Spotlighting world class Pinot Noirs from Willamette Valley, there will be more than 60 rare lots from the 2015 vintage, generally regarded as a great vintage in Oregon.

The wines will be auctioned off to trade members on behalf of the region’s leading trade organisation, the Willamette Valley Wineries' Association (WVWA).

The wines are exclusive and will be available to trade buyers in five, 10 or 20 case lots. More than 60 wineries will craft unique wines for the event, from established names like Sokol Blosser and Erath to up-and- comers like Elton Winery and Nicolas-Jay.

Three events showcasing Willamette Valley sub-AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) and the region’s favorite local food purveyors will take place on Friday, March 31, followed by private tastings and dinners hosted by participating wineries. On Saturday, April 1, The Allison Inn & Spa will host the main event, the live auction, following a tasting of the exclusive wines and lunch.

Wines of note include the inaugural estate vintage of Pinot Noir from Iron Filbert Vineyard by Domaine Roy et Fils and an Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir made by Isabelle Meunier under the new Elton Winery label. The wines cannot be found anywhere else and represent some of the most esteemed Pinot Noir AVAs in the world. Consumers will be able to get these wines at the winning bidders’ various restaurants and bottle shops across the nation.

Last year, the live auction raised $476,000 in proceeds from the wines alone and $630,000 in total. Proceeds from the auction benefit the WVWA’s  marketing and branding activities.