Thirty-two California vintners attracted more than 700 aficionados to University Hall on Feb. 1, 2026 for the 43rd LMU Arthur P. Carroll Jr. Wine Classic, to sample and purchase fine wines, and raise scholarship funds for Loyola Marymount University students.
Among the featured wines was the newest LMU Wine Collective release: a limited-edition 2024 Sauvignon Blanc crafted in partnership with Costa de Oro Winery, owned by LMU vintners Gary Burk, P ’20, and Teresa Gasca-Burk ’83, P ’20. in Santa Maria. Each purchase of this year’s limited release supports LMU student scholarships and is available for online purchase now.
“LMU’s Wine Classic offers a place for L.A. wine enthusiasts to come sample award-winning varietals, connect with LMU’s vibrant community, and support a cause that changes lives through every pour,” said Lisa Jackson, senior director of special events at LMU.
Founded in 1981 by Arthur P. Carroll Jr. ’61, the LMU Arthur P. Carroll Jr. Wine Classic has become a highly esteemed tradition, raising more than $1.6 million to expand educational access and honor the values at the heart of an LMU education. A celebration of California’s finest wines, the annual event also honors Carroll’s enduring commitment to education, philanthropy, and Jesuit values.
An innovation for this year was an online component to the silent auction. There were winners in attendance at LMU among the online bidders.
This year’s Wine Classic introduced a few new vintners to the wine-loving crowd.
- DD Wine Projects, owned by David Britz, husband of former LMU Board of Regents member Claudine Cazian-Britz ’00, is a mission-driven wine brand that sells various red, white, and rosé wines to support female entrepreneurs and educational initiatives through the DD Entrepreneurial Foundation. The project was founded by David Britz in memory of his mother, Diane Rizzo, co-founder of the Capriotti’s Sandwich Franchise.
- Clif Family Winery, a Napa Valley-based winery and organic farm founded by Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, the creators of Clif Bar & Company. The winery is known for its commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices and for offering unique food and wine experiences at its St. Helena location.
- Black Stallion Estate Winery is an award-winning estate located on the historicSilverado Trail in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District. Named “American Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast in 2023, it serves as the flagship Napa Valley estate for Delicato Family Wines, a fourth-generation family-owned company, Chris Indelicato is a an LMU parent ’29. Black Stallion was also a Magnum Sponsor of this year’s event, along with Signature Party Rentals. This was the first year the Wine Classic offered Magnum sponsorship opportunities.
- JONATA and The Hilt Estate are prestigious sister wineries in Santa Barbara County, both owned by billionaire sports mogul Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, LMU’s NFL partner. While they share a common owner and the same winemaking team led by Matt Dees, they focus on distinct wine styles and regions. This was the second year these wineries participated in the Wine Classic.
For the Wine Collective release, the Costa de Oro winery prides itself on using the artistry of old-world winemaking styles and new-world grape-growing practices. Their Santa Maria tasting room, described by The New York Times as “the most unique on the Central Coast,” has earned widespread acclaim and numerous awards for their wines. Learn more about Costa de Oro here. The bottle features “In the Beginning,” a stained-glass artwork by Genevieve Underwood, R.S.H.M., which graces the front of the Interdenominational Chapel in our Marymount Center for Prayer and Peace, located in University Hall.
“The window design reflects the Glory of God as [God] created all the beauty in our world with beautiful color and form,” said Sister Genevieve about her work. Sister Genevieve’s sculptures and stained-glass works can be found in churches, hospitals, and schools throughout Southern California.
“Creativity is recognized in the artist, as grace is recognized in the soul,” Sister Genieve once said, capturing the rich dynamic between art and observers, and between vintners and connoisseurs.
Next year’s 44th LMU Arthur P. Carroll Jr. Wine Classic returns to University Hall on Feb. 7, 2027. We hope to see you there!