Celebrated Trade Event Expands to Include Sparkling Wines and Single Case Increments for the First Time
March 17, 2025 (Portland, OR) — On May 14 & 15, 2025, the Willamette Valley Wine Auction returns for its ninth year, unveiling a reimagined experience with new additions and an expanded audience. While the event remains a premier gathering for the trade, this year introduces a limited opportunity for select wine collectors to participate, alongside the first inclusion of sparkling wines and the availability of select wines in single-case increments—making this the most dynamic auction yet.
The auction continues to showcase what makes Willamette Valley wines extraordinary, featuring unique expressions of Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and now sparkling wine from the region’s most esteemed wineries. All proceeds support the marketing, branding, and educational efforts of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA).
A Two-Day Celebration of Whimsy & Wonder
This year’s theme, Whimsy & Wonder, sets the stage for a two-day celebration of the Valley’s winemaking excellence.
- May 14: The Whimsy Experience – Open to trade and consumers, this lively event at Abbey Road Farm features exclusive tastings of 70 one-of-a-kind auction lots from the exceptional 2023 vintage, culinary creations from local chefs, live music, and dynamic seminars led by industry leaders. Thirty-eight lots are available at this event for online-only bidding.
- May 15: The Wonder Experience – A trade-only affair at the Domaine Serene Clubhouse, offering invited wine industry professionals an exclusive opportunity to engage with winemakers and bid on extraordinary lots. Thirty-three lots are available for trade-only live bidding.
Expanded Auction Format & Exclusive Wines
The wines featured in this auction are crafted exclusively for the event, sourced from prized vineyard sites across the Willamette Valley or created through innovative blending and extended aging. These limited-pro- duction gems are unavailable in tasting rooms and can only be acquired by members of the trade or attending collectors—making them truly one of a kind.
This year’s auction introduces a more flexible bidding structure, featuring five- and ten-case lots alongside a new option to bid in single-case increments on select online-only auction lots. For the first time, bidders can secure a single case or compete for larger quantities, offering greater accessibility to these exclusive wines.
Online-only bidding will be open from May 12–14.
“We are thrilled to bring back the auction with an expanded vision and a stunning lineup of wines,” said Joshua Wludyka, Auction Chair and Director at Lingua Franca. “This event highlights Willamette Valley’s world-class winemaking talent, which continues to push the boundaries of excellence year after year.”
The 2023 Vintage: A Year to Remember
The 2023 vintage has already captured critical acclaim, with its balance of freshness, complexity, and depth. A cool start to the season, followed by warm temperatures and a dry summer, led to a harvest of exceptional quality. Industry insiders are already buzzing with excitement over these wines.
Additional Events & Invitation Details
- Tuesday, May 13 – Guests can participate in cellar visits and exclusive winery dinners.
- Wednesday, May 14 – The Whimsy Experience at Abbey Road Farm and dinner at Stillwater.
- Thursday, May 15 – The Wonder Experience at the Domaine Serene Clubhouse (trade only). Registration is now open: willamettewines.auction/guest
Questions? Contact Megan Markel, Trade Relations manager at megan@willamettewines.com For more information, including a list of participating wineries, visit willamettewines.auction.
About Willamette Valley Wineries Association
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA) is a non-profit industry association dedicated to achiev- ing 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 business- es throughout the Willamette Valley region. To learn more about The Willamette Valley Wineries Association visit: willamettewines.com
