Donated by: Marilyn and Michael Misch
Estimated value: Beyond Priceless!

Friend, mentor, Rochesterian, and all-around good guy, Sherwood Deutsch of Century Liquor & Wines left us last December after a long and well-lived life. Even now, nearly a year later, his passing is hard to accept. As we remember Sherwood, we also celebrate the remarkable legacy he left behind—one rooted in his generosity and deep commitment to giving back to the Rochester community. That spirit lives on through the Toast To Your Health Wine Auction.

In 2001, Sherwood had a vision for giving back to the Rochester community: to create an evening that brought together exceptional wine, wonderful food, and auction excitement while supporting a meaningful cause. That vision became the Toast To Your Health Wine Auction. Together with Michael Misch, Sherwood set out to create an event unlike anything Rochester had seen before. Thanks in large part to Sherwood’s knowledge, connections, wise counsel, and enthusiasm, that first auction was a tremendous success. What began with Sherwood’s desire to give back has grown into a cherished Rochester tradition.

In the years since that first auction, Sherwood helped Toast To Your Health keep up with the times. To highlight one example, the trips to France he hosted—featuring great food, great accommodations, and exclusive access to legendary wine producers—set the standard for all our travel packages.

While we always appreciated Sherwood’s guidance, both at Century Liquor & Wines and at Toast To Your Health, the thing we REALLY loved about Sherwood was his irrepressible joie de vivre. The man enjoyed life to the fullest, and it showed. That smile. The twinkle in his eye. The way he turned the everyday into the extraordinary. It was a rare gift—one he shared freely with everyone around him.

For the past four years, we’ve kicked off the Toast To Your Health Wine Auction with a special lot: The Sherwood Upgrade, created to honor his many contributions. This year we do so in his memory.

Those who knew Sherwood well know he loved Champagne. On his annual buying trips to France for Century Liquor & Wines, he often would treat those accompanying him to Champagne at the end of the day. And on special occasions—whether in Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Paris—he would pair that Champagne with caviar. It was one of those gestures that made Sherwood so special.

The Sherwood Upgrade begins with a rare Magnum of 2012 Dom Pérignon Champagne. Intense, elegant, and structured with fine, generous mousse, it is Champagne at its very best. Accompanying the Dom Pérignon is a blini platter featuring Caviar Russe Classic Osetra. The chilled Magnum, Champagne flutes, and caviar will be delivered to the winning bidder’s table upon completion of bidding, so they can “pop the cork” on this year’s Live Auction.

Please celebrate Sherwood Deutsch and all he has done for our community by bidding generously.