2/22/2022 – Saint Helena, CA – Napa Valley’s best week in the wine business kicks off today with participation from around the globe. Nearly 300 trade accounts from 34 states and 14 countries will take part in the Premiere Napa Valley wine auction.
“Each year our winemakers craft their most creative, innovative and highest quality wines for Premiere Napa Valley. We were fortunate to welcome international bidders at the first Premiere Napa Valley in 1997, and since that time have seen the global bidder base grow alongside Napa Valley’s reputation for making world class wines,” said Linda Reiff, President and CEO of Napa Valley Vintners (NVV).
Nearly 50 wine trade accounts will take part from many top international markets including London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, Oslo and Zurich among others. In the US the demand for Premiere wines continues to grow with nearly 70 first-time paddle registrants this year.
“Napa Valley is a tight knit, cutting edge, creative and generous community. Premiere week is the best example of that spirit. We’re excited to share our one-of-a-kind, limited-edition offerings with our trade partners around the globe this week,” said Josh Widaman, Premiere Napa Valley Steering Committee Chair and Estate Winemaker for Pine Ridge Vineyards.
This year’s lots showcase the creative nature of Premiere Napa Valley wines with a range of vintages and varieties. Of particular interest among wine trade will be the opportunity to experience the quality of red and white wine offerings from the 2020 vintage.
- In the Premiere Napa Valley wine auction are 33 lots from 2019, 34 lots from 2020 and 38 lots from 2021.
- Included are an array of varieties that showcase the diverse growing conditions of Napa Valley including Malbec, Nebbiolo, Albarino, Riesling and Syrah.
- Several winemakers have joined together to create joint winemaking lots furthering the uniqueness of the wines at this year’s auction.
- And new this year is the addition of the Vintage Perspective Auction that will feature 1, 2 or 3 case wine lots from the 2001 – 2010 vintages from 32 wineries.
Participation is offered both in person and virtually. In addition to two grand tastings and 32 winery open houses taking place in Napa Valley, there will be tastings in London and Hong Kong. NVV will also work with Club Managers Association of America and Institute of Masters of Wine to host preview tastings for their audiences. Open for all to attend virtually are two educational seminars and the live-streaming auction.
- Wednesday, February 23, 5:30 p.m. PST, Karen MacNeil (author of The Wine Bible) hosts a discussion on the 2019, 2020 and 2021 vintages with winemakers from FAVIA, Davies Vineyards, Silver Ghost and Antinori – Antica Estate
- Thursday, February 24, 9 a.m. PST, Vincent Morrow MS hosts Vintage Perspective 2001 – 2010 with winemakers from Cakebread Cellars, Chimney Rock Winery, Louis M. Martini Winery and Terra Valentine
Bidding opens through Sotheby’s Wednesday, February 23 at 12:01 a.m. PST for Premiere Napa Valley and the Vintage Perspective Auction and closes via a live-streaming auction starting at 1 p.m. PST on February 26. All proceeds from Premiere Napa Valley will fund programs to promote, protect and enhance Napa Valley.
About the Napa Valley Vintners
The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. Since 1981, the NVV has invested more than $200 million in its community to provide equitable access to healthcare and opportunity for advancement in children’s education. NVV is dedicated to improving diversity and championing inclusivity in its community and in the wine industry. Learn more at napavintners.com.
