The 28th Annual Bacchanal Wine Gala and Auction
The 28th Annual Bacchanal Wine Gala and Auction brings together exceptional art, fine wine, cuisine, and philanthropy at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Proceeds support PAFA’s work in American art, including scholarships, exhibitions, education, and community programs. This year’s gala honors Donald R. Caldwell and Linda Aversa-Caldwell for their longstanding leadership, generosity, and service to the Academy.
The evening features food from Philadelphia chef Nicholas Bazik of Provenance and wines from Selah Wines, a boutique Howell Mountain winery founded by former Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton. The event also includes an auction and opportunities to support PAFA through sponsorship.
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Showtime: The gala begins at 6 PM.
Venue: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, 128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia.
Tickets: Price not available.
Registration: Advance registration is available through the event page.
Featured chef: Nicholas Bazik, chef and owner of Provenance, will provide the featured fare. Bazik’s background includes more than 15 years at Philadelphia restaurants such as Fork, The Good King Tavern, Lacroix at The Rittenhouse, Kensington Quarters, and La Chinesca. His Provenance menu combines classical French technique, seasonal ingredients, and Korean influences, with a seafood-focused tasting menu. Provenance received one MICHELIN Star in the inaugural 2025 MICHELIN Guide to Philadelphia.
Featured wine: Selah Wines of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley will be featured. Founded by former Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton, the winery produces limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. The wines emphasize the character of the Howell Mountain region and take their name from the Hebrew word “selah,” associated with pausing and reflecting.
Honorees: Donald R. Caldwell and Linda Aversa-Caldwell are being recognized for their contributions to PAFA. Caldwell served as chair of PAFA’s Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2011 and again from 2024 to 2026, and also served three times as interim president. He founded Bacchanal in 1998, and the event has since raised more than $10 million for PAFA. Aversa-Caldwell has held leadership roles including president of the Women’s Committee and chair of PAFA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration.
Attire: Black tie is optional.
Parking: Valet parking is available.
Benefactor Party: A related benefactor gathering is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Mezzanotte Residence in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Committee: The gala is co-chaired by Aaron Cohen and Sean Edwards. Committee members are Heather and Peter Andrews; Kristin and Jamie Biddle; Elliot H. Clark; Amy M. Coes; Allitia DiBernardo; Betsy and Kevin Donohoe; Bill and Rosemary Hankowsky; Larry R. Kaiser; Ro King; Elizabeth Kelly Le Vine; Michael Madrigale; Barbara McCollum; Sandra and Bill Mezzanotte; Vanessa Oliver; Katie Rhodes; and Timothy P. Speiss.
Sponsors: Listed sponsors include the Connelly Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. John S. Middleton; Tim Speiss and Judite Morais; The Lindy Snider Foundation; Donald R. Caldwell and Linda Aversa-Caldwell; Aaron Cohen and Priscilla Coblentz Cohen; Marianne Dean; Betsy and Kevin Donohoe; Ro and Martin King; Sandra and William Mezzanotte; Marijke Klein Shenkman and Arlen R. Shenkman; Bill and Rosemary Hankowsky; Heather and Peter Andrews; Robert and Joyce Asher; Tom and Carolyn Bennett; Julie Jensen Bryan; Elliot Clark and Rita Chack; Amy and Putnam Coes; Allitia DiBernardo, MD; Sean and Kelly Edwards; William J. Farrell, II; Susan and Leonard Klehr; Elizabeth Le Vine and Jarad Poor; Vanessa and David Oliver; and The Victory Foundation.
Contact: For questions, contact PAFA at 215-972-2007 or jcarter@pafa.org.