his Master's in Viticulture at UC Davis. In trying to
find land to plant vineyard in the Napa Valley, through a family friend he explored a
forest on the remotest and highest part of Spring Mountain and discovered that the
land had been a vineyard in the 1880s and in fact had been part of the wagon trail
route between Napa and Santa Rosa. Today he is respected for his expertise and
leadership as a mountain vineyardist. Stuart was born and raised in Santa Monica.
While pursuing his master's at UC Davis, Stuart was the first teaching assistant for
wine industry pioneers Maynard Amerine and Vernon Singleton in 1970-1971. He
taught enology at Santa Rosa Junior College and Napa Valley College; he has
chaired the 1986 and 2006 Napa Valley Wine Auctions. He is an active member of
the G.O.N.A.D.S. (the Gastronomical Order for Nonsensical and Dissipatory Society),
a group of Napa Valley vintners who started getting together for monthly lunches in
the 1980s. He served on Napa County's Watershed Task Force for several years,
appointed by the Board of Supervisors; in 2006 he was appointed again by the
Board of Supervisors to sit on Napa County General Plan Steering Committee,
responsible for updating Napa's General Plan, a three year project. Stu also serves
as auctioneer for an Omaha (NB) charity auction every year. Stuart served as Scout
Master for St. Helena's (Boy Scout) Troop One for many years and continues as the
Troop's Chair today. He is an avid canoeist, having canoed through the Quetico
Wilderness in Canada many times and often canoes the Klamath and Trinity Rivers in
California. He has five children and four grandchildren.
Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon were initially planted in 1972. Cabernet Franc and Merlot were
added in 1998. Petite Verdot was added in 2007. Pinot Noir was planted in 1972 but
grafted over to Chardonnay in 1986.
MENU
Smith-Madrone Riesling- Spring Mountain District/Napa Valley, California 2019
Smith-Madrone Chardonnay- Spring Mountain District/ Napa Valley, California 2018
Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon- Spring Mountain District/Napa Valley, California 2019
HORS D'OEUVRES
Artisan Cheese with Baguettes
FIRST COURSE
Spinach & Arugula Salad
with a Honey Citrus Vinaigrette
SECOND COURSE
Green Garlic Creamy Risotto with English Peas
Tri-Colored Carrots with Calabrian Chilies
Roasted Salmon with Grilled Lemon Glaze
Marinated Steak with Shisto Salsa Verde
THIRD COURSE
Chocolate Torte with
Red Wine Poached Cherry Reduction
Thomas Mason IV '91 - Boutique Wine Chair
2023 BOUTIQUE WINE SILENT AUCTION ITEMS:
Dunn Valley 2 bottle set
2023 Vandals Uncorked Wine Series
Donelan Syrah 2 bottle set/ Sonoma County & Russian River Valley
Donelan Syrah 2 bottle set/ Sonoma County & Russian River Valley
2012 Perdroncelli Pinot Noir Magnum - signed
Truchard 4 bottle set
Donelan Syrah 2 Bottle Set/Sonoma County & Knights ValleY
2013 Pina Wolff Vineyard Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Round Pound Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay & Champagne - 4 bottle set
2013 Pedroncelli Cabernet Dry Creek Valley - Three Vineyards, 2 bottle magnum set
W. & J. Graham's 30 year Tawny Porto
Smith-Madrone 2 bottle set
2011 Materra Cunat Reserve
2011 Materra Cunat Reserve
Ohio River Valley Wine Set
Wagner Family Wines Gems
2014 Bremer Family Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
2017 Chateau Riessec, Sauternes (Grand Cru Classe), France
2011 La Vita, Bargetto Family Estate Red Blend
2016 Villa Giada Barolo
Jackson County, Iowa Wines - 4 bottle set
2018 Pina Cellars Chardonnay Oaknoll District
2016 Col D'Orcia, Vigna Nastagio Brunello di Montalcino, Italy
Brady Vineyard 2 bottle set
2006 Giacosa Fratelli Vigna Mandorlo (Barolo)
2013 Tenuta Cucco, Cerrati Barolo, Italy
2011 Laetitia Reseve du Domaine Pinot Nior
2019 Pedroncelli Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Bremer Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Materra 2 bottle set
Faust 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
2021 J. Moreau & Fils Glore de Chablis
2018 Benovia, Zinfandel, Somona County
2012 Buena Vista Legendary Badge Red, Sonoma County, CA
2019 Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Appellation D'Origine Protegee
2013 Cambridge Meritage Napa Valley
2013 Cyprus Cabernet Sauvignon (Knights Valley)
2020 Post and Beam Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Swig Vineyard Judd's Hill Merlot
2019 Atamisque Malbec
2020 La Storia by Trentadue Petite Sirah
2018 Miro Pine Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Chateau La Lauzette Red Blend
2020 GSM Quady North Red Blend
2020 Two2Square, Chardonnay
2016 Seabiscuit Ranch Superfecta Meritage Red Blend
2017 Hopler Zweigelt Red
2016 Peachy Canyon Westside Zinfandel
2019 Seabiscuit Ranch Chardonay
2020 Cantina di Tortona Bianco
2019 Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon
2023 LIVE AUCTION ITEMS:
- A Delicious Experience Donated By: Sodexo
Valued at: $1200
Your group of up to 12 will receive an entertaining and informative experience as you prepare a culinary delight. This cooking class offers hands-on, individualized instruction to be held on campus this summer.
