RUTHERFORD, CA – Rutherford Dust Society (RDS), the non-profit association comprised of the growers and vintners of the Rutherford Appellation in the historic heart of the Napa Valley, raised $120,000 with its live auction lot at the 36th Annual Auction Napa Valley held this past Saturday. Cumulatively, the generous donations raised by RDS and its vintner and grower members raised a sum of over $1.54 million for local charities at the auction. In total, Auction Napa Valley raised $14.3 million.
RDS’ impressive live auction lot included an instant cellar of thirty-eight magnums, a four-night stay at world-renowned Relais & Chateau property Auberge du Soleil, five unique epicurean experiences, and twenty-eight VIP tours and wine tastings at some of the most exclusive locations in the Rutherford Appellation.
Following the event, Michelle Baggett, proprietor of Alpha Omega Winery and President of Rutherford Dust Society commented, “The Rutherford Dust Society is so grateful and honored for the tremendous work our RDS member wineries put forth in support of Auction Napa Valley and our local charities. These contributions are critical for our community.”
RDS member wineries have a longstanding history with Auction Napa Valley, and have successfully chaired the event many times. Most recently, this list includes Staglin Family Vineyards in 2013, Quintessa in 2016, and upcoming 2017 ANV Chair, Inglenook. Reflecting on this year’s event, Agustin Francisco Huneeus, proprietor of Quintessa commented, “I’m absolutely thrilled with how Auction Napa Valley 2016 came together. Thanks to the generosity of the bidders and the Napa vintner community, we were able to raise over $14 million, and had a great time doing it.” For more information about the event, visit www.auctionnapavalley.org.
The Rutherford Appellation is located in the historic heart of the Napa Valley. It is known world-wide for its signature “Rutherford dust”, a term used to reflect its terroir, its deep connection to the soil in the vineyards, the wine and the wineries of Rutherford. For more information about the Rutherford Appellation and the Rutherford Dust Society, please go to www.rutherforddust.org.
