Ann Vernon
Maybe not as much as you think! Recently, eight guests were treated to an incredible immersion into the world of wine by David and Kathleen Eaton, owners of a boutique winery located in The Preserve. The Eatons, formerly from Seattle, walked their guests through the entire operation as they sipped on a Petite Verdot and a Syrah in their casita. Here they described how Dave drives for four long days round trip to get grapes from a high-quality vineyard in Washington State, transporting them in an air-conditioned van back to Tucson. Guests then learned how they crush and de-stem the grapes and how they “cold soak” the juice from the grapes prior to adding yeast. Dave explained that due to an automated grape picking process, more wild yeast than normal was introduced into their latest yield, and that would make it interesting to see how the wine eventually matures. He then demonstrated how they press the wine, including the use of innovative spun concrete fiber disks, as well as the process for bottling the wine.
Following this very informative presentation, the Eatons treated their guests to appetizers as they tasted and rated six of their different wines. During the tasting, Dave and Kathleen shared more about their experience making wine. Then, while the guests enjoyed getting to know each other, the Eatons laid out a buffet-style dinner, including brisket and pork shoulder (which Dave had smoked earlier in his Kamado smoker), Kathleen’s special Waldorf salad, and much more. For dessert, guests were treated to creme brûlée, flan, and lemon bars, and for a digestif following the meal, they enjoyed Kathleen’s homemade limoncello. The Eatons even made sure guests didn’t go home empty-handed, gifting each a jar of Kathleen’s homemade orange marmalade.
This event is just one of the many exceptional fixed-price offerings offered at the 2025 Oracle Schools Foundation Spring Gala/Auction. Many thanks to the Eatons for opening their beautiful home and educating those in attendance on how they make their hand-crafted Washington red wines right here in SaddleBrooke. It was a wonderful evening!
Proceeds from these fixed-price events support Oracle Elementary School District’s Kindergarten Prep and other educational programs. You can learn more at OracleSchoolsFoundation.com. When there, please click on the “Fixed Price” button at the top of the home page to see what other events remain for purchase this year. Mark your calendars for next year’s Gala on March 14, 2026. Check the website for more information.