Toasting Wineries in Napa Valley

Toasting Wineries in Napa Valley

Sotheby’s powers Napa Valley Vintners’ auctions to boost its initiatives
Sotheby’s powers Napa Valley Vintners’ auctions to boost its initiatives

O n 5 February this year, the Napa Valley Library Wine Auction, presented on Sotheby’s auction platform, raised almost $500,000, with the star lot — three magnums of Screaming Eagle — fetching $48,600. All monies raised went to support the endeavours of Napa Valley Vintners (NVV).

Tor Torchiana, Beresini Vineyard 2018
Rich, spicy, buttery Chardonnay lifted by notes of citrus and tropical fruit. Courtesy: TOR Wines

Jamie Ritchie, worldwide head of Sotheby’s Wine, says: “We wanted Sotheby’s to carve out a new category of wine and spirits charity auctions. We successfully collaborated with the famous Hospices de Beaune auction last year, and we have always admired both the passion of Napa Valley winemakers and the quality of their wines, so it seemed to be the perfect opportunity to increase their global reach.”

Linda Reiff, president and chief executive of NVV, says: “We’re thrilled to work with Sotheby’s. It strengthens our mission to promote, protect and enhance Napa Valley.”

Potential buyers at this June’s barrel auction at Raymond Vineyard can try wines (Shafer, Hall and a host of others) direct from the barrel and bid for one of 10 cases from each winery, with the added pleasure of knowing they are raising vital funds.

Last year, NVV supported 24 local non-profit organisations with a staggering $5.9 million.

The 2022 Collective Napa Valley Barrel Auction provides bidders with the opportunity to acquire Napa Valley’s finest wines currently aging in barrel. The auction is a unique, exciting new format for Sotheby’s, bringing a gamified experience to bidders. Over 70 Napa wineries have donated a barrel of wine, represented by a lot which comprises ten 12-bottle (750 ml) cases. The top ten bids on each lot are featured on a leaderboard and each person on the leaderboard at the end of the auction takes home a full case of wine; meaning to win you must stay on the leaderboard.

Visit napa.sothebys.com to register for the sale. Advance bidding opens 30 May at 8 am PDT.


Cover image: The view from Newton Vineyards in Napa Valley. Photo: 2014 Bob McClenahan.

Originally published 4 April 2022. Updated 27 May 2022 to include information about the June sale.

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