Renowned Napa Valley Vintners and Philanthropists Unite in Newport Beach
for a Weekend of Wine, Food, and Purpose
NEWPORT BEACH, California (March 27, 2026) – CureDuchenne, a global leader in advancing research and care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, partnered with Vintner Chair Peter Michael Winery to host the 12th annual Napa in Newport: The Premier Wine Weekend at Pendry Newport Beach. The three-day celebration raised $1.6 million, bringing the event’s total fundraising since inception to more than $14 million to accelerate research and improve care for those living with the progressive neuromuscular disease.
“Napa in Newport was an extraordinary celebration of Napa Valley’s finest wines and the incredible generosity of our community,” said Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne. “This event raised critical funds to advance research, expand patient care, and bring a cure to thousands living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We’re already looking ahead to 2027, where we plan to create an even more one-of-a-kind weekend filled with rare wines, unforgettable culinary experiences, and memorable moments for our guests.”
An Immersive Weekend of Rare Wines and Exceptional Dining
The weekend began on Friday with two intimate vintner dinners hosted by Peter Michael Winery and Simon Family Estate, bringing together winemakers and guests ahead of the main festivities. The signature black-tie gala on Saturday opened with a Grand Tasting featuring 29 top Napa Valley wineries pouring limited-production wines and offering exclusive access to the vintners. New this year, VIP attendees gained access to The Ultimate Pour, an intimate tasting of coveted vintages from Macdonald and Fairchild Estate. Guests then enjoyed a multi-course dinner crafted by Chef Colin Bedford, Executive Chef at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel. Each table was hosted by a different Napa Valley Vintner, curating tableside pairings for the gourmet meal.
Moments That Bring the Mission Into Focus
Dillion Le, a 13-year-old singer and pianist living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, serenaded the crowd, and received a standing ovation after performing “The Climb.” Families of children living with Duchenne shared a deep sense of urgency to bring life-changing treatments to their loved ones.
Following the dinner, a lively auction featured rare wines, luxury travel, and private dining experiences. Guests danced the night away after the gala at a VIP After Party at The Elwood Club, Pendry Newport Beach’s private Cabaret Room. The three-day celebration concluded with a Brunch & Bubbles finale featuring curated pairings and sparkling wines from Napa Valley vintner JCB. Sponsors included South Coast Plaza, Parea Travel, and Uncharted.
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum in 2027
CureDuchenne also announced that the 13th annual Napa in Newport will be held March 21-24, 2027, and will be chaired by 2025 Winemaker of the Year Jesse Katz. Known for his acclaimed labels, including Aperture, Devil Proof, Prophet and Poet, and The Setting, Katz has earned international recognition for his wines and is deeply committed to philanthropy. The event’s featured chef will be Dustin Valette, Chef/Owner of Valette, The Matheson, Roof 106, and Valette Wines. The 2027 event will be expanded to a multi-day celebration, and a waiting list is now available at NapaInNewport.org.
Fueling Research and Care for Families Living with Duchenne
The success of Napa in Newport reflects the power of community, philanthropy, and the shared commitment of Napa Valley’s winemakers, chefs, and supporters. All weekend activities benefit CureDuchenne and help fund research, patient care, and life-changing treatments for those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and progressive disease that affects roughly one in 5,000 male births and is 100% fatal. For more information, visit cureduchenne.org.
About CureDuchenne
Over twenty years ago, CureDuchenne was created with one goal: to find and fund a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, one of the most common and severe forms of muscular dystrophy. Today, CureDuchenne is recognized as a global leader in research, patient care, and innovation for improving and extending the lives of those with Duchenne. CureDuchenne’s innovative venture philanthropy model has advanced transformative treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including 19 projects that advanced to human clinical trials and multiple projects to overcome the limitations of exon-skipping and gene therapy. In addition, CureDuchenne contributed early funding to the first FDA-approved Duchenne drugs and pioneered the first and only Duchenne physical and occupational therapist certification program. For more information on how to help raise awareness and funds needed for research, please visit cureduchenne.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
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