- Football and B&B Donated By: Thomas Mason IV '91 & Rachel '04 MBA, Sara Liebscher of the University of Notre Dame and Angie '89, '96 & Dave ‘85 Seger
Valued at: $1400
Description: It's a unique September weekend away! You and a guest will head east to take in a Notre Dame vs Central Michigan football game on Sept. 16. But before the big game, rest up in the beautiful and comfortable St. Joseph's suite at the Ambrose Bed & Breakfast for your weekend stay. Head to South Bend for a day with passes to the Coach's Keys and Ask Jack program, a locker room tour, a parking pass, a pre-game tailgate with the Masons and the Notre Club of the Quad Cities.
- Magnum of Rare 2015 Dalla Terra Wine Donated By: Kristen Miles and Dalla Terra Winery Direct
Valued at: $500
Description: Enjoy this Poliziano "Asinone" Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2015-1.5L, a single vineyard wine known described as being a bright and energetic. This Sangiovese-based red offers volume and richness spread over dark fruit, cherry and blackberry flavors. The 2015 was a warm vintage, and you get extra softness, fruitiness and succulence as a result.
- Come to the Table with the Novaks! Donated By: Amy & Ken Novak
Valued at: $2,000
Description: Enjoy a special evening of invigorating conversation and fellowship with Amy and Ken Novak at their home. The Novaks will provide dinner for you, complete with a variety of domestic and imported beers and wine. It's a big table - eight people can partake in this unique experience in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Fight, Fight, Fight for Iowa Donated By: Townsend Engineering and Zimmerman Honda
Valued at: $1000
Description: Hawkeye fans, don't miss out on this great game day package as Iowa takes on Michigan State on Sept. 30 at Kinnick Stadium. Enjoy an amazing tailgate experience in the comfort of an RV with AC/heat, bathroom, and all you can partake food and drinks.. This package includes 4 tickets behind the Iowa bench approximately 14 rows up. What a day!
- Gourmet Dinner for 8 Donated By: Myra & Mike Daniel
Valued at: $2000
Description: Prepare for a gourmet experience like no other. This elaborate multi-course dinner for 8 people is prepared and hosted by Chef Mike and Myra Daniel in their home. You'll enjoy fresh, unique, and in-season ingredients. Each course will be expertly paired with fine wine. It's an unforgettable way to spend the evening with a group of friends or family.
- Innisbrook Florida Golf Resort Stay Donated By: Sheila and Steve Gervase
Valued at: $3000
Description: Bask in the luxury of the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Innisbrook is regarded as one of the country's most celebrated golf and meeting destinations. Enjoy a two-bed condo with a pull-out sofa and fully stocked kitchen for seven days. This resort has a little bit of everything, including four golf courses, seven pools, tennis courts, and multiple other amenities
- Cruise the Mississippi Donated By: Caroline Ruhl & John Thompson '70
Valued at: $1000
Description: Enjoy a boat ride for 6 departing from Rapids City, IL with Captain John Thompson and first mate Caroline Ruhl. Sip on drinks and nosh on hors d'oeuvres while you soak in the sights of the Mighty Mississippi. Caroline and John will dock at a restaurant on the river and treat you to a complimentary dinner.
