Auction Lots Illustrate the Diversity of Sonoma County, a World-Class Wine Region
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (May 14, 2020) – Today Sonoma County Vintners announces the auction lots for their online 2020 Sonoma County Barrel Auction, presented by American AgCredit, that showcase the variety of wines available from Sonoma County. The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is an exclusive program that begins June 16 and provides access to renowned Sonoma County wines with one-of-a-kind auction lots of five, 10 or 20 cases. This year trade participants have access to purchase wines from 14 of the 18 Sonoma County AVAs, explore auction lots that honor winemaking history and wines from limited-production wineries.
“We are privileged to share 74 world-class auction lots that exhibit what truly makes the Sonoma County wine community exceptional,” says Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “There is something for everyone in the auction this year with varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, unique bold blends, amazing winemaker collaborations and more. We are really looking forward to virtually hosting our trade partners for this extraordinary online program.”
Sonoma County Icons and Innovators as well as their phenomenal auction lots, which will be announced in an upcoming press release, will be recognized as part of this year’s auction. The online auction gives trade members an unparalleled experience to find highly sought after and small production wineries and purchase wines only available during the online auction.
For example, Kosta Browne Winery will offer their “Silver & Iron” Pinot Noir, their tribute to Silver Eagle and Treehouse Vineyard’s iron-rich soils from the Russian River Valley AVA. Williams Seylem’s “Burt Williams: Virtuoso” Pinot Noir is a commemorative bottling that showcases Burt Williams’ pioneering and innovative winemaking techniques. CHEV, a new brand from Michael Browne, will feature “More than a Feeling” Pinot Noir to share the story of his new brand.
Many participating wineries took this opportunity to honor the source of their grapes with “one of one” productions. Dry Creek Vineyard is presenting “Historic Heritage Zinfandel” crafted from a Heritage Clone they initiated the development of in 1982 with their passion to preserve tradition and heritage of old vine Zinfandel vineyards. Pride Mountain Vineyards “Summit Cuvée de Duex” Cabernet Sauvignon is derived from the history of their property with a proprietary clone and the combination of two unique blocks at the highest point on their mountain-top estate at 2100’ in elevation. Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery created “Era” a proprietary red blend as a testament to the history and diversity found in Chalk Hill. Skipstone “Las Rocas Cabernet” Sauvignon was made from their estate vineyard’s steepest terraces that are comprised mostly of ideal large crushed rock which contributes to the exquisite aromas of their wines. Rombauer Vineyards’ “40 Years Young” is a celebration of their Fortieth Anniversary and the first single-vineyard Chardonnay from their Davitto Ranch in Carneros.
A number of wineries who produced exclusive wines for the Sonoma County Barrel Auction are celebrating history. J Vineyards & Winery honors their tradition of vintage sparkling releases with their Russian River Valley “J Vintage Salute” that features a 20-year-old lot of Vintage Brut as the base for the dosage. Mauritson Wines is presenting “The Patriarch” Cabernet Franc hailing from Rockpile AVA where their family has been farming for over 150 years. “Top of the Class” by Silver Oak is made of the top barrels from their Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to showcase their new winery.
To review the complete auction catalog, visit: SoCoBarrelAuction.com/Wines. Trade registration for the 2020 Sonoma County Barrel Auction is by invitation. Licensed wholesalers, retailers and restaurateurs are permitted to bid. To learn more, 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. The 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.
