WINERIES SCHEDULE REGISTER MEDIA & EVENT PRESS Bidding Overview
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS EDUCATION THE ATTICUS HOTEL THE DUNDEE HOTEL LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES
The Pinot Noir Auction
 
 
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2025 AUCTION PRESS

Please find previous auction press releases and event photos below.

Contact Morgen McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, with any media inquiries.

 

WHIMSY & WONDER: NINTH ANNUAL Willamette Valley Wine Auction CAPTIVATES TRADE & COLLECTORS ALIKE

The Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA) is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Ninth Annual Willamette Valley Wine Auction, held May 14–15, 2025. With a reimagined two-day format and the debut of both sparkling wines and single-case bidding increments, this year’s event raised an impressive $614,115 through sponsorship, ticket sales, and lot sales to support WVWA’s marketing, branding, and education initiatives.

More than 80 trade bidders from 35 states and three countries participated in the auction, bidding both online and in person for 70 exclusive lots from the highly acclaimed 2023 vintage. For the first time, a select group of wine collectors joined trade attendees on day one to preview featured lots and participate in the online auction. On day two, the live auction brought together trade bidders competing for one-of-a-kind wines, available exclusively through resale by the winning bidders.

Auction Highlights

  • Top Lot:  Lot #32 2023 Alexana Mosaic - In Blue Pinot noir – $30,000

  • Lot #24: 2023 Antica Terra Alder Creek Pinot noir – $25,000

  • Lot #18 2023 Bethel Heights Kaleidoscope Chardonnay – $18,000

  • Highlight Lot from the Online Auction: It Takes A Valley – $10,000 (A multi-day auction lot for four offered rare, behind-the-scenes access to Willamette Valley wine country, with private tastings, vineyard stays, and immersive winemaker experiences. Learn more)

The average lot price for the trade-only auction reached $10,774, and the average bottle price soared to $180—the highest ever recorded for the live auction (compared to the previous high of $160 per bottle in 2019).

The two-day celebration began on May 14 with The Whimsy Experience at Abbey Road Farm, where trade and collector guests enjoyed 39 auction wines—many of them sparkling debuts—alongside cuisine from top local chefs, live music, and educational seminars. Thirty-nine lots were also offered for online bidding, with standout results including the It Takes A Valley highlight lot.

On May 15, The Wonder Experience at the Domaine Serene Clubhouse welcomed trade bidders for an intimate, high-energy in-person auction featuring a seasonal lunch from acclaimed Portland chef Aaron Barnett of St. Jack. Spirited bidding was led by renowned auctioneer Charles Antin of Zachys, whose dynamic style sparked lively competition and cheers throughout the afternoon. Collaborative winemaker pairs took the stage to present their wines among the 31 live lots, adding to the excitement and community spirit.

“The caliber of wines showcased this year was nothing short of world-class,” said Joshua Wludyka, Auction Chair and Brand Director at Lingua Franca. “These wines represent the depth, diversity, and precision of Willamette Valley winemaking—each one a testament to the remarkable talent and terroir of our region. We’re incredibly grateful to the attendees, bidders, and supporters who helped bring this celebration to life. Your participation ensures that the Willamette Valley continues to shine on the world stage.”

The 2023 vintage has already earned praise for its balance, freshness, and complexity—thanks to a cooler start to the season followed by ideal ripening conditions. All wines in the auction were crafted exclusively for this event, showcasing the Valley’s distinct AVAs, innovation, and craftsmanship.

 

more photos coming soon!
photos: carolyn wells kramer
@carolyn_wells_kramer

Photographer credit required when using these images.

2024 AUCTION PRESS & PHOTOS

 
 

photos: carolyn wells kramer
@carolyn_wells_kramer

Photographer credit required when using these images.

2021 AUCTION PRESS

 

At Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction on August 5, 2021, bidders raised an impressive $611,000 on wine lots, with additional sponsorship funds bringing the Auction total to $705,100. We are grateful to our bidders, sponsors and wineries, and the behind-the-scenes vendors, event staff and volunteers who all came together to make this event possible.

 
 
 

2021 AUCTION PRESS AND 2019 VINTAGE PREVIEW

 
 
 

“I will remember 2019 as challenging at every turn as a growing season, but from the earliest fermentations, through elevage, and now to bottling in early 2021, I have marveled at the delicacy, complexity and graceful architecture of the vintage.”

– Ben Casteel, Bethel Heights

 

2020 AUCTION PRESS AND 2018 VINTAGE COVERAGE

 

At Willamette: The Pinot Noir Online Auction 2020, not only were critical funds raised to support the Willamette Valley Winery Association’s (WVWA) education and marketing initiatives, but an additional $100,000 was raised to support the James Beard Foundation’s Food & Beverage Investment Fund for Black and Indigenous Americans, part of the larger JBF Open for Good campaign. View and download our press release announcing the results of the first-ever 2020 Online Auction.

Oregon Wine Press
Lots to Discuss

SevenFifty Daily
Wine Auctions Pivot—Quite Profitably—to the Virtual World

The Vintner Project
Online Auction Reflects Classic Oregonian Spirit

Wine Industry Advisor
Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction’s Online Pivot Raised Funds for the Willamette Valley Wineries Association and the James Beard Foundation’s Open for Good Campaign

Wine Industry Advisor
Portland Basketball Superstar CJ McCollum Is 2020 Auction Ambassador for Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction

Forbes
‘Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction’ Goes Online For The First Time In 2020

The Buyer
‘Goldilocks’ 2018 vintage shines at all new Willamette Pinot Noir auction

Vinous
Oregon Pinot Noir: The Winning Streak Continues

The Drinks Business
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Auction Opens Tomorrow

Portland Business Journal
Willamette pinot noir auction shifts online to aid restaurants

Wine & Whiskey Globe
Willamette Pinot Auction Goes Virtual—and Will Benefit Beard Foundation

Wine Industry Insight
Willamette Valley Wineries Association Pivots Annual Trade Auction to Benefit Restaurants in Need

 

PHOTO GALLERY BY EASTON RICHMOND

2019 AUCTION PRESS AND 2017 VINTAGE COVERAGE

 
 

PHOTO GALLERY BY EASTON RICHMOND

 
 

2018 AUCTION PRESS AND 2016 VINTAGE COVERAGE

 
 
 

Photo gallery by john valls

2017 AUCTION PRESS

 
 

2016 AUCTION PRESS