Wine Festival


Supporting Student Success since 2001

Wine Festival Event Series

Tickets available November 24

2024 EVENTS

  • SATURDAY, MARCH 2- WINE AT THE WAREHOUSE
    TICKETS
  • SATURDAY, APRIL 13- PREVIEW DINNER 
    TICKETS
  • SATURDAY, MAY 18- WINE TASTING
    TICKETS

More event details below

CASH SPONSORSHIP FORM


The St. Ambrose University Wine Festival is about so much more than just fine wine. It's about supporting our students and raising much needed scholarship dollars to support their dreams and ambitions. Through the generous support of our community, alumni, and donors, we have raised $1.7 million in our 22-year history. Those dollars support driven, dedicated, and creative students as they chart their own path. 

Make plans to join in 2024. Whether you are new to wine tasting or are a bit of a connoisseur, consider taking part in all 3 of our events (yes, there are 3 Wine Festival events) and supporting our worthy cause. 

Come raise a glass with us and make the future so much brighter for so many students. Here's to another record-breaking year. Cheers! 

Ed & Molly Carroll

2024 Wine Festival Committee Event Chairs 


Sign up for Wine Festival event emails Donate to support student scholarships

Cheers to Fine Wine and Scholarships


The St. Ambrose Wine Festival is a must for local wine lovers. We hope you'll join us for all of our events: Wine at the Warehouse, Preview Dinner, and Wine Tasting.

Wine Festival Event Series

Wine at the Warehouse

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2024
4-6PM
Dimitri Wine & Spirits
1735 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA, 52802

TICKETS:
$40 until Feb 1
$50 Feb 2-Mar 1
$60 at the door on Mar 2

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE


About the Event

Wine at the Warehouse is a casual tasting in the Dimitri Wine & Spirits warehouse. Dimitri Papageorgiou and his staff offer a sampling of their favorite wines while guests enjoy delicacies from several Quad Cities restaurants.

A special thank you to Dimitri and Kathy '94 Papageorgiou for hosting this annual event.

2024 Wine at the Warehouse Food Sponsors

The following restaurants will be providing hors d'oeuvres at Wine at the Warehouse on March 2, 2024

  • Village Corner Deli
  • Flaherty's Irish Candy
  • Happy Joe's Pizza
  • Antonella's II
  • Bayside Bistro
  • Mama Bosso
  • Angerer Eats 
Preview Dinner

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024
6:00pm
Rogalski Center Ballroom, St. Ambrose Campus
518 W Locust St, Davenport, IA 52803

TICKETS:
$160/ Individual
*Preview Dinner ticket price includes ticket to Wine Tasting on May 18, 2024

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE


About the Event

Preview Dinner is an elegant evening in the Rogalski Center Ballroom including featured wine from a chosen vintner. Enjoy a delicious meal alongside a live and silent auction. 


Ed and Molly Carroll- Preview Dinner Co-Chairs

Lisa and Paul Harrington- Preview Dinner Co-Chairs

Boutique Wine Silent Auction

Thomas Mason IV '91 - Boutique Wine Chair


2023 BOUTIQUE WINE SILENT AUCTION ITEMS:

Dunn Valley 2 bottle set

2023 Vandals Uncorked Wine Series

Donelan Syrah 2 bottle set/ Sonoma County & Russian River Valley

Donelan Syrah 2 bottle set/ Sonoma County & Russian River Valley

2012 Perdroncelli Pinot Noir Magnum - signed

Truchard 4 bottle set

Donelan Syrah 2 Bottle Set/Sonoma County & Knights ValleY

2013 Pina Wolff Vineyard Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Round Pound Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Chardonnay & Champagne - 4 bottle set

2013 Pedroncelli Cabernet Dry Creek Valley - Three Vineyards, 2 bottle magnum set

W. & J. Graham's 30 year Tawny Porto

Smith-Madrone 2 bottle set

2011 Materra Cunat Reserve

2011 Materra Cunat Reserve

Ohio River Valley Wine Set

Wagner Family Wines Gems

2014 Bremer Family Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Chateau Riessec, Sauternes (Grand Cru Classe), France

2011 La Vita, Bargetto Family Estate Red Blend

2016 Villa Giada Barolo

Jackson County, Iowa Wines - 4 bottle set

2018 Pina Cellars Chardonnay Oaknoll District

2016 Col D'Orcia, Vigna Nastagio Brunello di Montalcino, Italy

Brady Vineyard 2 bottle set

2006 Giacosa Fratelli Vigna Mandorlo (Barolo)

2013 Tenuta Cucco, Cerrati Barolo, Italy

2011 Laetitia Reseve du Domaine Pinot Nior

2019 Pedroncelli Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Bremer Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2020 Materra 2 bottle set

