Wine collectors don’t want to miss this: Tickets are on sale now for the Napa Valley Vintner’s Association’s Auction Napa Valley, to be held June 4-7, 2009. An annual fundraiser for the 65-year-old non-profit, which works to promote the nearly 350 wineries of the legendary California region, includes winery open houses, food and wine tastings by area restaurants, and live and online auctions.
Janet Trefethen of Trefethen Family Vineyards is chairing the event this year, along with her family. Looking to continue the fundraiser’s legacy of spectacular wine and outstanding hospitality, the four-day event features intimate vintner-hosted parties and barrel tastings as well as the usual grand tasting events at various locations in the valley.
“We are thrilled with the outpouring of generosity out vintners have shown this year with incredible lots of wine, and more, being offered this year,” NVV Board President Paula Kornell said in a press release. “Auction Napa Valley is the granddaddy of American charity auctions, having given $85 million since its inception.”
While the online auction, which will showcase wine as well as special items from wineries and their winemakers’ travels, begins May 22, the live auction on June 6, at Meadowood Napa Valley is where the true rarities will lie. This year, the Saturday night event includes 42 hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind bottles, the bidding starting after a sunset reception and dinner from prominent U.S. chefs.
Packages range from single event tickets to day rates to the “Classic.” But insiders know that the “Classic” reigns supreme. For $2,500 per person, guests will receive invitations to all events, receptions, after parties, and of course, necessary auction information, catalog and bidding paddle.
For more information, including package details, visit napavintners.com.