DiamondsInTheRough William Morin

The annual “Diamonds in the Rough” dinner gala hosted by Diamond Creek Vineyards last weekend raised more than $200,000 for the Parkinson’s Institute in Sunnyvale.

First hosted by Wine Spectator at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone four years ago and held subsequently for three ensuing harvests at Diamond Creek Vineyards, the event has raised more than $1 million for Parkinson’s research.

This is the first time longtime Parkinson’s disease survivor Al Brounstein has not been in attendance, as the well known Napa Valley vintner passed away a few months ago.

“Those who joined us this year were very, very generous,” said hostess Boots Brounstein of the 55 guests at Saturday night’s gala.

Thomas Keller, chef/owner of The French Laundry in Yountville, who was rewarded earlier this week with three stars in the new Bay Area edition of the Michelin Guide, prepared a five course dinner for attendees, paired with Diamond Creek wines, including a rare ’99 Lake cabernet sauvignon.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by Bay Area singer/guitarist/songwriter William Morin. “He performed a beautiful original song that he dedicated to Al,” Mrs. Brounstein said.