SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Registration is now open for the ninth annual Sonoma County Barrel Auction (SoCoBA), produced by Sonoma County Vintners and presented by American AgCredit. Wine industry trade members from across the country and around the world will have the exclusive opportunity to acquire “never before, never again” wines from Sonoma County’s acclaimed vintners during the live auction on May 5.
“The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is an opportunity for winemakers to apply their creativity and personality to some of the most carefully grown grapes in the world,” said Cody Radelfinger, Regional Banking Executive for American AgCredit. “It is our honor to support the event that brings those wines under one tent.”
SoCoBA will again be held at the beautiful MacMurray Estate Vineyards and feature one-of-a-kind wine futures crafted exclusively for the auction. From Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Zinfandel and numerous varieties in between, trade attendees will bid on five, ten and twenty case lots which showcase the world-class quality and diversity of Sonoma County wines. These distinctive lots from across Sonoma County provide trade buyers with original wines for resale to their customers and ultra-premium wine collectors.
“With the continued support of presenting sponsor American AgCredit, vintner participants, trade guests, sponsor and event partners, we look forward to an exciting auction,” said Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “SoCoBA provides a valuable opportunity for meaningful connections with visiting trade and participants, as well as promoting Sonoma County wines nationally and globally at this annual event.”
Bacchus Landing will host the SoCoBA Lot Tasting Preview Event on May 4, giving attendees the opportunity to sample the 2023 lots, learn more about the participating vintners and their wine portfolios. Trade guests are also invited to attend intimate SoCoBA Vintner Dinners held throughout Sonoma County the same evening. The Sonoma County Barrel Auction will be held on May 5 with a welcome reception at the historic MacMurray Estate Vineyards, followed by a wine country lunch under the live auction tent and a special Sonoma County Icons & Innovators honoree presentation.
Marcus Ajnemark, Founder of LaMarc Wines in Oslo, Norway, attended his first SoCoBA in 2022. When asked what he enjoyed most about the event, he said, “Going through the lots the day before, tasting, discussing the wines and meeting the winemakers. And of course, the day of the auction was magic! We were already working with several producers from Sonoma County, two of them attended the auction, and we were able to bring both lots home to Norway.”
Trade registration for the 2023 Sonoma County Barrel Auction is by invitation. Only licensed wholesalers, retailers and restaurateurs will receive a paddle to bid. To learn more or request a ticket, visit the Sonoma County Barrel Auction website at SoCoBarrelAuction.com.
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.
–Sonoma County Vintners