- Paradise Valley Arizona Vacation Package Donated By: Stopulos Family
Valued at: $7000
Description: Spend 4 days and 3 nights in this beautiful estate in the heart of the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area. You'll love the private putting green, heated pool and gas fire pit amongst the palm trees, game room featuring pinball, pool and Golden Tee golf. With two separate living spaces and fully-equipped kitchens, this 6-bedroom house can accommodate 12 adults (with extra room for children).
- Roll the Dice on Romance Donated by: Rhythm City Casino Resort/Ruthie's Restaurant and the SAU Advancement Department
Valued at: $1,000
Enjoy a couple's weekend at Rhythm City Casino Resort. You can enjoy a romantic dinner at Ruthie's Steak & Seafood. As you dine on delicious entrees that almost look too good to eat, take a moment to enjoy the spectacular view from the 6th floor. Take time to relax and renew while receiving a spa treatment in their vast and luxurious spa chambers. At the end of the evening you can retire to one of their comfortable rooms or try your luck on the gaming floor.
- Windy City Weekend Donated By: Heidi Parkhurst & Steve McCann and Lexus of Quad Cities
Valued at: $1,850
Enjoy a luxurious drive from the Quad Cities to your beautiful Chicago condo for an amazing Windy City weekend. You and three guests can enjoy a 2-night stay in a 2 bed/1 bath condo in the West Loop area, within walking distance of Greektown. You can also cruise up and down Lake Shore Drive in your Lexus provided by Lexus of Quad Cities.
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024
3-6PM
St. Ambrose Campus, West Lawn
518 W Locust St, Davenport, IA 52803
TICKETS:
$50 until May 17
$60 at the door on May 18
About the event
Sip your way through a spectacular assortment of 120 wines from around the world and enjoy culinary highlights from a number of Quad City restaurants.
Our festival vintner, Dimitri Papageorgiou, offers his years of experience in the wine industry to assemble an impressive assortment of wines from California to Germany to New Zealand. The Wine Festival Wine Tasting has earned the reputation as a premiere Quad Cities event and draws nearly 1,000 people to campus annually to support student scholarships.
Chris '04 '06 and Kristen '07 '08 Mandle- 2024 Event Management Chairs
2023 Food Sponsors
- Lagomarcino's
- Flaherty's Irish Candy
- Papa John's
- Biaggi's
- Bayside Bistro
- Antonella's II
- The Phoenix
The following restaurants will be providing hors d'oeuvres at Wine Tasting 2024
Wine Festival Support
The success of the Wine Festival is based largely on the volunteer role of the Quad Cities community and how it rallies behind this noble effort of supporting higher education.
The following group of individuals works diligently to ensure the Wine Festival is a success. We are grateful for the time and effort they commit to this important event trio.
Wine Festival Chairs
Ed and Molly Carroll
Event Management Chairs
Kristen '07, '08 MOT and Chris '04, '06 MPS Mandle
Media Chairs
Ann '08 and Josh '08 McIntyre
Communications Chairs
Nancy and John Hayes
Preview Dinner Co-Chairs
Ed and Molly Carroll
Lisa and Paul Harrington
Boutique Wine Silent Auction Chair
Rachel '04 and Thomas Mason IV '91
Sponsorship Co-Chairs
Tracy and Brian Matlock
Wine Festival & Vintner Chair
Dimitri Papageorgiou '21 Hon., Dimitri Wine & Spirits, Inc.
At Large
John '98 and Mandy Pavelka
St. Ambrose University Staff
Wendy Pondell '05, '22, Director of Alumni Engagement
Ex Officio
President Amy C. Novak, EdD, St. Ambrose University
The success of the Wine Festival would not be possible without the generous support of many individuals and organizations. Wine Festival cash sponsors are deeply committed to supporting the academic success of our students. Their commitment is humbling and we can't thank them enough for all that they do.
Sponsors recieve various perks depending on their level of commitment. If you're interested in becoming a Wine Festival cash sponsor, please contact Wendy Pondell.
- Dimitri Wine & Spirits
- Sodexo Campus Services
- Tri- City Electric Co
- Lighting the QCA
- Valley Construction
- Treiber Construction Co.
