The Lexington Cancer Foundation, Inc. (LCF) will host its seventh annual Kentucky Bluegrass Wine Auction and Derby Gala Wednesday, May 2 – Saturday, May 5, 2012. The nation’s only charity wine event integrating fine wine and equestrian culture, the Kentucky Bluegrass Wine Auction & Derby Gala coincides with the Kentucky Derby. The event’s private vintner dinners will be held in LCF patron homes on Wednesday, May 2. The auction will be held at Donamire Farm in Lexington, Kentucky on Thursday, May 3. Vintner pouring and silent auction will begin at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner and live auction at 8:30 pm. The Right on Band will entertain guests from 10:00 pm until 1:00 am. Participating vintners will attend horse farm tours and a private dinner at the Iroquois Hunt Club on Friday, May 4. In only six years, the Kentucky Bluegrass Wine Auction & Derby Gala has raised more than 4 million dollars in support of the LCF’s mission to fight cancer.

Since its inception, the auction has grown, attracting a wide range of vintners to Kentucky. Vintners in attendance have included; Jackson Family Wines, Jordan Vineyards, Chalk Hill Estate, Oakville Ranch Vineyards, Blackbird Vineyards, Grgich Hills Estate, Spottswoode Family Wine Estate, Duckhorn Wine Company, Revana Family Wines, Barbour Vineyards, Magnanimus Wine Group and many more. Mr. and Mrs. Marc Mondavi, co-proprietors, of Charles Krug will serve as the 2012 Vintner Chairs. Tim Mondavi of Continuum Estate will attend the auction as well. The following vintners will attend in 2012; Charles Krug, Blackbird Vineyards, Silver Oak Cellars, Revana Family Vineyards, Jackson Family Wines, Reynolds Family Vineyards, Roy Estate, Domaine Serene and many others. Auction donations include items from vintners such as Colgin, Harlan Estate, Far Niente, Quintessa, and many more.

Live auction items include VIP invitation to attend Elton John’s Academy Awards Party with CHOPARD, $12,000 diamond CHOPARD necklace, be a judge for the car of the year with the Rob Report, Montage Laguna Beach, private mansion in Carmel with golf at Pebble Beach, donation by Exclusive Resorts with choice of location, exclusive Napa Valley excursions, and many more.

Each year LCF features an original piece of artwork to represent the Kentucky Bluegrass Wine Auction & Derby Gala. The 2012 piece is an acrylic on canvas, “26” x “26”, titled “Mustard” by Napa Valley artist Chiara Mondavi. Mondavi’s works are represented by Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley and can be viewed by going to www.maisonry.com. Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley is owned by Michael Polenske, the past 2011 Vintner Chair of the Kentucky Bluegrass Wine Auction & Derby Gala.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased by calling 888.388.2620. $100 per person for the Private Vintner Dinners on Wednesday, May 2. $700 per couple for the Kentucky Bluegrass Wine Auction & Derby Gala on Thursday, May 3.