12/1/2022 – Saint Helena, CA – Today registration opens for Premiere Napa Valley, the ultimate wine trade event and wine auction that takes place from February 10-25, 2023. Nearly 150 Premiere Napa Valley wine lots and 50 Vintage Perspective lots will be up for auction, powered once again by Sotheby’s. This follows the announcement last November of a three-year venture with Sotheby’s to help create more access to Napa Valley’s rare wines.
“We are excited to welcome our trade partners and friends again in 2023 as we continue and evolve the tradition of showcasing the excellent, unique and exemplary wines from all of our esteemed producers exclusively crafted for Premiere Napa Valley,” said Priyanka French, Winemaker at Signorello Estate and 2023 Premiere Napa Valley Steering Committee Chair.
Premiere Napa Valley is an auction that takes place each year in February and is made up of one-of-a-kind wines. Winemakers craft their best and most special wines for Premiere Napa Valley in lot sizes ranging from 60 to 240 bottles total, making them Napa Valley’s rarest commercially available wines.
Among the Premiere Napa Valley lots this year will be many selections from the 2021 Napa Valley vintage. In addition, 50 lots will be offered in the Vintage Perspective Auction that range in vintage from 2004 to 2013.
Bidding on auction lots takes place starting February 10 and concludes via a live auction on Saturday, February 25. Wine trade members can participate from anywhere in the world.
- Remote participation includes wine samples sent to bidders, an online educational session led by Master of Wine Lisa Perotti-Brown and the opportunity to meet with winemakers virtually.
- Those attending in person can participate in online bidding and activities as well as join tasting events around the valley leading up to the Saturday auction.
Whether in person or virtual, Premiere Napa Valley offers wine trade members an opportunity to discover new producers, try new and library vintages, learn about the latest happenings and conduct business with Napa Valley wine producers.
The auction will reach a global audience by way of Sotheby’s, a trusted source for fine wine and spirits.
“It is a privilege for Sotheby’s to present these exceptional and rare Napa Valley wines to the international wine trade and to help stage this prestigious wine auction,” said Jamie Ritchie, Worldwide Chairman, Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits.
Only licensed members of the wine trade can take part in the auction and bid on Premiere Napa Valley wines. Consumers can then buy the wines from trade members: importers, brokers, distributors, retailers, restaurateurs and private clubs.
“I participate in Premiere to give my clients a one-of-a-kind experience that is more than just buying a bottle of wine. The bonus is that we are helping preserve the Napa Valley for future wine enthusiasts for years to come through the work of NVV,” said Chester Cox from Classic Wine Services & Storage.
The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) trade association is the host of Premiere Napa Valley and proceeds support NVV’s mission to promote, protect and enhance the valley for future generations of wine lovers.
About 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 $225 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.
