An event that offers the chance to buy wine futures while mingling with people that are in the top of the industry…
Sonoma County Barrel Auction is a one-of-a-kind chance to purchase lots never before seen and never seen again.
The 2nd Annual Sonoma County Barrel Auction opened to much success and closed out with the same amount of applause. Raising $693,800 with 75 unique wine lots… Not too shabby.
Let’s go back to where it all started…
tasted by a group of masters of wine as well as many master sommeliers, wine lots that were offered were from 16 of the 17 appellations located in Sonoma. The average size of a lot was five cases, though some lots included 10 or 20 cases, which are equal to close to a full barrel of wine.
The growers were able to show off their select wines, some of which included winemakers teaming up.
More than 250 members of wine trade and media which included restaurant and distributor buyers and small to medium sized wine stores attended the 3 day event.
The buyers, representing various retailers, had a unqiue chance to purchase one or more of these select… not yet bottled lots.
Last years inaugural event resulted in a total of $461,700 in total auction earnings.
This year’s event really knocked that number out of the ball park. With a total that was 50% over last year’s numbers, the Sonoma Vintners Trade Group showed themselves as a top notch organization that brings together wineries from across the region to celebrate Sonoma County itself… and all it has to offer.
From preview events, to educational seminars, to exclusive wine parties or amazing wine and food filled dinner extravaganzas…
Sonoma County knows how to throw a party, creating long lasting memories for all who attend.
Top Lot: Kosta Browne ‘KB Elixir’ ~ Pinot Noir, 50% Russian River Valley and 50% Sonoma Coast, was the highest grossing lot of the day with a whopping total of $46,000 to the thunderous applause of the crowd.
Sonoma is known for being a diverse grape growing region with many premium and amazing wineries at that.
For most of the attendees, the event included some of the years finest wines all in one place.
With grapes grown in the vineyard from the Judgment of Paris in 1976, the auction was sure to get those paddles raised in appreciation.
A true Sonoma County gem, Williams Selyem and their barrel of “35th Anniversary Blend” of Pinot Noir sold for $40,000 while Silver Oak Cellars’ “Single Barrel” Alexander Valley Cab, went for a hefty $33,500.
Some other lots that caught the attention of the crowd and the buyers alike were a barrel of Benovia Winery Pinot Noir for $9,000 ~ …
a Laurel Glen Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon going for $6,000~ a Cirq Estate Pinot Noir lot for $14,000 and a Tom Rochoili Icon lot for $21,000.
Winemakers, owners and historical Zinfandel legends like Joel Peterson, all passed through the crowd pouring their auction lots for anyone with a glass ready. One of the perks of buying a lot, was that the purchase included a visit by the vintner or winemaker to the store or restaurant that won the final bid.
Proceeds from the 2016 Sonoma County Barrel Auction support marketing by Sonoma County Vintners and their AVA partners. The event also served to highlight Sonoma County as a premium wine growing region, hoping to find the same press support as Napa has for its own annual wine auction.
It is no secret that I attend quite a few winery events throughout the year…haha, but let me say…
The camaraderie and sense of togetherness, the love of wine and level of wine-making knowledge that emanated from the group of people that attended the Sonoma County Barrel Auction…
Was over the top and a never before, never again kind of fellowship for a wine event…
Until next year’s auction, that is.
Although ALL of the events that I attended over the barrel auction weekend… I enjoyed, One stood out from the others.
The Russian River Valley La Paulée Dinner was…
OVER THE TOP FUN. Shenanigans of a special kind.
What is a “La Paulée”?
- — A convivial Burgundian fête shared by growers and their guests
- — A special feature of La Paulée is that everyone brings an extraordinary wine bottle…
The FINEST “Bring Your Own Bottle” (BYOB) party in Sonoma
- –Paired with selection of extraordinary chefs
- — Sample current releases and older vintages from some of the most sought-after vineyards
The dinner is a grand gala attended by local wine growers and producers along with other wine connoisseurs and buyers from this year’s Sonoma County Barrel Auction.
It was a privilege to attend and an event that I intend to purchase in advance year after year. What a great time to be had!
An annual event that brings people together with winemakers, chefs and Sommeliers to taste and celebrate wines of all kinds. Some of the greatest wine bottles paired with cuisine from a selection of extraordinary Sonoma County chefs.
Tim Kaulfers of Arista Winery, Duskie Estes of Zazu Kitchen and Farm, Dustin Valette of Valette Healdsburg and Cheyenne Simpkins of Wine Country Feasts.