Faust 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 J. Moreau & Fils Glore de Chablis

2018 Benovia, Zinfandel, Somona County

2012 Buena Vista Legendary Badge Red, Sonoma County, CA

2019 Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Appellation D'Origine Protegee

2013 Cambridge Meritage Napa Valley

2013 Cyprus Cabernet Sauvignon (Knights Valley)

2020 Post and Beam Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Swig Vineyard Judd's Hill Merlot

2019 Atamisque Malbec

2020 La Storia by Trentadue Petite Sirah

2018 Miro Pine Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Chateau La Lauzette Red Blend

2020 GSM Quady North Red Blend

2020 Two2Square, Chardonnay

2016 Seabiscuit Ranch Superfecta Meritage Red Blend

2017 Hopler Zweigelt Red

2016 Peachy Canyon Westside Zinfandel

2019 Seabiscuit Ranch Chardonay

2020 Cantina di Tortona Bianco

2019 Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon

2023 Live Auction Items

2023 LIVE AUCTION ITEMS:

  • A Delicious Experience Donated By: Sodexo

Valued at: $1200
Your group of up to 12 will receive an entertaining and informative experience as you prepare a culinary delight. This cooking class offers hands-on, individualized instruction to be held on campus this summer.

  • Football and B&B Donated By: Thomas Mason IV '91 & Rachel '04 MBA, Sara Liebscher of the University of Notre Dame and Angie '89, '96 & Dave ‘85 Seger

Valued at: $1400
Description: It's a unique September weekend away! You and a guest will head east to take in a Notre Dame vs Central Michigan football game on Sept. 16. But before the big game, rest up in the beautiful and comfortable St. Joseph's suite at the Ambrose Bed & Breakfast for your weekend stay. Head to South Bend for a day with passes to the Coach's Keys and Ask Jack program, a locker room tour, a parking pass, a pre-game tailgate with the Masons and the Notre Club of the Quad Cities.

  • Magnum of Rare 2015 Dalla Terra Wine Donated By: Kristen Miles and Dalla Terra Winery Direct

Valued at: $500
Description: Enjoy this Poliziano "Asinone" Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2015-1.5L, a single vineyard wine known described as being a bright and energetic. This Sangiovese-based red offers volume and richness spread over dark fruit, cherry and blackberry flavors. The 2015 was a warm vintage, and you get extra softness, fruitiness and succulence as a result.

  • Come to the Table with the Novaks! Donated By: Amy & Ken Novak

Valued at: $2,000
Description: Enjoy a special evening of invigorating conversation and fellowship with Amy and Ken Novak at their home. The Novaks will provide dinner for you, complete with a variety of domestic and imported beers and wine. It's a big table - eight people can partake in this unique experience in a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Fight, Fight, Fight for Iowa Donated By: Townsend Engineering and Zimmerman Honda

Valued at: $1000
Description: Hawkeye fans, don't miss out on this great game day package as Iowa takes on Michigan State on Sept. 30 at Kinnick Stadium. Enjoy an amazing tailgate experience in the comfort of an RV with AC/heat, bathroom, and all you can partake food and drinks.. This package includes 4 tickets behind the Iowa bench approximately 14 rows up. What a day!

  • Gourmet Dinner for 8 Donated By: Myra & Mike Daniel

Valued at: $2000
Description: Prepare for a gourmet experience like no other. This elaborate multi-course dinner for 8 people is prepared and hosted by Chef Mike and Myra Daniel in their home. You'll enjoy fresh, unique, and in-season ingredients. Each course will be expertly paired with fine wine. It's an unforgettable way to spend the evening with a group of friends or family.

  • Innisbrook Florida Golf Resort Stay Donated By: Sheila and Steve Gervase

Valued at: $3000
Description: Bask in the luxury of the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Innisbrook is regarded as one of the country's most celebrated golf and meeting destinations. Enjoy a two-bed condo with a pull-out sofa and fully stocked kitchen for seven days. This resort has a little bit of everything, including four golf courses, seven pools, tennis courts, and multiple other amenities

  • Cruise the Mississippi Donated By: Caroline Ruhl & John Thompson '70

Valued at: $1000
Description: Enjoy a boat ride for 6 departing from Rapids City, IL with Captain John Thompson and first mate Caroline Ruhl. Sip on drinks and nosh on hors d'oeuvres while you soak in the sights of the Mighty Mississippi. Caroline and John will dock at a restaurant on the river and treat you to a complimentary dinner.