- Advance Homes
- Hornbuckle Heating & Air Conditioning
- Davenport Printing Company
- Dynamic Tube, Inc.
- IMPACT ILLOWA
- Studio 483 Architects
- Ed and Molly Carroll
- NelsonCorp
- The Cities Private Wealth Group
- Insurance Planning Services Corp.
- Bush Construction
- Tyson Foods
If you are interested in volunteering, becoming a sponsor, or donating an auction item, please contact Wendy Pondell in the Advancement and Alumni Engagement Office at 563-333-6057. Tickets to all events can be purchased online when they become available.
Wine Festival supporters are an important piece of our students' education. Each time you attend a Wine Festival event, you are helping assist our students directly. Wine Festival supporters help in various ways from being an event sponsor, auction donor, table sponsor, and/or ticket holder.
Our students!
- 99 percent of St. Ambrose students qualify for financial aid; that adds up to more than $27 million awarded each year from institutional and private support
- Many of these students benefit from the more than $1.7 million that has been raised through the Wine Festival since its inception.
St. Ambrose continues to provide an environment where first generation college students and students from lower and middle income families can receive a values-based education.
These important dollars help support students that otherwise may not be able to attend a school that offers small classes, individualized attention, and supportive campus services.
St. Ambrose University is dedicated to providing a quality, affordable education. That's why nearly 30 percent of the university's operating budget is dedicated to scholarships and other forms of financial assistance. Even with this dedication, our residential students and their families pay an average of $11,000-$15,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.
The Wine Festival is a volunteer, community-driven event. Supporters in the community come together as a committee each year to plan all three events - volunteering their time, talent, and treasure to raise money for student scholarships at St. Ambrose. The committee members devote countless hours promoting the events, planning the logistics, and garnering support from the greater community. These events would not be possible without them.
Sponsorship Opportunities
To date, more than $1.7 million have been raised to help these students achieve a college education, and during our 22nd year, we would like to add $100,000 to this total.
Below you can see the 2023 sponsorship details. We hope to add you as a sponsor this year and tell our students about your generosity and dedication to their futures.
Wine at the Warehouse
8 event tickets
Logo on banner and program
Preview Dinner
8 event tickets (1 table)
Exclusive invitation to pre-dinner tasting with vintner
Logo placement on dinner program and visual media
Special presentation of framed Wine Festival print
Wine Festival
8 event tickets
Corporate booth at the event
Logo placement on the complimentary cart shuttles, banner and promotional poster
Full page recognition ad in program
General
Logo on Wine Festival tickets
Visual recognition on print media and e-blasts
Listed on Wine Festival website
If you are interested in becoming a Reserva Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or email alumni@sau.edu.
Wine at the Warehouse
8 event tickets
Logo on banner and program
Preview Dinner
8 event tickets (1 table)
Listing in dinner program and visual media
Wine Festival
8 event tickets
Logo placement on the banner and promotional poster
Full page recognition ad in program
General
Visual recognition on print media
Listed on Wine Festival website
If you are interested in becoming a Malbec Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or alumni@sau.edu.
Wine at the Warehouse
4 event tickets
Logo on banner
Preview Dinner
4 event tickets
Listing in dinner program and visual media
Wine Festival
8 event tickets
Logo placement on banner and promotional poster
Full page recognition ad in program
General
Visual recognition on print media
Listed on Wine Festival website
If you are interested in becoming a Cabernet Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or alumni@sau.edu.
Wine Festival
8 event tickets
Logo placement on banner
Half page recognition ad in program
General
Listed on Wine Festival website
If you are interested in becoming a Bordeaux Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or alumni@sau.edu.
Wine Festival
6 event tickets
Quarter page recognition ad in program
General
Listed on Wine Festival website
If you are interested in becoming a Merlot Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or alumni@sau.edu.
Wine Festival
2 event tickets
Name recognition ad in program
General
Listed on Wine Festival website
If you are interested in becoming a Chardonnay Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or alumni@sau.edu.
8 tickets to Preview Dinner
If you are interested in becoming a Table Sponsor for the 2024 Preview Dinner, you can purchase a table here.
Contact
Alumni Engagement Office
Alumni House: 1527 Brady St.
Mail: 518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563/333-6290
alumni@sau.edu