Fun and karma at Chateau St. Jean

John Lasseter at the 2011 event in a costumed attempt to get guests to bid on a dinner at his winery. (BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat)

If you want some good karma, go to the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction this Sunday and raise your paddle OFTEN.

The theme of this Sunday’s Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction, now in its 20th year, is “Bollywood Spectacle Meets Sonoma Wine Country Splendor.” Organizers plan to immerse guests in the intrigue of India with a bustling bazaar at the event’s new location, Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood. There will even be a silk-swathed spice lounge to linger in before the auction begins at 1 p.m.

Vintners will no doubt give their Bollywood-best performances at what has come to be known as the zaniest of auctions. It is customary to start with a skit.

This is the fifth year the auction has been part of the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, which also features the Taste of Sonoma at Healdsburg’s MacMurray Ranch this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a new Sonoma Starlight Supper Club dinner Friday at Francis Ford Coppola winery in Geyserville.

“By uniting the efforts of the Sonoma County Vintners and the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance, we have been able to elevate the entire experience and broaden the view of all of Sonoma County’s regions. But most importantly we have together been able to raise more than $11 million that has been distributed to many critical Sonoma County charities and non-profits,” said Honore Comfort, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend co-director.

While coordinating efforts has been a logistical challenge, organizers said packaging the events into one weekend has been a smart move.

“By teaming up to showcase the entire county, the event has grown in scope and gained increased attention throughout the country,” said Maureen Cottingham, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend co-director.