From a living room idea to a healthcare powerhouse: Winesong celebrates 41 years

MENDOCINO CO., 8/27/26 — Charlene McAllister was director of nurses at Mendocino Coast District Hospital in the early 1980s when the hospital’s then-CEO decided the community needed a foundation to help support the hospital. He pulled together a group of about 25 residents, including McAllister’s late husband, A.D. Abramson, to serve on the board. Within the first year, board member Barbara Bessler, who had worked as a political fundraiser, pitched the idea for Winesong, an annual festival of Mendocino County wine with tastings, a silent auction and more. McAllister remembers the conversation happening in her own living room. She wasn’t convinced.

“In my foolishness, I said ‘Nah, it won’t work,’” McAllister said in an interview. “It obviously did work.”