2/22/2025 - Saint Helena, CA - The 2025 Premiere Napa Valley wine auction came to a celebratory conclusion on Saturday, marking the end of a truly memorable week in Napa Valley. A vibrant energy filled the week, fueled by the excitement of coming together and the debut of the 2023 vintage.
This year’s auction raised a total of $3.3 million, underscoring the wine trade's optimism for the future and reaffirming that demand for Napa’s finest and most innovative wines remains strong. The auction total came to a 10% increase over last year driven by a greater number of lots, more participants and enthusiastic bidding. It also served as a powerful reminder that while the wine industry continues to evolve, the bonds that unite those within it remain as strong as ever.
"The opportunity to come together at Premiere has been truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled with this year’s auction results. The support shown speaks volumes about the dedication of our trade partners and the exceptional quality of the 2023 vintage. It’s been a privilege to be surrounded by so many passionate people who share a love for Napa Valley. We’re deeply grateful for the continued collaboration with our trade partners and the strong sense of community felt here this week," said Linda Reiff, President and CEO of Napa Valley Vintners.
Auction bidder, Peter Molinari of UOVO WINE echoed similar sentiments. “It felt like the industry came together in a meaningful way this year. The ability to converse with winemakers and experience the authenticity and craftsmanship they bring to the cultivation of their wines was an incredible reminder of the underlying passion that the wine industry is built upon.”
With a focus on quality, the event underscored the region’s continued leadership in producing some of the world’s finest wines. The top 20 red wine lots included Simon Family Estate, The Mascot, Hourglass, Quintessa, a joint lot by JennaMarise Wines and Robert Foley Vineyards, Robert Mondavi Winery, Duckhorn Vineyards, a joint lot by Grgich Hills Estate and Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, 001 Vintners, HQ Winery, Arkenstone Vineyards, a joint lot by Davies Vineyard, Diamond Creek Vineyards, Diamond Mountain Vineyard, Dyer Vineyard, Lokoya and Wallis Family Estate, Lail Vineyards, Darioush, Raymond Vineyards, Shafer Vineyards, Silver Oak, a joint lot by Continuum Estate and Staglin Family Vineyard, The Vice and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. The top five white wine lots included Hudson, Schramsberg Vineyards, Vineyard 7 & 8, Chandon and a joint lot by Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine and Charles Krug.
“This auction is often a great bell-weather for the wider wine market and it's heartening to see signs of increased positivity from these results. It’s a real testament that even during a tough market Napa Valley’s most passionate supporters enthusiastically raised their paddles. It’s always a pleasure to take part in this auction," said Nick Pegna, Global Head of Wines and Spirits at Sotheby's, which conducted the auction.
Throughout the week, Napa Valley’s producers showcased their current release wines alongside their Premiere Napa Valley wine lots, many of which were the highly anticipated 2023 vintage, which was met with great enthusiasm by attendees.
Joe Czerwinski of The Wine Advocate had this to say about the vintage, "The 2023 reds show the effects of a long, cool ripening season, with many showing fine-grained, wonderfully smooth tannins and remarkable freshness. The high quality of the wines and enthusiasm of the vintners lent an extra air of excitement to being here for Premiere Napa Valley."
White wines from this auction will begin to arrive in market this fall while red wine releases are expected to age in barrel for up to three years before release. A listing of accounts that sell Premiere Napa Valley wines is available at premierenapavalley.com.
Proceeds from the Premiere Napa Valley auction directly support the Napa Valley Vintners’ programs to promote, protect and enhance Napa Valley.
Trade members are invited to save the date for next year. Premiere Napa Valley week will take place February 18-21, 2026 being chaired by father and son winemaking duo Chris Phelps and Josh Phelps.
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. NVV has invested more than $230 million in community healthcare, youth development and the environment in Napa County, and is a champion of inclusivity in its community and industry. Learn more at napavintners.com.
Contact: Teresa Wall, Senior Director of Communications - 707-968-4210, twall@napavintners.com
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