A Historic Night at Hearst Castle
The Academy of Country Music® co-hosted the first-ever ACM Presents Wine & Country, a celebration of music, wine, and philanthropy, at the iconic Hearst Castle on Saturday, September 13. The sold-out evening featured an intimate concert by ACM Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert, who performed against the breathtaking backdrop of the historic venue.
The event raised more than $420,000 to benefit a coalition of charitable organizations, including ACM Lifting Lives, Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center, and The Foundation at Hearst Castle.
“We’re so thrilled to have gone back to our California roots to celebrate Country Music and raise money for important charities in this beautiful, unique setting,” said Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside. “We’re grateful for this collaboration with the Hearst Ranch Winery, the Foundation at Hearst Castle, and the most-awarded artist in the Academy’s 60-year history, Miranda Lambert, benefiting such incredible non-profits, such as MuttNation Foundation, ACM Lifting Lives, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center, and The Foundation at Hearst Castle, each embodying compassion, creativity, and community.”
Charities Supported by Wine & Country
Proceeds from the event were raised through sponsored tables, a luxury silent auction, and ticket sales. The funds directly support the following causes:
- ACM Lifting Lives – Improving lives through the power of music.
- MuttNation Foundation – Supporting shelter pets and animal rescue efforts.
- Hearst Cancer Resource Center – Offering free services for cancer patients and their families.
- The Foundation at Hearst Castle – Preserving California’s legendary Hearst Castle for future generations.
Watch the Highlights
ACM Lifting Lives: The Philanthropic Arm of the ACM
As the official philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music, ACM Lifting Lives® is dedicated to improving lives through the healing power of music. The organization has funded national music therapy programs serving children’s hospitals, veterans, individuals with Williams syndrome, and people living with mental illness. With support from artists and fans, ACM Lifting Lives continues to make a meaningful impact in communities across the country.
Miranda Lambert: Country Music’s Most-Awarded ACM Artist
The evening’s headliner, Miranda Lambert, is the most-awarded artist in ACM history. Her 10th solo studio album, Postcards from Texas, featuring the single “Run,” recently marked her 10th consecutive Top 10 appearance on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Over the course of her career, Lambert has earned:
- Three GRAMMY Awards
- 14 Country Music Association Awards
- Seven No. 1 solo albums
- 10 No. 1 hit radio singles
- More than 80 major awards and countless RIAA certifications
Her versatility has led to collaborations with Leon Bridges, the B-52s, Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow, and Elle King, as well as a Las Vegas residency, a New York Times bestselling book, and entrepreneurial ventures like Casa Rosa on Nashville’s Lower Broadway and her lifestyle brand, Idyllwind.
Lambert’s philanthropic heart shines through her MuttNation Foundation, which has raised more than $10 million to support adoption, spay & neuter programs, shelter outreach, and animal transport during natural disasters.
