The Sunriver Woman’s Club Event That Poured with Purpose:

It wasn’t just the wine that had people glowing. The seventh annual Art Meets Wine in the High Desert blended flavor, flair, and fundraising into one powerful evening on May 17. With help from major sponsors like Michelle Powell of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, the event raised critical funds for nonprofits supporting food security, youth programs, and families in need across South Deschutes County.

Art Meets Wine in the High Desert, now in its seventh year, once again delivered on its promise: a top-tier tasting experience paired with food, music, creativity—and a serious dose of heart. Hosted by the powerhouse Sunriver Women’s Club, the sold-out event at SHARC brought hundreds of locals, visitors, and wine lovers together not just to sip and swirl, but to support causes that matter.

“This is the kind of event that leaves a mark,” said Kendra Schreiner, one of the lead organizers. “Yes, you come for the wine. But you walk away knowing you did something bigger.”

Wine, Art, and a Whole Lot of Heart

From iconic names like Ken Wright Cellars and Stoller Family Estate to hidden gems from the Umpqua Valley producing just a few hundred cases a year, the lineup had something for every palate. Art lovers had their moment too, as members of the Artists’ Gallery Sunriver offered live demos and unique pieces for sale.

“Pairing wine with art just works,” said one attendee. “You can feel the passion in every pour, every brushstroke. It’s more than a tasting—it’s a vibe.”

Major Sponsors, Major Impact

Events like this don’t run on good intentions alone. Behind the elegance and energy lies a backbone of committed sponsors, volunteers, and local businesses who make it all possible.

One name stood out this year: Michelle Powell, a top performing real estate advisor with Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, stepped up as a major sponsor.

“Michelle has been phenomenal,” Schreiner said. “She’s not just writing checks—she’s involved, she’s present, and she truly understands what this event is about.”

Support from Michelle Powell—joined by fellow Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s advisors Kelly Winch, Jenn Schaake, Kimberly Powell, Nola Horton-Jones, and Judi Hein, all of whom regularly volunteer behind the scenes—are dedictaed to supporting the Woman’s Club mission.

A Personal Mission with a Lasting Legacy

For Kelly Winch this event isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s personal.

Years ago, her daughter’s sixth-grade class was on the brink of canceling a long-awaited field trip. The group was $5,000 short. A grant from the Sunriver Women’s Club closed the gap.

“That changed everything for me,” Winch said. “From that point on, I knew I had to give back.”

She has—year after year. This time, Kelly Winch donated a four-night stay at her vacation home near the Sea of Cortez in Loreto, Mexico to the auction and rallied additional support from the Cascade Hasson team.

It’s this kind of full-circle story that keeps Art Meets Wine grounded in purpose.

The Auction That Keeps On Giving

While the wine and food might steal the spotlight during the event, the real star of the show is the online auction, which featured nearly 200 items in 2025—ranging from rare wines and private tastings to art, travel packages, and outdoor adventures.

Proceeds from both ticket sales and auction bids go directly into the Women’s Club’s Philanthropy Program, which funds nonprofits tackling issues like food insecurity, housing, youth services, and education in South Deschutes County.

“In 2024, we raised $20,000,” Schreiner said before the event. “And with this year’s turnout, we’re hoping to do even more.”

Unofficial tallies suggest they did just that.

A Class Act, Every Time

If there’s one reason people return to Art Meets Wine year after year, it’s the experience. This isn’t your average wine walk. It’s a carefully curated, visually stunning, sensory-rich event that balances elegance with warmth.

La Paella Bend returned for its fourth year, dishing out sizzling paella alongside bites from Hot Lava Bakery. Live music from Rigby Pass kept the energy flowing. And the vibe? Effortless class.

“This isn’t money going into anyone’s pocket,” Schreiner reminded attendees. “It’s going straight into our community.”

And that message landed. In every clink of glasses, every art sale, every auction bid, the shared purpose was clear: support our neighbors, lift each other up, and celebrate what makes Sunriver special.

Looking Ahead

As the last bottle was uncorked and the sun dipped behind the mountains, it was clear: Art Meets Wine 2025 wasn’t just a successful fundraiser—it was a resounding statement about what a small town can do when it comes together with purpose.

A dedicated team of volunteers made this year’s event unforgettable. But the true power of the day? The community itself—connected, generous, and proud.

Want to support the cause or see what’s coming next? Visit www.artmeetswine.org

All proceeds benefit nonprofit programs in South Deschutes County

“Wine brings people together. Art adds soul. But community? That’s what gives it all meaning.” – Kelly Winch