The annual Collective Napa Valley Auction Weekend, held May 31 to June 1 this year, once again demonstrated the Napa Valley wine industry's commitment to making a difference in its community.
"We are truly thankful for the generosity of our donors and bidders. When those who care about Napa Valley come together, wonderful things happen. We are fortunate to care for the most remarkable place on the planet," said Cyril Chappellet, chairman of the board of directors for the Napa Valley Vintners and CEO and chairman of Chappellet Vineyard.
Bids on wine and experiences flowed in from around the country totaling an initial $4.8 million with additional donations continuing to come in. The auction weekend was both a fundraiser for youth mental health programs as well as a celebration of spectacular hospitality, delicious food and extraordinary wines from acclaimed winemakers.
"The weekend is a testament to the people that make Napa Valley such a special place. The incredible wines and experiences on offer during the auction weekend, and the enthusiastic group of supporters make this an event that Sotheby's is honored to be part of," said Richard Young, Sotheby's Vice President, Head of Auction Sales, Americas.
The Sotheby's platform for real-time leaderboard bidding and live online auctions worldwide added to the excitement with bidders raising paddles in the room and participating online.
Napa Valley Barrel Auction, Friday May 31
The annual barrel auction that took place this year at the vibrant HALL winery kicked off the weekend. More than 1,600 guests enjoyed a first taste of small-production barrel samples from 80 Napa Valley wineries, along with signature dishes served by Napa Valley’s top chefs.
Bidding opened early on Tuesday, May 28, and was met with enthusiastic participation from the start. By Friday, when the barrel room opened for in-person tasting, more than 600 bidders were active the auction. The 2021, and some 2022 vintage wines up for auction, will be ready before the end of this year, with others, including wines from the 2023 vintage, set for release in 2025.
The top-selling barrel lots were donated by esteemed wineries including Chappellet Vineyard, Shafer Vineyards, Cardinale, Mending Wall, Lerner Project, Arkenstone Vineyards, Pride Mountain Vineyards, HALL, Alpha Omega, Robert Mondavi Winery, Chimney Rock Winery, AXR Napa Valley, Far Niente, O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery, Salvestrin, Roy Estate, Parallel Napa Valley, Davis Estates, Taplin Cellars and Hourglass.
Auction Napa Valley, Saturday June 1
The live auction, held at the renowned Far Niente winery, provided nearly 400 guests with an unforgettable Napa Valley evening. Vintners brought noteworthy wines to share with guests, creating a memorable experience for long-time bidders and newcomers alike. An exquisite dinner prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Tessier from PRESS restaurant in St. Helena, CA was just the start of the incredible evening.
As the sun set, guests moved from dinner to the sprawling lawn under a canopy of oak trees for the live auction. Jeff Smith and Carolyn Duryea, Auction Napa Valley honorary chairs and owners of Hourglass winery, gave a welcoming toast to kick things off. Led by Sotheby’s team Meaghan Steele and Vanessa Conlin, MW, bidding quickly ensued as the live auction unfolded with fresh, fun and high-energy spirit.
The evening also featured a heartfelt moment from some of Napa Valley’s youth who shared personal journeys of overcoming challenges with the support of the mental health services. Paddles raised in the robust and lively auction came in both on site and online.
Highlights included a surprise addition to the top lot from Staglin Family Vineyard that attracted generous donations for an offering of rare and large-format wines and the promise to be seated at the head of the table next to Michel Rolland at a future dinner.
Other top selling live lots were from HALL, REWA Vineyards, Kenzo Estate, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery and a collaboration of 12 wineries on the 80 Years of Napa Valley lot. These top lots included exclusive trips to Napa Valley and destinations around the world, as well as rare vintages and special wines.
Contributions to the live auction also included live lots from Chappellet Vineyard, Hourglass, Pahlmeyer, Raymond Vineyards, Schramsberg Vineyards, Silver Oak, Shafer Vineyards, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, Trefethen Family Vineyards and Wade Cellars.
Anyone Can Contribute to the Future of Napa's Youth
All proceeds from the Auction Weekend benefit youth mental health programs. The NVV's multi-year focus on the cause, supported by NVV’s member wineries, local volunteers and the areas nonprofits will have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young people in Napa Valley. For those unable to attend, contributions are still welcome and can be made online.
Save the Date for 2025
Wine enthusiasts are invited to mark their calendars for next year's Collective Napa Valley Auction weekend, taking place June 6-7, 2025. Michelle and Robin Baggett, owners of Alpha Omega winery, will serve as honorary chairs of the auction in 2025.
For more information about Collective Napa Valley and how to get involved in the wine auction weekend among other offerings throughout the year, visit www.collectivenapavalley.org.
