Cioppino & Vino raises $83,536 for Paso Robles Children’s Museum
Sold-out event at Paso Robles Event Center draws 200 guests
– The 2026 Cioppino & Vino culinary and wine celebration raised $83,536 during a sold-out event held Sunday, March 1, at the Paso Robles Event Center.
Organizers reported net proceeds exceeding $67,000, representing nearly a 75% increase over the previous year. The event welcomed 200 guests and marked its 14th year.
Guests sampled cioppino dishes paired with wines from JDusi Wines, Hoyt Family Vineyards, Dubost Wine, Arndt Cellars, Shale Oak Winery, Graveyard Cellars, and Hope Family Wines.
Participating chefs included Chef Betsy Villagomez; Chef Nick Nolan of Trumpet Vine Catering; Chef Elizabeth Schmidt of Brick & Mortar Catering; Chef Justin Hall of S’Aranella; Chef Justin Alvarez; Chef Jeffry Weisinger of Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ; and Chef Logan Ring of The Anderson Paso.
The event presented Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards. Judges awarded the Judges’ Choice honor to Chef Justin Hall of S’Aranella. Attendees selected Chef Jeffry Weisinger of Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ for the People’s Choice award.
Judges included Jen Olson of Edible Magazine; cookbook author Brigit Binns; Rachel Haggstrom, chef of Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Justin; and Pepper Daniels, a local radio personality and program director.
“My heart is incredibly full and my passion for this work is stronger than ever after seeing our community truly show up for Cioppino & Vino this year,” said Executive Director Teresa Dellaganna. “This was our most successful fundraiser since the museum’s initial campaign, and the funds raised directly support our mission of allowing children to learn through play by sustaining our daily operations and expanding the programs we offer at the museum.”
The organization credited its board members for securing auction items and sponsors, hosting tables, and welcoming guests.
Sponsors included Bank of the Sierra, Paso Robles Waste & Recycle, Paso Pizza Kitchen on the Park, The Blueprinters, La Morena Events, Limitless Skies Photobooth, AlphaLit Central Coast, Hearst Ranch Winery, McPrice Myers Winery, Kramer Events, and Matt’s Bakery.
Organizers said the event supports the Children’s Museum’s mission of providing opportunities for children to learn through play. For information about future events and ways to support the museum, contact Executive Director Teresa Dellaganna at teresa@pasokids.org.
