WINERIES SCHEDULE REGISTER MEDIA & EVENT PRESS
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The Pinot Noir Auction
 
 
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AUCTION PRESS

Please find previous auction press releases and event photos below.

Contact Morgen McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, with any media inquiries.

 

THE 2024 WILLAMETTE: The Pinot Noir Auction
CELEBRATES WINE AND COMMUNITY


Yamhill, Oregon - August 10, 2024 - Nestled in Oregon’s picturesque rolling hills, the Willamette Valley is celebrated as a pinnacle of American winemaking. This year, the region once again reinforced its world-class reputation with the eighth annual Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction. Held on August 8, 2024, at the stunning WillaKenzie Estate, the event brought together trade professionals and winemakers, raising $595,000 through lot sales, sponsorships, and ticket sales.

The event was more than just a showcase of remarkable wines; it was a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines the Willamette Valley. In this region, where winemakers often work hand-in-hand, sharing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of what their terroir can achieve, the 2024 auction was particularly special. It featured 81 unique lots of Pinot noir and Chardonnay from the highly acclaimed 2022 vintage, including several first-time collaborations between wineries—embodying the cooperative ethos that drives this vibrant community.

As bidders from across the country gathered—both in person and online via live stream—the atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie. The auction was powered by Zachys Wine Auctions with expert auctioneers Charles Antin and Fritz Hatton at the helm. The competition was lively, with many vying for the rarest bottles produced in limited quantities of just five, 10, or 20 cases. The event also marked the 40th anniversary of the Willamette Valley’s designation as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA), a significant milestone that added a touch of history to the celebration.

While the auction raised slightly less than in previous years, it was still a resounding celebration of what makes the Willamette Valley so special: its wines and its people. The high energy and enthusiasm were palpable as 36 buyers from 18 states won lots of wine from renowned wineries like Antica Terra, Domaine Serene, Adelsheim, and Lingua Franca, underscoring the passion and excitement that the event generated.

As Gretchen Boock, auction chair and general manager at Benton-Lane Winery, aptly put it, “The Willamette Valley is now celebrated as one of the world’s most exciting wine regions. This auction showcases the finest expressions of Pinot noir and Chardonnay from our top producers, offering a truly unparalleled experience.”

The 2022 vintage has been gaining rave reviews, further elevating the region’s reputation. Decanter Magazine praised the vintage, stating, “The 2022 Chardonnays are imbued with great elegance, and the Pinot Noirs show an outstanding confidence across the Valley’s appellations. The cool and prolonged growing season has helped create wines with tremendous freshness that are balanced with ample concentration.”

Beyond the bidding wars, the event offered participants a deeper connection to the region’s winemaking excellence. In the days leading up to the auction, bidders were treated to exclusive preview tastings and an educational seminar, setting the stage for the main event. The day itself was a celebration of the valley’s rich heritage, with an immersive preview tasting and a seated lunch amidst the stunning scenery of WillaKenzie Estate.

The enthusiasm from buyers was a testament to the quality and allure of Willamette Valley wines. As Dean Ferrell, president and chief executive officer of Winebow commented, “The wines from the Willamette Valley offer an unparalleled combination of elegance, freshness, and concentration. Our customers know they are getting something truly special, which is why we continue to invest in these remarkable vintages year after year as both a sponsor and a buyer.”

Bidder, Kim Bosse, owner of  Birch Road Clubhouses, said, “We were truly honored to participate in such a supportive and collaborative event. The uniqueness of the wines captivated us, offering a chance to savor a specific moment in time that we can relive through these exceptional bottles in the future. We have a deep appreciation for the winemakers of the Willamette Valley and are proud to support the region through our purchase.”

Chan Cox, Founder of Chan’s Wine World in Destin and five-time Willamette auction bidder commented, “I very much enjoyed my fifth visit to the Willamette Valley for its annual auction. There’s something truly special happening in this relatively young wine-growing region in Oregon, driven by passionate and talented people. I’m already looking forward to seeing my Willamette friends again at the 2025 event.”

