How A Devastating Diagnosis Affected The Zinfandel Community To Inspire Change

Upon meeting Brady Mauritson: he looks you in the eye, shakes your hand with confidence, and calls you sir or ma'am out of respect. His smile is infectious, he loves music, he's proud to be from Sonoma County, and he wants carry on his father's legacy. Being the 15 year old son of Clay Mauritson, the sixth generation in a family of grape growers and an ex-Oregon outside linebacker, comes with a deal of expectation. Since 1868, his family has farmed the lands they grew up on, with esteem for the area and great work ethic. 100 years after arriving in the region, the Army Corps of Engineers invoked Eminent Domain to offer pennies on the dollar for 3,330 acres of their family's land. The reason: to create Lake Sonoma, a man-made-lake with the purpose to provide water for countywide growth and development, and for recreation. A family crisis created a new perspective, and a new opportunity. They acquired a sub 100-acre plot of land in Alexander Valley, just to the east of the Dry Creek. They got back to work, applied their work ethic, and have bootstrapped an incredible grape growing operation, with fruit being sold to top wineries in the area  like of Jordan.

So When Clay & Carrie Mauritson saw their son Brady's developmental issues coming into focus, there was a life-altering delivery of news coming...He was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at the age of 2-1⁄2 years old. Clay and his wife Carrie joined hands with celebrated James Beard Award-winning Chef Charlie Palmer to launch Project Zin. The initiative aims to raise awareness, advocate for all people with disabilities, especially those with Down Syndrome, while generating funds to support DSCBA's mission to empower, inspire, and support people with Down Syndrome and their families. Something Clay & Carrie did not have at their disposal upon Brady's diagnosis in 2010. Today, Brady is the Team Manager and Hype Man of his High School Basketball Team. He is a board member, musician, and advocate for inclusion. Project Zin is changing lives.

"Charlie told me, 'When you're ready to do something, come let me know,' Clay shared slyly. I didn't know what that meant, and I was in a deep funk so I needed some time before I was ready to find out. But when I was ready, we created Project Zin."

Now in its 13th year, Project Zin takes place on August 18-19 at Bricoleur Vineyards in Sonoma County, and has become a beacon of community, compassion, and celebration. The 2011 inaugural event raised an inspiring $25,000 and has continued to flourish, surpassing a $2 million threshold in total funds raised by 2022.

"Project Zin began as a small spark during an emotionally challenging time for our family, and it’s since grown to touch many lives," says Clay Mauritson. “It is humbling to see our food and wine community come together to create a legacy of compassion, understanding, and empowerment, all inspired by the incredible journey of Brady and the many lives he's touched.”

Project Zin will unfold at the picturesque Bricoleur Vineyards. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to sample 21 of the most coveted Zinfandels, each paired with gourmet tastings from celebrated chefs. The number 21 is significant as it acknowledges the extra copy of chromosome 21 in most cases of Down Syndrome, which changes the body and brain’s development. The evening will include a taste-around-style event with vibrant live music, followed by a progression to the Winery Barn for Project Zin will showcase exquisite cuisine from renowned chefs, masterfully paired with Zinfandel wines. desserts, a Live Auction, and paddle raise. General Admission starts at 6:30pm ($200.00), and VIP tickets include early admission at 5:30 pm ($350.00). Bid on the silent auction here.