2023 Sonoma County Barrel Auction Lots Announced

SANTA ROSA, CA (March 23, 2023) – Sonoma County Vintners and presenting sponsor American AgCredit are pleased to announce that the 2023 auction lots for the Sonoma County Barrel Auction (SoCoBA) are available now for viewing at SoCoBarrelAuction.com. The event, exclusively for the wine trade and media, will be held at MacMurray Estate Vineyards on Friday, May 5, 2023. These “never before, never again” wines are crafted by renowned Sonoma County winemakers and showcase the spectacular range of the region. Members of the wine trade may register online to attend the live auction events, with proof of a valid resale license. Proxy bidding is available for trade who are unable to attend in person.

“SoCoBA is an important program that gives our Sonoma County vintner community valued face time with members of the national and international wine trade,” said Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “The connections that are made at this event are paramount to wineries looking for sales representation and to showcase the incredible wines of Sonoma County to the world.”

Exclusive 2023 SoCoBA auction lots include a collaboratively made Pinot Noir from Williams Selyem, Rochioli Vineyards and Winery, and Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery named “The Legend: Joe Rochioli, Jr.” The lot honors the late Sonoma County winemaking pioneer with a wine made from the historic Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard he farmed for decades. Another collaborative lot that showcases the long history of winemaking cooperation is “Dry Creek Valley 40th Anniversary – The Zinfandel of Legends” created by A. Rafanelli Winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, Mauritson Wines, Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery, Pedroncelli Winery, Ridge Vineyards and Saini Vineyards.

J Vineyards and Winery has submitted their first-ever single vineyard sparkling wine with “Eastside Effervescence.” Rombauer Vineyards explores how larger barrel size highlights the fruit intensity of the vineyard site with “Chardonnay Legends,” made with grapes from the famed Sangiacomo Home Ranch. Crescere’s “Single Barrel Proprietary Red Blend” showcases their winemaking techniques with a special single barrel selection made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Returning trade buyers will find familiarity with lots from long-time SoCoBA supporters such as Silver Oak with their “The Pick of the Bunch,” as well as “Rock Arch Old Vine” from Pride Mountain Vineyards and “The Duel” from Kosta Browne. They may also discover new hidden gems with first-time auction lot submissions from 32 Winds, Ridge Vineyards, Monroy Wines, Head High Wines, Nottingham Cellars, Saintsbury and Ektimo Winery.

The in-person auction events will kick off with an all-inclusive lot tasting preview event on May 4 at Bacchus Landing, a venue featuring a collective of wineries and experiences located in the heart of Healdsburg. The event offers trade buyers the opportunity to speak with the vintners, taste and learn more about the barrel auction lots, and make notes about their favorites before the live auction the next day.

Proceeds raised from the Sonoma County Barrel Auction assist in creating Sonoma County Vintners marketing programs and initiatives that support the wine trade and community.

Please see our online library for downloadable photos of SoCoBA.

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About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions. Sonoma County Vintners represents over 250 wineries throughout the county. The organization actively promotes Sonoma County through educational programming; advocates for its members at local, state and federal levels; and contributes to the local communities through our Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. Sonoma County Wine Auction, its annual fundraiser, benefits non-profit organizations throughout the region. To learn more about Sonoma County Vintners, visit SonomaWine.com.

About American AgCredit
American AgCredit was chartered in 1916 as part of the nationwide Farm Credit System and is the nation’s fourth-largest Farm Credit association. American AgCredit specializes in providing financial services to agricultural and rural customers in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, New Mexico, Nevada and Oklahoma, and serves capital market customers throughout the United States. Financial services provided by American AgCredit include production and mortgage financing, equipment and vehicle leasing, crop and life insurance, lines of credit, and the Young, Beginning and Small Farmer Program. In addition, the Association provides interest-free loans for qualifying 4-H and FFA AgYouth programs, as well as college scholarships to young people interested in agriculture. Learn more at AgLoan.com.

About Bacchus Landing
Founded by siblings Monica and Francisco Lopez, along with their parents Al and Dina, Bacchus Landing is a curated collective of wineries representing a diverse spectrum of grape varieties and winemaking styles. It is located in the heart of Healdsburg at the crossroads of three of Sonoma County’s premier wine regions. Designed to reflect the Lopez family’s deep-seated passion for hosting family and friends, Bacchus Landing welcomes guests to come and stay the day, offering a relaxing escape from everyday life. The three-acre property boasts five spacious, open-air tasting rooms, an artisanal food market serving local wine-friendly bites, a more casual green space with picnic tables and bocce courts, a central piazza with café tables, a full commercial kitchen, and a variety of spaces for corporate meetings and events. For more information, please visit BacchusLanding.com.

About MacMurray Estate Vineyards
With vineyards in California’s most sought-after Pinot Noir regions, MacMurray Estate Vineyards is synonymous with one of the world’s most celebrated grape varieties. We grow our grapes where Pinot Noir thrives — in the Russian River Valley and the Central Coast. By carefully tending to each vineyard block and making discerning choices in the cellar, we create wines that reflect the unique terroir of each estate vineyard while showcasing the elegant flavors of the delicate Pinot Noir grape. Our namesake in the Russian River Valley, the 1,500-acre MacMurray Ranch, has a rich farming history that stretches back to the early 1850s. In 1941, actor Fred MacMurray bought the ranch as an idyllic family retreat and cattle ranch. In 1996, MacMurray Ranch was transformed to include a world-class vineyard with 450 acres of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vines, ushering in a new era for the legendary Sonoma County property. Learn more at MacMurrayEstateVineyards.com.

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