Extraordinary Original Wine Auction Lots Capture the Diversity of World-Class Sonoma County Wines
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (January 28, 2020) – Sonoma County Vintners in collaboration with presenting sponsor American AgCredit, announces registration is now open for the sixth annual Sonoma County Barrel Auction. The live auction on May 1, 2020 is an exclusive opportunity for wine industry trade members to acquire “never before, never again” wines from Sonoma County’s most acclaimed vintners. American AgCredit continues to showcase their commitment to the Sonoma County wine community with their support of this signature event.
“As the world of wine continues to evolve, American AgCredit appreciates the leadership Sonoma County Vintners provides in elevating awareness for local Sonoma County wines, and the guidance and support they provide their members and the broader agricultural community. The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is a prime example,” says American AgCredit Regional Banking Executive Clay Popko. “American AgCredit is proud to have partnered with Sonoma County Vintners for more than a decade.”
The Sonoma County Barrel Auction will be held at the picturesque MacMurray Estate Vineyards. It will feature one-of-a-kind wines crafted specifically for the auction by beloved, hidden gem and iconic Sonoma County wineries in five, ten and twenty case lots. Trade attendees have the opportunity to bid on these unique lots that display the diversity of Sonoma County with varietals that include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux Blends, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and more. These lots provide trade members with wines for resale to their customers and ultra-premium wine collectors. With the support of presenting sponsor American AgCredit, the vintner community and our trade partners, Sonoma County Vintners anticipate a pivotal event.
“American AgCredit is a wonderful partner of Sonoma County Vintners,” says Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “They have supported this auction since its inception and we are incredibly grateful for their long-term commitment and contribution towards our programs.”
The auction events will kick-off with a preview tasting on April 30, where Sonoma County vintners will pour barrel samples of their remarkable lots at the beautiful Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery. Trade guests are also invited that evening to intimate Vintner Dinners held throughout Sonoma County. On May 1, the Sonoma County Barrel Auction begins with a grand tasting on the stunning grounds of the historic MacMurray Estate Vineyards, followed by a luncheon under the auction tent and a special Icons & Innovators presentation before Auctioneer John Curley takes the stage for an unforgettable affair.
Trade registration for the 2020 Sonoma County Barrel Auction is by invitation. Only licensed wholesalers, retailers and restaurateurs will receive a paddle to bid. To learn more or request a ticket, visit: SoCoBarrelAuction.com or contact info@sonomawine.com.
The funds raised at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction support Sonoma County Vintners marketing initiatives.
About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions which was named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in 2019. Sonoma County Vintners represents over 260 wineries throughout the county. The organization actively promotes Sonoma County through educational programming; advocates for its members at local, state and federal levels; and contributes to the local communities through our Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. Sonoma County Wine Auction, its annual fundraiser, has raised over $36 million benefiting non-profit organizations throughout the region. To learn more about Sonoma County Vintners, visit sonomawine.com.
About American AgCredit
Founded in 1916, American AgCredit provides loans, leasing and other financial services to agriculture and rural communities throughout California and beyond. Their unmatched expertise allows them to provide farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses with the resources and financial solutions they need to be successful. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, they have particular expertise within the wine industry.
About Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery
Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards and Winery located in the Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County, California, is one of California’s premier producers of luxury wines. Founded in 1972 by Fred Furth, Chalk Hill was acquired by Foley Family Wines in 2010. Under Bill Foley’s leadership, Chalk Hill continues to promote the Chalk Hill AVA as one of the top winegrowing regions in California. The unique topography, climatic and geological diversity of Chalk Hill creates an environment that allows for a wide range of varieties to be grown on the estate including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenère, Syrah and Semillon. The 1300+ acre iconic Sonoma estate includes around 350 acres of vineyards, a winery, a hospitality center, culinary gardens, residence, stables, equestrian pavilion, sports fields, fishing and swimming ponds and a wilderness area.
About MacMurray Estate Vineyards
With estate vineyards in some of the world’s most sought-after Pinot Noir regions, MacMurray Estate Vineyards crafts an award-winning collection of Pinot Noir and cool-climate white wines. The winery’s namesake Russian River Valley vineyard, MacMurray Estate, was once owned by actor Fred MacMurray, who purchased the land in 1941. Today, the winemakers at MacMurray Estate Vineyards are dedicated to Pinot Noir, overseeing everything from rootstock selection to barrel aging, to craft the winery’s signature varietal. The result is a portfolio of wines that illuminates the unique, nuanced flavors of each estate vineyard. Learn more at MacMurrayEstateVineyards.com.
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