Lastly, Chad Hornik, co-founder of Dover Hall & The Wine Exchange said, “After falling in love with the Willamette Valley at our first auction back in 2021, our group decided we wanted to do everything possible to support the Willamette Valley Wineries Association.”

As the Willamette Valley Wineries Association continues to nurture this spirit of collaboration and excellence, the funds raised from this year’s auction will support the association’s marketing and educational initiatives. These efforts will help more people worldwide discover and enjoy the unique qualities that make this region so special.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction will be moved earlier in the year to May 14th & 15th. Those interested in participating can contact megan@willamettewines.com.  

The success of Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction was made possible by the generous support of the event’s Imperial Level Sponsors: Constellation Brands, Northwest Distribution and Storage and Winebow.

About Willamette Valley Wineries Association
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA) is a non-profit industry association dedicated to achieving recognition for Oregon’s acclaimed Willamette Valley as a premier Pinot noir–producing region. Currently, the WVWA has more than 400 members representing wineries, vineyards, industry, and hospitality businesses throughout the Willamette Valley region. 

To learn more about The Willamette Valley Wineries Association visit: willamettewines.com

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@wvwines #wvwines | @wvauction #wvauction

 

photos: carolyn wells kramer
@carolyn_wells_kramer

Photographer credit required when using these images.

2021 AUCTION PRESS

 

At Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction on August 5, 2021, bidders raised an impressive $611,000 on wine lots, with additional sponsorship funds bringing the Auction total to $705,100. We are grateful to our bidders, sponsors and wineries, and the behind-the-scenes vendors, event staff and volunteers who all came together to make this event possible.

 
 
 

2021 AUCTION PRESS AND 2019 VINTAGE PREVIEW

 
 
 

“I will remember 2019 as challenging at every turn as a growing season, but from the earliest fermentations, through elevage, and now to bottling in early 2021, I have marveled at the delicacy, complexity and graceful architecture of the vintage.”

– Ben Casteel, Bethel Heights

 

2020 AUCTION PRESS AND 2018 VINTAGE COVERAGE

 

At Willamette: The Pinot Noir Online Auction 2020, not only were critical funds raised to support the Willamette Valley Winery Association’s (WVWA) education and marketing initiatives, but an additional $100,000 was raised to support the James Beard Foundation’s Food & Beverage Investment Fund for Black and Indigenous Americans, part of the larger JBF Open for Good campaign. View and download our press release announcing the results of the first-ever 2020 Online Auction.

Oregon Wine Press
Lots to Discuss

SevenFifty Daily
Wine Auctions Pivot—Quite Profitably—to the Virtual World

The Vintner Project
Online Auction Reflects Classic Oregonian Spirit

Wine Industry Advisor
Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction’s Online Pivot Raised Funds for the Willamette Valley Wineries Association and the James Beard Foundation’s Open for Good Campaign

Wine Industry Advisor
Portland Basketball Superstar CJ McCollum Is 2020 Auction Ambassador for Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction

Forbes
‘Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction’ Goes Online For The First Time In 2020

The Buyer
‘Goldilocks’ 2018 vintage shines at all new Willamette Pinot Noir auction

Vinous
Oregon Pinot Noir: The Winning Streak Continues

The Drinks Business
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Auction Opens Tomorrow

Portland Business Journal
Willamette pinot noir auction shifts online to aid restaurants

Wine & Whiskey Globe
Willamette Pinot Auction Goes Virtual—and Will Benefit Beard Foundation

Wine Industry Insight
Willamette Valley Wineries Association Pivots Annual Trade Auction to Benefit Restaurants in Need

 

PHOTO GALLERY BY EASTON RICHMOND

2019 AUCTION PRESS AND 2017 VINTAGE COVERAGE

 
 

PHOTO GALLERY BY EASTON RICHMOND

 
 

2018 AUCTION PRESS AND 2016 VINTAGE COVERAGE

 
 
 

Photo gallery by john valls

2017 AUCTION PRESS

 
 

2016 AUCTION PRESS