6/3/2025 - Saint Helena, CA - The Napa Valley Barrel Auction opens for online bidding Tuesday, June 3 at 9 a.m. PT, offering wine lovers worldwide first access to the highly acclaimed wines from the 2023 vintage. The Barrel Auction takes place in person on Friday, June 6, kicking off Auction Napa Valley weekend. Bidding is open to anyone, anywhere in the world through online bidding at Sothebys.com/Napa.
This year’s in-person Barrel Auction event will be hosted at the iconic Louis M. Martini Winery, where guests will enjoy an immersive experience and a lively atmosphere among Napa Valley’s winemaking community. Bidding on live auction lots began on May 23 and will conclude during the live auction celebration that takes place at Chandon on Saturday, June 7 starting at 8 p.m. PT.
An Innovative, Unique Auction Format
The Napa Valley Barrel Auction is celebrated for its high-energy, gamified format. Each lot represents a half-barrel of future wine, and the top ten bidders per lot each win a 12-bottle case. To stay on the leaderboard, one must outbid competitors, making for a fast-paced, thrilling experience unmatched in the world of wine. The top bidder of each lot will receive a commemorative barrel head signed by the winemaker.
With 111 top wineries participating, and 1,110 cases of wine available, this year’s auction promises a wine for every palate. While Cabernet Sauvignon remains the star, more than 30 lots of Cabernet Franc, Charbono, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Red Blends, Syrah, Tempranillo and Zinfandel will also be featured. Bidding opens at $360 per 12-bottle case ($30 per bottle), with lots beginning to close on Friday, June 6 at 4 p.m. PT.
Guests will have the rare opportunity to sample wines straight from the barrel alongside the winemakers. They will also be among the first to experience the much-celebrated 2023 vintage, widely hailed as the 'vintage of a lifetime.' In 2023, Napa Valley experienced one of the longest growing seasons in a decade with consistent mild temperatures, allowing the grapes to develop complex flavors and winemakers to pick at optimal ripeness. The resulting wines are noted for their vibrant acidity and aging potential.
Bidding with Purpose
Rooted in tradition, and energized by a new generation, this year's events have drawn strong vintner support with more than 300 wineries participating, including 50 of NVV's newest members who are enthusiastically involved.
“The commitment of our vintner community, from longtime supporters to our newest members, is truly inspiring,” said Jaime Araujo, Board Chair of Napa Valley Vintners and owner of Trois Noix. “This spirit of camaraderie, generosity and shared purpose drives us to come together and support the children and families who are the heart of Napa Valley.”
This year, Auction Napa Valley celebrates 45 years of giving back to the community. Proceeds will benefit Napa Valley Vintners' Youth Wellness Initiative with a focus on empowering youth to lead healthy, balanced lives.
To register for bidding and to explore participating wineries, visit Sothebys.com/Napa. Tickets to attend can be purchased at collectivenapavalley.org. To make a donation to this year's fund-a-need, visit www.collectivenapavalley.org/campaign.
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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