(Burlingame, Calif., May 4, 2015) — On May 16th, 2015 superstars in the culinary and wine industries will gather at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards to support the Wishes in Wine Country Fundraiser, benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area.

One of the participating chefs, Pablo Estrada, Executive Chef of Fattoria e Mare, has a very personal connection to the foundation after his daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2008.

“When my daughter Samira fell ill, Make-A-Wish helped to fulfill one of her dreams by sending her to Disney World,” said Chef Estrada. “They treated her like a VIP, rolling out a red carpet and helping her get all the signatures of her favorite Disney princesses.”

So far, Samira has been cancer free since 2011, but the experience was something she has never forgotten.

“It helped her get through the roughest time in her life, so whenever I can do something to support this wonderful cause, I do,” said Chef Estrada.

For the last 16 years, Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards have been teaming up on an event that not only helps children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, but that offers a wide sampling of the best food and wine being produced in Sonoma County and beyond.

Wishes in Wine Country will be held on Saturday, May 16th 2015 at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards and will feature over 30 restaurants and wineries at the Grand Tasting on the Lawn. This year, Wishes in Wine County has expanded its array of talent to beyond just Wine Country and invited restaurants like Fattoria e Mare from areas like Burlingame which are 30 minutes south of San Francisco.

From 2:30 to 5:30pm, guests will sample wines on the lawns surrounding Sonoma-Cutrer’s world class croquet courts. The evening continues from 5:30-9:00pm with the Sunset Dinner, where guests enjoy a three-course dinner on the Sonoma-Cutrer Terrace, followed by a short live auction. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. Tickets are still on sale; for more information go to wishesinwinecountry.com or call 415-982-9474.

About Fattoria e Mare:

Fattoria e Mare is a restaurant specializing in locally sourced, fresh Italian cuisine. Located on Rollins Road in Burlingame, CA, just minutes from the San Francisco Airport, Fattoria e Mare offers an ever changing menu featuring seasonal seafood, pasta, salads, desserts and much more. The large restaurant has an expansive space which is uses for private parties and events. For more information on Fattoria e Mare, please visit Fattoriaemare.com

About Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area:

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.  In 2015 Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area celebrates 31 years fulfilling magical wishes.  During its first year of operation, in 1984, the chapter granted 27 wishes.  Now one of the largest chapters nationwide, the Greater Bay Area grants over 300 wishes per year and has granted over 6,800 wishes to date.  The chapter covers 17 Northern California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Marin, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano and Sonoma.  The goal of Make-A-Wish is to grant a wish to every eligible child in its territory.  Anyone can suggest a child for a wish. For more information or to refer a child for a wish, please call 415/982-9474 or visit www.SF.Wish.org