Russian River Valley Paulée brings winemakers and collectors together to enjoy an elegant multi-course meal paired with rare and favorite wines from winemakers’ & guests’ personal cellars.
The truly engaging dining experience includes family style seating which fosters the spirit of community and an ideal format for the shared love of great wine.
Prepare to be wowed by an array of wine personalities, exquisite food and, of course, amazing wines!
It was an outstanding event that creates life-long memories if you are one of those folks with a true “passion for wine.”
The wine bottles I have pictured throughout this article are from both the preview, the auction itself and mostly from the Russian River Valley La Paulée Dinner, because the wines opened there were of the absolutely fabulous kind.
Raising my glass to the Sonoma County Vintners, the wineries, the attendees and the buyers alike in celebration of the wine growers of Sonoma. Thank a Farmer.
Cheers…
ABOUT THE WINE BARREL AUCTION
YOUR CHANCE TO OWN A TRUE SONOMA COUNTY ORIGINAL
From The Vintners Website: Presented by the Sonoma County Vintners, the Sonoma County Barrel Auction is a live auction of wine futures from the county’s top growers and winemakers. These once-in-a-lifetime wines represent the exceptional stylistic range and world-class quality of Sonoma County.
A team of masters, invited from around the country, will be visibly involved in evaluating the auction lots and participating throughout the event. The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is invitation-only for members of the wine industry, with personal invitations extended by participating wineries to members of the trade and media. Proceeds will support Sonoma County marketing initiatives.
Sonoma County Vintners
Press Release – Sonoma County Barrel Auction:
“Santa Rosa, CA (April 29, 2016)—The Sonoma County Vintners are celebrating after 75 unique Sonoma County wine lots fetched a total of $693,800 at today’s 2016 Sonoma County Barrel Auction, increasing the event’s fundraising total by more than 50 percent over last year. More than 250 top wine professionals and media attended the event which featured rare, small lot wines from 16 of Sonoma County’s 17 appellations.
“The results of this year’s Barrel Auction are testament to the demands of the current wine market and we appreciate our trade guest’s confidence and regard for Sonoma County wines as highly coveted additions to any collector’s cellar,” said Jean Arnold Sessions, Interim Executive Director of the Sonoma County Vintners. “We are delighted by their enthusiastic participation, and we look forward to welcoming them at next year’s event scheduled for April 21, 2017.”
The 75 lots of wine created for and sold exclusively at the inaugural barrel auction are some of Sonoma County’s rarest; produced in quantities as small as five cases. Each never before, never again wine was crafted to showcase the region’s highest quality and to uniquely express the story of Sonoma County’s diverse grape growing and winemaking styles. Selections included unique single vineyard bottlings, specific clonal selections, blends, wines aged using special barrel regimes and joint lot wines produced by collaborating wineries.
Kosta Browne’s “The KB Elixir,” a pinot noir comprised of 50 percent Russian River Valley and 50 percent Sonoma Coast fruit, fetched the highest bid of the day at $46,000.
Other top earning lots at the auction included Williams Selyem Winery’s “35th Anniversary Blend” Pinot Noir at $40,000 and Silver Oak Cellars “Single Barrel” Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which sold for $33,500. The highest bid for a white wine at the auction was received by “The Judgment of Paris 40th Anniversary Barrel,” a joint lot from Bacigalupi Vineyards, Dutcher Crossing Winery, Flanagan Wines, Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery and MacRostie Winery & Vineyards which sold for $15,000.
This year’s successful bidders, all members of the licensed wine trade such as retailers, restaurateurs, importers and distributors, will make these highly-collectible wines available to their customers under the Sonoma County Barrel Auction wine label.
Proceeds from the 2016 Sonoma County Barrel Auction support the ongoing marketing initiatives of Sonoma County Vintners and their AVA partners.
The 2016 Sonoma County Barrel Auction enjoys the support of America AgCredit (Lunch Sponsor), Silicon Valley Bank Wine Division (Icons Library Tasting Sponsor) and G3 (Closure Sponsor). In addition, 2016 Supporting Sponsors include Carle, Mackie, Power & Ross; Pack n’ Ship Direct; Tonnellerie Cadus and Vintners Inn. The 2016 Wine Sponsors are Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards and The Calling.”
Great write up. Thank you, and thank you for sharing the amazing story of Sonoma County!
Thank you for the kind words Alexandra… When it comes to being supportive of Sonoma County… I can’t help myself. An absolutely fabulous place to live and work!! Cheers beautiful lady!!