Spotted at the festive Taste Napa Valley event were Tor Kenwood, who alarmed me by not wearing his signature purple, and his charming wife Susan. “How do you feel about being named for Tor’s most affordable wine?” I asked her, since many of the Tor Cabs retail for more than $150 and the 2007 TOR Susan Cuvee (rated 91 – 93 by Stephen Tanzer) retails for $48. Susan seemed very cool with it, yet Tor admitted that when he named the cuvee it did cause him concern. What a fun and devoted couple! Also spotted was Julie Johnson, pouring her Por Que wine behind the table and out socializing with the crowd. I also said howdy to Barry Wiss, VP of communications and trade relations at Trinchero winery, who was pouring some excellent Cabs, and Bernard Portet, President of Clos Du Val, who had also been on my television show.
If you have never been to the Napa Valley you would enjoy this auction weekend very much. Imagine the Napa Valley wine labels in your cellar coming to life, in human form, and socializing with one another. In one area stands a Clos Du Val chatting with a Tor Kenwood, while in another a Tres Sabores whispers with a Trinchero. The winemakers are everywhere and honestly appreciate answering any and all questions about their wines.
This year, Auction Napa Valley celebrates 29 years of incredible community fundraising. Auction Napa Valley was established in 1981 by the Napa Valley Vintners to raise needed funds for healthcare, youth services, and affordable housing non-profits. The Auction convenes the first weekend in June each year. Since that first Live Auction, held as it is today on the lawn at the beautiful Meadowood Napa Valley, Napa Vintners association has been able to give to the community more than $85 million.
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