# ANV15: Auction Napa Valley 2015 is Almost Here!!

I am so excited to once again have to opportunity for volunteer for Auction Napa Valley 2015.  Taking place this year from June 3rd-7th, the purpose of this annual event is to enhance the well-being of those in the Napa Valley community.  Thus far, the auction has raised over 145 million dollars towards both children’s education and community health.  Last year was my first time seeing the event in action.  I volunteered for the Barrel Auction, in which folks get to sample the best wines the valley has to offer.  They then have the opportunity to bid on their favorite barrels, in hopes of being one of the lucky ten to get a case of wine.  The top bidder also gets to make off with the barrel head, usually signed by winery owners.  And trust me, there is lots of competition for the barrel head.  There are usually a handful of really popular wines that receive lots of offers from big bidders every year.

Auction Napa Valley usually begins with special welcome parties and dinners, hosted by Napa Valley wineries.  This year, on June 3rd, there will be a Young Winemakers Dinner, where guests get to dine with the Valley’s newest winemakers.  The following evening, June 4th, Vintner’s Welcome parties will be hosted all throughout Napa Valley. On Friday, June 5th, Hall St. Helena Winery will host the popular Barrel Auction.  The tasting and bidding will take place inside.  The rest of the property will be covered with a marketplace of wine, art and food.  You can also take a peek at the Live Auction Lots that will be available during Saturday’s main event.

I most enjoy checking out the 50 Live Lots as soon as they are posted on the Auction Napa Valley website.  Below are a FEW (And I do mean a few) of my favorites:

You can also find out more about the available barrel lots from the site.  Can’t make it to the event, but still want to participate?  Check out the E-Auction Lots.  These lots will be available on May 31st and will remain open until Saturday, June 6th.  It boasts almost 200 lots filled with exclusive wines, invitations to private events and weekend getaways.  This event is the best of both worlds.  You get to partake of lots of great wine, food and people, and donate money to a fantastic cause all at the same time.

A special shout-out goes to all of my fellow volunteers without whom this event could not be a success.  Cheers and see you at the auction!!