Wine Country Network donates 75 bottles to Colorado Veterans Project auction

Wine Country Network is donating 75 bottles of premium spirits and bourbon worth more than $12,000 to the Colorado Veterans Project silent auction at Polaris Pour in Colorado Springs this week. The auction is set to help fund programs for Colorado veterans during the Aug. 21-22 event at Hotel Polaris.

Why it matters: - The silent auction is designed to raise money for the Colorado Veterans Project, which supports Colorado veterans. - The donated bottles add high-value inventory that could lift auction proceeds for the nonprofit. - The event brings bourbon fans, sponsors and supporters into a fundraising weekend tied to veteran services.

What happened: - Wine Country Network, Inc. announced a donation of premium spirits and acclaimed bourbon to the Colorado Veterans Project. - The bottles will be sold in the Colorado Veterans Project silent auction during the 2nd Annual Polaris Pour: Bourbon at the Gate. - The event takes place Aug. 21-22, 2026, at Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs. - Wine Country Network produces the North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition, the Denver International Spirits Competition, the Tequila Mezcal Challenge and Wine Country International Magazine.

The details: - The donation includes 75 bottles from more than 20 producers. - The combined estimated retail value exceeds $12,000. - Rare bottles from Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection are included: George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye and Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye. - Other featured bottles include Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Colonel E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Rye, Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon, Weller C.Y.P.B. and W.L. Weller 12 Year. - Additional contributions come from Stranahan's, Uncle Nearest, WhistlePig, Bushmill's and other craft and heritage brands. - The event information is available here. - Wine Country Network was founded in 2002.

Between the lines: - The donation mixes collectible bottles with widely recognized premium labels, a combination that can attract stronger bidding. - The event also serves as a branding platform for Wine Country Network's spirits-focused competitions and magazine. - Hotel Polaris is positioned as a lifestyle venue, with the auction adding a philanthropic angle to the property's broader events calendar.

What's next: - The silent auction will run during Polaris Pour: Bourbon at the Gate on Aug. 21-22. - Proceeds will support the Colorado Veterans Project's mission of helping veterans attain economic stability and continue living with purpose and fulfillment. - Wine Country Network's donation will be part of the auction lineup when bidders gather at Hotel Polaris.

The bottom line: - A rare-bottle bourbon donation gives Colorado Veterans Project a high-end fundraising boost while tying together spirits culture and veteran support in Colorado Springs.