From the Vine: Fifth Annual Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction to Offer Exclusive Lots

On April 4, 2020 the Willamette Valley Wineries Association will host the nation’s top wine trade and media for the Fifth Annual Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction at The Allison Inn in Newberg, Oregon.

The trade-only Auction will present 86 lots of 2018 Pinot noir, a vintage already being heralded as a modern classic. The Auction will also feature a selection of seven Chardonnay lots, made in collaboration by current and past Auction chairs. Each lot of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is one-of-a-kind, produced in quantities of 5, 10 or 20 cases, and will only become available to consumers through resale by the winning bidders—wine wholesalers, restaurants and retailers.

Auction Room

“We created Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction as an opportunity to invite the wine trade to experience the very best our region has to offer,” says David Millman, 2020 Auction chair and managing director of Domaine Drouhin Oregon. “Over the past six decades the Willamette Valley has become recognized world-wide for Pinot noir, and the continued interest in and growth of our trade auction surely demonstrates that our little region is special. The 2018 wines featured in this auction capture all of the qualities which have come to define Willamette Valley Pinot noir.”

Wine is Poured at Pre-Auction Tasting at Domaine Serene

Attendees are invited to arrive on Friday, April 3, for pre-auction festivities including seminars, welcome tastings and winemaker dinners hosted by participating vintners. A lot preview tasting will take place on the morning of Saturday, April 4 at The Allison Inn, followed by the live auction, conducted by veteran wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton.

Pre-Auction Tasting

Attendance is limited to licensed wine sellers, including retailers, restaurateurs and wholesalers. Licensed members of the wine trade who are interested in attending may obtain tickets by visiting WillametteWines.auction/guest. Members of the press may complete a Media Credential Request Form at WillametteWines.Auction/Press.