May 19, 2026 (Portland, OR) — The Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA) announces the successful conclusion of the Tenth Annual Willamette Valley Wine Auction, held May 13–14, 2026. Celebrating its 10th anniversary with the theme Whimsy & Wonder, the two-day event brought together the wine trade, collectors, winemakers, and industry supporters while raising more than $600,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and lot sales to support WVWA’s marketing, branding, and educational initiatives.
This year’s auction featured wines and collaborations from 78 Willamette Valley wineries, with collectors and trade buyers from 27 states and Washington, D.C., participating online and in person. Over the two-day event, bidders competed for 41 online lots and 36 trade-only live-auction lots, including rare wines unavailable through tasting rooms or traditional retail channels, as well as three experience-based lots. Each wine lot was produced exclusively for the auction in a limited quantity of just five cases, or 60 bottles.
The anniversary year also marked meaningful growth in bidder engagement. More than half of successful live-auction buyers participated for the first time, while active online bidders more than doubled compared to 2025.
Held at two celebrated Willamette Valley locations, Abbey Road Farm and Domaine Serene, the auction combined educational programming, culinary experiences, and one-of-a-kind wines that showcased the region’s depth, creativity, and craftsmanship.
Top-performing lots included standout offerings from Alexana Winery—whose lots have now claimed the auction’s top spot for the past two years—and Argyle Winery, making for a particularly meaningful moment as the winery of 2026 Auction Chair Elizabeth Clark. One of the event’s standout collaborative lots, “Common Ground,” brought together Hyland Estates, Lingua Franca, Nicolas-Jay, and Soléna Estate to showcase wine crafted from the iconic Hyland Vineyard.
Top 10 Lots
- Alexana – $25,000
- Argyle – $15,000
- Hyland Estates, Lingua Franca, Nicolas Jay, Soléna Estate – $13,000
- Bergström Wines – $12,500
- Domaine Divio & Soléna Estate – $12,500
- Elk Cove Vineyards – $12,000
- Bethel Heights – $11,500
- Bethel Heights & Cristom Vineyards – $10,500
- Penner-Ash Wine Cellars – $10,000
- 00 Wines – $10,000
The “It Takes a Valley” experience lot, an immersive four-day Willamette Valley getaway for four guests, sold for $11,000.
Additional anniversary highlights included a four-women collaborative Chardonnay crafted by Argyle, Luisa Wines, Matzinger-Davies, and Ridgecrest; an original oil painting by artist and winemaker James Frey paired with his sparkling wine lot from Trisaetum; and a rare blending experience with Maggie Harrison and Mimi Adams of Antica Terra.
“The Willamette Valley Wine Auction has always been about more than exceptional wine,” said Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of the WVWA. “It’s a celebration of the collaborative spirit that defines this region. Ten years in, we are incredibly grateful to the wineries, trade partners, bidders, sponsors, and supporters who continue to invest in the future of Willamette Valley wine and help share this region’s story with the world.”
The 2024 vintage has already generated excitement among media and trade for its balance, vibrancy, and age-worthy structure. Every wine featured in the auction was crafted exclusively for the event, offering bidders rare access to limited-production wines that capture the Willamette Valley’s individuality and excellence.
As the auction marks its tenth anniversary, it continues to serve as a powerful platform for showcasing the region’s wines while directly reinvesting in WVWA-led marketing, branding, and education programs that support the long-term success of the Willamette Valley.
For full results and lot details, visit www.willamettewines.auction.
About the Willamette Valley Wineries Association
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA) is a non-profit industry association dedicated to achieving global recognition for Oregon’s Willamette Valley as a premier Pinot Noir–producing region. The WVWA represents more than 400 members across wineries, vineyards, and allied industries throughout the Valley. Learn more at willamettewines.com.
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