Bidding Opens Today on Napa Valley Barrel Auction Lots

Wine enthusiasts are invited to bid from anywhere in the world.

6/2/2026 - Saint Helena, CA - The excitement for Auction Napa Valley is building as bidding on Napa Valley Barrel Auction lots begins today, Tuesday, June 2 at 9 a.m. PDT. With more than 100 vintner offerings available, wine lovers around the world have the rare opportunity to purchase Napa Valley wines from the highly regarded 2024 vintage before they are released to the public.

The 2024 vintage is known for capturing the unique character of Napa Valley, blending boldness with elegance, and is already generating enthusiasm among vintners and critics alike. Jeb Dunnuck from jebdunnuck.com had this to say, "the 2024 vintage in Napa Valley is unquestionably another impressive vintage."

Featuring more than 100 lots from Napa Valley wineries, the auction includes wines donated by Antinori Napa Valley, Baldacci Family Vineyards, Bazán Cellars, Cakebread Cellars, Cardinale, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Duckhorn Vineyards, Favia, Far Niente Winery, Grgich Hills Estate, HALL, Hyde Vineyards Estate, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Lewis Cellars, Nickel & Nickel, Ovid. Napa Valley, Relic Wine Cellars, Salvestrin, Shafer Vineyards, The Prisoner Wine Company and Viader Vineyards & Winery among many others.

Adding to the excitement, the top bidder for each lot will receive a commemorative barrel head signed by the winemaker, and new this year, they will also be invited to an exclusive kickoff lunch with participating winemakers during next year's Auction Napa Valley on June 3, 2027.

The Barrel Auction culminates Friday, June 5 at the newly reimagined Robert Mondavi Winery, where attendees will participate in spirited bidding alongside collectors joining virtually from around the globe. Demand for this year's event has been strong already, with the Barrel Auction selling out two weeks in advance.

"The Barrel Auction is one of my favorite events of the year. There's something truly special about tasting wines directly from barrel and meeting the winemakers behind them. There's always something new to discover, whether it's a new favorite winery, a vintage or a new varietal guests may not have experienced otherwise," said Alan Viader, chair of the 2026 Napa Valley Barrel Auction and winemaker for Viader Vineyards & Winery. "What makes it even more special is knowing that every bid helps support the next generation of Napa Valley."

Anyone can bid from anywhere in the world by registering online at Sothebys.com. Lots will begin closing in staggered intervals starting at 4 p.m. PDT on June 5.

Proceeds from Auction Napa Valley benefit the Napa Valley Vintners Youth Wellness Initiative, funding school and community wellness centers, after-school and summer programs and parent education programs that strengthen families.

About Napa Valley Vintners

The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. NVV has invested more than $245 million in community healthcare, youth development and the environment in Napa County. Learn more at napavintners.com.

Contact: Teresa Wall, Senior Director of Communications - 707-968-4210, [email protected]