by Liz Thach, MW
Over 5000 people descended upon the small town of Jacksonville in Southern Oregon to raise a record-breaking $1.7 million in Oregon’s largest wine auction last August 2019. This year organizers of the 3-day Oregon Wine Experience are hoping to break the $1 million mark as the auction weekend, just like many others across the country, is forced to go online due to COVID-19. All proceeds are donated to Asante Children’s Miracle Network and other health care programs supported by Asante Foundation
“We are confident this will be a great experience, even though it is virtual” states Floyd Harmon, Executive Director of the Asante Foundation. “People who have attended in the past have been very generous, and we believe they will continue to support us. This year, they will be able to participate in the comfort of their homes.”
The 2020 Oregon Wine Experience will run from August 14 – 23 for online bidding. Auction lots include various lots of wine as well as one of a kind experiences. In addition, small intimate dinners with 6-foot seating will take place through August for top-tier sponsors.
The highlight of the event is a reveal of the winners of the 2020 Oregon Wine Competition, which took place in July. Six professional wine judges, including several Masters of Wine, a Master Sommelier and wine journalists were invited to Jacksonville to judge more than 300 wines from across Oregon. The Medal Celebration will be live-streamed to reveal wines that received Silver, Gold, Double Gold or Best of Show. Sponsors have access to exclusive “Medal Celebration in a Box” packages to enjoy the award-winning wine and culinary bites. The general public can purchase these for $75 while supplies last.
Other virtual events include the Online Founder’s Barrel Auction where people can bid on a chance to wine exclusive wine curated specifically for the Oregon Wine Competition from wineries across Oregon. The Virtual Miracle Auction program takes place on Saturday evening, August 22 and showcases the brave story of a local pediatric cancer patient, highlighting the impact of community support.
“We’re grateful for the continued generosity of our sponsors and donors during this unique year,” states Floyd Harmon. “We are hopeful that these virtual opportunities will continue the all-important support for Asante health care programs, as well as our wine and culinary partners.”
To view auction packages, register to bid, or make a donation, go to: https://www.theoregonwineexperience.com/
Expert Editorial
By Dr. Liz Thach
Dr. Liz Thach, MW is a Wine Journalist and the Distinguished Professor of Wine & Management at Sonoma State University where she conducts research and teaches in undergraduate and MBA courses in wine business. She can be contacted at Liz@lizthach.com
