This Weekend: Fight Cancer, Drink Wine!

All weekend long, Domaine Lucie et Auguste Lignier wines will be available at Brasserie La Provence, with a portion of the sales going to the UNM Cancer Center. Then on Saturday, March 1, Scalo Northern Italian Grill will host a benefit reception with winemaker Kellen Lignier from 3 to 5 p.m., which will also contribute to the UNM Cancer Center. The reception is $30, and cash or checks at the door are preferred.

What’s the connection between this winery and cancer research? The UNM Cancer Center shares Lignier’s story:

Kellen Lignier, a New Mexico native who followed her heart to France, now runs her husband's family winery in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. Lignier’s husband, Romain, lost his battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, in 2004. Left with her two children, Lucie and Auguste, Lignier has carried on her husband’s legacy of fine winemaking.

With her success, Lignier became determined to contribute to the fight against the disease that took her husband’s life. Driven to participate in the fight against cancer, Lignier turned to her home state, New Mexico, and the UNM Cancer Center, the official cancer center of the State of New Mexico. This wine benefit is the result of her wish to give something back to the cancer patients of the region.

“Many of us has been touched in some way by a cancer diagnosis, and to see someone whose life has been changed so radically by cancer giving back to the community is inspiring,” said Dr. Cheryl Willman, Director and CEO of the UNM Cancer Center. “We are thrilled to partner with Mrs. Lignier and with the Albuquerque community to make this wine benefit a tremendous success.”