The ninth annual Willamette Valley Wine Auction recently took place, celebrating the 2023 vintage with a two-day event that drew collectors and industry professionals alike. This year, the auction raised over $614,000, benefiting the Willamette Valley Wineries Association’s marketing and education initiatives.
Held on May 14-15, the auction included live and silent auctions, and featured exclusive one-of-a-kind wines made specifically for the event. A seminar moderated by wine writer Clive Pursehouse showcased esteemed winemakers from the Willamette Valley, such as Ken Pahlow of Walter Scott, Maggie Harrison of Antica Terra, and Georgia Hennen of Adelsheim, who discussed the growing season and the characteristics of the wines available for auction.
The new format included invitations for consumers alongside industry buyers, introducing single-case bidding increments and sparkling wines into the mix. The auction’s centerpiece was Lot #32, a special auction-only Pinot Noir from Alexana Winery, which sold for an impressive $30,000. This lot included an exclusive experience at the Revana Blending Table with owner Dr. Madaiah Revana and other winemakers, where the winner would create unique blends of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Other notable sales included the 2023 Antica Terra Alder Creek Pinot Noir, which went for $25,000, and the 2023 Bethel Heights Kaleidoscope Chardonnay, which sold for $18,000. Additionally, an online auction package, “It Takes A Valley,” fetched $10,000, offering the winning bidder a unique wine country experience.
The 2023 vintage, characterized by a cool start followed by a stable growing season, showcased healthy yields and moderate alcohol levels. Early tastings indicate the vintage features elegance and potential for aging. Joshua Wludyka, auction chair, praised the high quality of the wines, stating they epitomize the talent and terroir of Willamette Valley winemaking.
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