Enthusiasm for Wine Turns into Impact at Auction Napa Valley
6/7/2026 - Saint Helena, CA - The spirit of Auction Napa Valley was on full display at the 2026 event, demonstrating that a shared love of Napa Valley wine can bring people together to make a lasting impact. The energy was evident at every turn as supporters showed up with genuine enthusiasm.
Through countless opportunities to contribute, guests took part in bidding, fund-a-need donations and other creative fundraising activities. The weekend's top grossing offerings underscored the value of shared experiences and opportunities to return to Napa Valley.
Every act of generosity mattered, including donations that continued to come in even after its conclusion on Saturday night. By the weekend’s end, $6 million was raised for youth wellness in the Napa Valley community.
“It was inspiring to see so many people come together with open hearts, eager to make a difference while enjoying the connection that great wine naturally creates. We are deeply thankful to every guest, partner and supporter whose presence and generosity helped make this gathering both memorable and meaningful for Napa Valley,” said Darioush Khaledi, honorary chair of this year's auction alongside his wife Shahpar Khaledi and his daughter Sally Khaledi.
Early Momentum Set the Pace
Even after tickets sold out, interest in Auction Napa Valley continued to build, with attendance inquiries coming in until the day of the event. Ticket sales were up overall this year, with more than 2,000 people in attendance throughout the weekend.
The event drew attendees from 29 states and reflected broad appeal across generations.
Bidding activity came from both in-person and virtual audiences with early bids on nearly all lots coming in prior to the event starting.
The Napa Valley Barrel Auction
Hosted at the newly reimagined Robert Mondavi Winery, the Barrel Auction transformed the expansive property into a lively celebration. Guests arrived early, eager to sample the best of Napa Valley wine and food and get access to the barrel lots.
“The barrel auction is an incredible event. This was my third year coming and I will continue to go each year for as long as I can. I love to bring friends and see them enjoy the whole experience and appreciate it as much as I do, they’re all hooked," said guest Alex Baldwin, a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area.
One of the event's most popular features each year is the chance to meet the winemakers and try wines directly from the barrel. The auction featured 100 offerings and provided wine lovers a rare opportunity to purchase wines from the highly praised 2024 vintage before anyone else.
The top grossing lots of the day included wines from Chappellet Vineyard, Cardinale, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Continuum Estate, Shafer Vineyards, Alpha Omega, Davies Vineyards, Ovid. Napa Valley, Robert Mondavi Winery and Favia.
The Live Auction
Set against the stunning backdrop of Inglenook's historic estate, guests gathered for an evening that celebrated the very best of Napa Valley.
In the early part of the celebration, Robin Lail was presented a lifetime achievement award for her role in creating Auction Napa Valley more than four decades ago. The recognition brought focus to the pioneering vintners whose vision established wine as a force for good in Napa Valley and beyond.
As the auction progressed, the momentum grew. Lot after lot inspired spirited bidding prompting auctioneer Tom Best to pause at one point and declare, "This is philanthropy in action," drawing a round of applause.
Top grossing live lots were those donated by multi-winery partnerships for events taking place in Napa Valley, including an evening with Sebastian Maniscalco by Gargiulo Vineyards, B Cellars and Silver Oak and a tribute dinner to Michel Rolland organized by Staglin Family Vineyards, Accendo Estate, Dalla Valle Vineyards, Darioush and Screaming Eagle.
Other top lots were a trip to Morocco donated by The Vice and backstage access to BottleRock Napa Valley by John Anthony Vineyards that was ultimately secured by a bidder on the phone via Sotheby's. The Live Auction also featured new fundraising elements, including five Milestone Magnums offered among other unexpected surprises.
As the event drew to a close, the generosity of guests showed no signs of slowing with many contributions to the Fund-A-Need paddle raise pledged. In a memorable finale, the auctioneer created an impromptu offering, selling the final magnum of the evening to the last paddle raised. One by one, attendees committed an additional $1,000 for every time they raised their paddle, which went on for 20 minutes. In total, through contributions of all amounts,
Fund-A-Need brought in $1 million. It was a fitting conclusion to a weekend defined by a shared belief in the power of coming together to make a difference.
Proceeds from Auction Weekend Benefit Youth
Proceeds from Auction Napa Valley benefit the Napa Valley Vintners Youth Wellness Initiative, which funds school and community wellness centers, after-school and summer programs, and parent education throughout Napa County. Since its founding, more than $245 million has been given back to the Napa Valley community.
Looking ahead, wine enthusiasts are invited to save the date; Auction Napa Valley will return June 3-5, 2027, with the multigenerational family behind Continuum, Tim Mondavi, Marcia Mondavi Borger and their families, serving as honorary chairs.
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photo gallery. Photo credit: @sandovalmedia MOMENTOUS Images.
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 $245 million in community healthcare, youth development and the environment in Napa County. Learn more at napavintners.com.
Contact: Teresa Wall, Senior Director of Communications - 707-968-4210, twall@napavintners.com
