It was a magical week in Napa Valley as the 27th annual Premiere Napa Valley barrel auction, conducted by Sotheby's, took place among the rare sighting of snowcapped mountains. While the snow was an unusual addition, the warm hospitality and the array of incredible wines on offer were a return to normal. The jovial spirits on display showcased the essence of what the auction week is about with the who's who of the global wine trade taking part from near and far.
The auction brought in an impressive $3.4 million including wines sold in the Premiere Napa Valley and the Vintage Perspective auctions. All proceeds directly fund programs to promote, protect and enhance Napa Valley. 
"They call this the best week in Napa Valley and I can see why. While the main agenda is the auctions, this is an amazing opportunity to meet with many wine growers, taste a wide array of wines, in a super friendly and collegial atmosphere. I have felt very warmly welcomed this week and I have learned a lot," said Linden Wilkie, founder of The Fine Wine Experience in Hong Kong.
People seen in photo are, Signorello winemaker and Premiere Napa Valley Steering Committee Chair, Priyanka French, Constantine Wine Mid Atlantic distributor, Gus Kalaris and his VP, Paul Giannaris and Ray Signorello.
This year's Premiere Napa Valley 2023 was a memorable one. Throughout the week the convivial spirit abounded in the array of greetings between friends and business partners old and new. And while wine country's upper elevations received 10 plus inches of snow, it didn't deter buyers from seeking out Napa Valley's rarest wines. I ventured to and fro gorgeous estates and vineyards taking part in events at St. Supery Winery & Vineyards for the the sponsors Opening Recption, Spottwood Estate for the Appellation St. Helena event, also known as ASH, to Rutherford Dust Society's event at Quintessa to a grand closing night event at the gorgeous Alpha Omega Winery.
It is so thrilling and encouraging to see the growing number of female winemakers, owners and winery executives. Some prominent females I mixed, mingled and spoke with throughout the week included: Priyanka French-Signorello Estates, Elizabeth Vianna Hill-Chimney Rock, Julie Johnson-Tres Sabores, Coral Brown-Brown Estate, Emma Swain-St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery, Ana Diogo Draper-Artesa, Avery Heelan-Larkmead, Regina Weinstein-Honig Wine, Pam Crocker-Crocker & Starr, Melissa Devore-Amici, and Beverly Sodhani of Sodhani Vineyards. And, honorable mention, "The Wine Diva of Napa Valley" herself, Heidi Barrett.
By the end of the annual auction week, 154 micro lots of Premiere Napa Valley wine and 53 lots of Vintage Perspective Auction wine had been sold to bidders in far reaching markets around the world.
The phenomenal results show the enormous enthusiasm worldwide for these unique and innovative wines that showcase the best of Napa Valley. The 2021 vintage is clearly great, and is going to be in very strong demand, as witnessed today," said Jamie Ritchie, Worldwide Chariman, Sotheby's Wine & Spirits. "The boisterous bidders demonstrated enthusiasm from the first lot to the last, creating an energy that propelled the results."
Among this year's lots were 137 wines from the 2021 vintage. Trade members raised their paddles generously and the excitement over the 2021 vintage was clear. The average bottle price of a 2021 red wine was $295.
"The 2021 vintage is beyond perfection. Structure and finesse blend into a marvelous juice that will definitely take your breath away. I’m thrilled and excited to have been able to get a sneak peek of it, and can’t wait to work it in our market," said Juan Pablo Salgado, of Delizia Wine Boutique located in San José, Costa Rica.
This year bidding began on February 10 and culminated on Saturday, February 25, in person at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, and online. More than 250 trade accounts from 18 countries took part.
"We don't take for granted the joy that comes from this event, especially this year. It's been really meaningful this week to spend time with friends and business partners from around the globe. We're so appreciative of their support and are incredibly happy with the results," said Andy Erickson, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Napa Valley Vintners and owner of Favia.
Patti Neumann is Founder of CITYPEEK.com & an award-winning website & blog. Based in Napa Valley, Patti is one of the USA's top Social Media Publicists, Columnists and Influencers on food, sips, hospitality & the good life.
CITYPEEK.com has its finger on the pulse of what's hot in the world of food, wine and travel trends. Come journey along with our 'CITYPEEK Patti' Neumann, as she nibbles, sips and shares her taste buds as she travels on social media 'Citypeek Patti'
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