Napa, CA – Despite the turbulent landscape of the wine industry, Napa Valley Vintners’ 29th annual Premiere Napa Valley auction proved to be a resounding success, raising $3.3 million on February 22. This marked a 10% increase over the previous year’s total, underscoring the enduring appeal of the iconic Napa Valley region. The exclusive event, which caters solely to trade professionals, also marked the grand unveiling of the 2023 vintage, featuring 194 one-of-a-kind wine lots, each meticulously crafted for the auction.
The 2023 edition saw enthusiastic bidding wars, with standout lots commanding impressive bids. Among the top performers were collaborations between prestigious wineries, such as the “Old Friends” lot — a sparkling wine co-produced by Paula Kornell of Kornell Champagne and Peter Mondavi Jr. of Charles Krug Winery. These one-off lots, often the product of partnerships between renowned Napa Valley producers, showcased the creativity and craftsmanship that the region is known for.
Napa Valley Vintners attributed the auction’s success to a combination of factors: an expanded selection of offerings, a surge in participation, and the excitement generated by the exclusive nature of the event. The proceeds from the auction will directly benefit the association’s programs, continuing its mission to promote Napa Valley wines to a global audience.
The auction took place against a backdrop of uncertainty for the wine industry. Ongoing challenges include declining demand, a surplus of grapes, and shifting consumer trends toward healthier lifestyles and reduced alcohol consumption. Despite these headwinds, the atmosphere throughout the week’s events, including the Grand Tasting and the live auction, remained upbeat and optimistic.
Veteran vintner Doug Shafer, who sold Shafer Vineyards to Korean luxury firm Shinsegae Property in 2022 but continues to stay involved with the winery, acknowledged the difficulties but expressed a sense of resilience. “Sure, it’s rough times,” said Shafer. “But you try this, you try that and things balance out.”
Linda Reiff, president and CEO of Napa Valley Vintners, highlighted the strong sense of community that pervaded the event. “The support shown speaks volumes about the dedication of our trade partners and the exceptional quality of the 2023 vintage,” she said. “We’re deeply grateful for the continued collaboration with our trade partners and the strong sense of community felt here this week.”
Among the most successful lots, Simon Family Estate’s red wine collection secured the highest single bid, fetching an impressive $60,000 for a lot that ranged from 60 to 240 bottles. Other top-selling lots included collaborative offerings from JennaMarise Wines and Robert Foley Vineyards, Grgich Hills Estate and Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, and Continuum Estate and Staglin Family Vineyard. The white wine category also saw strong demand, with lots from Hudson, Schramsberg Vineyards, Vineyard 7 & 8, Chandon, and the Kornell-Mondavi sparkling wine collaboration leading the charge.
As the auction’s successful conclusion nears, it was noted that the white wines will begin reaching the market in the fall, while the red wines will continue aging in barrels for up to three years before they are ready for release.
Looking ahead, the 30th edition of Premiere Napa Valley is set for February 18-21, 2026. The event will be co-chaired by winemaking duo Chris Phelps and Josh Phelps, as the Napa Valley Vintners continue to lead the charge in promoting the region’s wines on the world stage.