  • Paradise Valley Arizona Vacation Package Donated By: Stopulos Family

Valued at: $7000
Description: Spend 4 days and 3 nights in this beautiful estate in the heart of the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area. You'll love the private putting green, heated pool and gas fire pit amongst the palm trees, game room featuring pinball, pool and Golden Tee golf. With two separate living spaces and fully-equipped kitchens, this 6-bedroom house can accommodate 12 adults (with extra room for children).

  • Roll the Dice on Romance Donated by: Rhythm City Casino Resort/Ruthie's Restaurant and the SAU Advancement Department

Valued at: $1,000
Enjoy a couple's weekend at Rhythm City Casino Resort. You can enjoy a romantic dinner at Ruthie's Steak & Seafood. As you dine on delicious entrees that almost look too good to eat, take a moment to enjoy the spectacular view from the 6th floor. Take time to relax and renew while receiving a spa treatment in their vast and luxurious spa chambers. At the end of the evening you can retire to one of their comfortable rooms or try your luck on the gaming floor.

  • Windy City Weekend Donated By: Heidi Parkhurst & Steve McCann and Lexus of Quad Cities

Valued at: $1,850
Enjoy a luxurious drive from the Quad Cities to your beautiful Chicago condo for an amazing Windy City weekend. You and three guests can enjoy a 2-night stay in a 2 bed/1 bath condo in the West Loop area, within walking distance of Greektown. You can also cruise up and down Lake Shore Drive in your Lexus provided by Lexus of Quad Cities.

Wine Tasting

SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024
3-6PM
St. Ambrose Campus, West Lawn
518 W Locust St, Davenport, IA 52803

TICKETS:
$50 until May 17
$60 at the door on May 18

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE


About the event

Sip your way through a spectacular assortment of 120 wines from around the world and enjoy culinary highlights from a number of Quad City restaurants. 

Our festival vintner, Dimitri Papageorgiou, offers his years of experience in the wine industry to assemble an impressive assortment of wines from California to Germany to New Zealand. The Wine Festival Wine Tasting has earned the reputation as a premiere Quad Cities event and draws nearly 1,000 people to campus annually to support student scholarships.


Chris '04 '06 and Kristen '07 '08 Mandle- 2024 Event Management Chairs


2023 Food Sponsors

  • Lagomarcino's
  • Flaherty's Irish Candy
  • Papa John's
  • Biaggi's
  • Bayside Bistro
  • Antonella's II
  • The Phoenix

2024 Wine Tasting Food Sponsors

The following restaurants will be providing hors d'oeuvres at Wine Tasting 2024

Wine Festival Support

Wine Festival Committee

The success of the Wine Festival is based largely on the volunteer role of the Quad Cities community and how it rallies behind this noble effort of supporting higher education.

The following group of individuals works diligently to ensure the Wine Festival is a success. We are grateful for the time and effort they commit to this important event trio.

Wine Festival Chairs
Ed and Molly Carroll

Event Management Chairs
Kristen '07, '08 MOT and Chris '04, '06 MPS Mandle

Media Chairs
Ann '08 and Josh '08 McIntyre

Communications Chairs
Nancy and John Hayes 

Preview Dinner Co-Chairs
Ed and Molly Carroll
Lisa and Paul Harrington

Boutique Wine Silent Auction Chair
Rachel '04 and Thomas Mason IV '91

Sponsorship Co-Chairs
Tracy and Brian Matlock 

Wine Festival & Vintner Chair
Dimitri Papageorgiou '21 Hon., Dimitri Wine & Spirits, Inc.

At Large
John '98 and Mandy Pavelka

St. Ambrose University Staff
Wendy Pondell '05, '22, Director of Alumni Engagement

Ex Officio
President Amy C. Novak, EdD, St. Ambrose University

2024 Sponsors

The success of the Wine Festival would not be possible without the generous support of many individuals and organizations. Wine Festival cash sponsors are deeply committed to supporting the academic success of our students. Their commitment is humbling and we can't thank them enough for all that they do. 

Sponsors recieve various perks depending on their level of commitment. If you're interested in becoming a Wine Festival cash sponsor, please contact Wendy Pondell.

2024 Reserva Sponsors
  • Dimitri Wine & Spirits
  • Sodexo Campus Services
  • Tri- City Electric Co 
  • Lighting the QCA
2024 Malbec Sponsors
  • Valley Construction 
2024 Cabernet Sponsors
  • Treiber Construction Co.
2024 Bordeaux Sponsors
  • Advance Homes 
  • Hornbuckle Heating & Air Conditioning 
2024 Merlot Sponsors
  • Davenport Printing Company
  • Dynamic Tube, Inc.
  • IMPACT ILLOWA
2024 Chardonnay Sponsors
  • Studio 483 Architects 
2024 Preview Dinner Table Sponsors
  • Ed and Molly Carroll 
  • NelsonCorp
  • The Cities Private Wealth Group
  • Insurance Planning Services Corp. 
  • Bush Construction
  • Tyson Foods 
Scholarship Facts

If you are interested in volunteering, becoming a sponsor, or donating an auction item, please contact Wendy Pondell in the Advancement and Alumni Engagement Office at 563-333-6057. Tickets to all events can be purchased online when they become available.

