Multiple auction paddles were raised at an elegant Opus One Winery dinner as part of Collective Napa Valley’s November 2022 event. Tickets to the $2500 per person weekend sold out quickly, as supporters from around the nation, as well as some international visitors, rushed to secure the limited seats. The weekend event, along with online bidding and donations during November, easily achieved the $2 million goal set to fund wildfire mitigation and reforestation. This amount is in addition to the $4.6 million that Napa Valley Vintners has given to support community efforts so far in 2022.
Many attendees were long time supporters of the 40 year Napa Valley Auction, which was re-imagined into Collective Napa Valley – a series of celebrations and fund-raising events throughout the year, rather than a single auction. The November event included vineyard visits for a ‘boots on the ground’ field trip to learn about fire mitigation efforts, a winery lunch, and then an elegant reception and 5-course dinner at Opus One.
The Elegant Dinner and Auction at Opus One Winery
Once in the dining room, guests were treated to a variety of famous Napa Valley wines, including a magnum of 2013 Opus One at each 10-person table. The 5-course menu, created by Michelin-starred chef, Christopher Kostow, included: caviar with turnip custard, quail stuffed with abalone and pork, beef filet with black truffle and kimchee, Brillat-Savarin, and a platter of small elegant desserts.
During dinner, five mystery magnums of historic Napa Valley wines were auctioned off – each selling for $10,000 to $14,000. Winning bidders were urged to open the bottle and share it with others at their table. At the conclusion of dinner, the auction commenced with inspiring speeches from Bart and Daphne Araujo, auction co-chairs, as well as a moving video on the wildfire impact and mitigation efforts.
“It is important to remember,” said Bart Araujo, “that wildfires don’t only hurt wineries, but hospitals have to be evacuated, schools have to be closed, and hotels, restaurants, and other establishments lose business. It impacts everyone. For lovers of this community this is a special place and I want people to look back and say they had a part in saving our community.”
Wine enthusiasts are invited to take part in Collective Napa Valley. Membership is complimentary, and is a good way to learn about future celebrations and fundraising activities.
Portions of this article were originally published on Forbes.com. Republished here with permission.