How am I helping?

Wine Festival supporters are an important piece of our students' education. Each time you attend a Wine Festival event, you are helping assist our students directly. Wine Festival supporters help in various ways from being an event sponsor, auction donor, table sponsor, and/or ticket holder.

Who benefits from this generosity?

Our students!

  • 99 percent of St. Ambrose students qualify for financial aid; that adds up to more than $27 million awarded each year from institutional and private support
  • Many of these students benefit from the more than $1.7 million that has been raised through the Wine Festival since its inception.

St. Ambrose continues to provide an environment where first generation college students and students from lower and middle income families can receive a values-based education.

These important dollars help support students that otherwise may not be able to attend a school that offers small classes, individualized attention, and supportive campus services.

What about the St. Ambrose budget?

St. Ambrose University is dedicated to providing a quality, affordable education. That's why nearly 30 percent of the university's operating budget is dedicated to scholarships and other forms of financial assistance. Even with this dedication, our residential students and their families pay an average of $11,000-$15,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.

Who plans the Wine Festival?

The Wine Festival is a volunteer, community-driven event. Supporters in the community come together as a committee each year to plan all three events - volunteering their time, talent, and treasure to raise money for student scholarships at St. Ambrose. The committee members devote countless hours promoting the events, planning the logistics, and garnering support from the greater community. These events would not be possible without them.

Sponsorship Opportunities

2024 Sponsorship Levels

To date, more than $1.7 million have been raised to help these students achieve a college education, and during our 22nd year, we would like to add $100,000 to this total.

Below you can see the 2023 sponsorship details. We hope to add you as a sponsor this year and tell our students about your generosity and dedication to their futures. 

Reserva - $10,000

Wine at the Warehouse
8 event tickets
Logo on banner and program

Preview Dinner
8 event tickets (1 table)
Exclusive invitation to pre-dinner tasting with vintner
Logo placement on dinner program and visual media
Special presentation of framed Wine Festival print

Wine Festival
8 event tickets
Corporate booth at the event
Logo placement on the complimentary cart shuttles, banner and promotional poster
Full page recognition ad in program

General
Logo on Wine Festival tickets
Visual recognition on print media and e-blasts
Listed on Wine Festival website

If you are interested in becoming a Reserva Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or email alumni@sau.edu.

Malbec - $7,500

Wine at the Warehouse
8 event tickets
Logo on banner and program

Preview Dinner
8 event tickets (1 table)
Listing in dinner program and visual media

Wine Festival
8 event tickets
Logo placement on the banner and promotional poster
Full page recognition ad in program

General
Visual recognition on print media
Listed on Wine Festival website

If you are interested in becoming a Malbec Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or alumni@sau.edu.

Cabernet - $5,000

Wine at the Warehouse
4 event tickets
Logo on banner

Preview Dinner
4 event tickets
Listing in dinner program and visual media

Wine Festival
8 event tickets
Logo placement on banner and promotional poster
Full page recognition ad in program

General
Visual recognition on print media
Listed on Wine Festival website

If you are interested in becoming a Cabernet Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or alumni@sau.edu.

Bordeaux - $2,500

Wine Festival
8 event tickets
Logo placement on banner
Half page recognition ad in program

General
Listed on Wine Festival website

If you are interested in becoming a Bordeaux Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or alumni@sau.edu.

Merlot - $1,000

Wine Festival
6 event tickets
Quarter page recognition ad in program

General
Listed on Wine Festival website

If you are interested in becoming a Merlot Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or alumni@sau.edu.

Chardonnay - $500

Wine Festival
2 event tickets
Name recognition ad in program

General
Listed on Wine Festival website

If you are interested in becoming a Chardonnay Sponsor of the 2023 Wine Festival series, call (563) 333-6290 or alumni@sau.edu.

Preview Dinner Table Sponsorship - $1,600

8 tickets to Preview Dinner

If you are interested in becoming a Table Sponsor for the 2024 Preview Dinner, you can purchase a table here. 

It's Time to Connect

Are you ready to reconnect with your alma mater? The St. Ambrose University Alumni Office has so many ways to stay involved, no matter where you are in life. Become an engaged alumnus today!