Located in the heart of Oregon Wine Country amidst the verdant Willamette Valley are over 500 wineries. Many are recognized as the leading producers of Pinot Noir in the world.
According to David Millman, the Managing Director of Domaine Drouhin winery, “Our community has come together to present a story of why the Willamette Valley has become synonymous with world-class Pinot noir." Millman is also the 2020 Auction Chair for the fifth annual Willamette: The Pinot Noir Auction on April 4, 2020, at The Allison Inn & Spa.
The Auction is an opportunity to invite the top members of the wine trade to the Willamette Valley. "The 2018 vintage has been thrilling winemakers from the start and this is their chance to show off the results,” said Millman.
This year there are 93 lots of wine produced in quantities of just five, 10 or 20 cases. Bidders have the choice of 86 lots of Pinot Noir and 7 Chardonnays that winemakers from the region’s leading producers collaborated together to showcase the artful blending of styles and sites by peers who have worked together for decades.
The Allison Inn & Spa is known as one of Oregon’s premier event venues. Guests attending the two day wine auction event can check in early on Friday, April 3 to attend the morning Willamette Immersion Seminar. Later in the day there is a Welcome Wine Tasting event and Winemaker Dinner at wineries around the Valley.
The next morning on Saturday, April 4 attendees have the opportunity to walk-around for tastings and a buffet lunch. The Live Auction is at 2 p.m. When the auction is over, there will be an After Party from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA) is a non-profit dedicated to achieving recognition for Oregon’s acclaimed Willamette Valley as a premier Pinot noir–producing region. Nearly 250 members represent wineries and tasting rooms along the bucolic and verdant 150 mile stretch from Portland to Eugene. With the Willamette River running the length of the valley, the area has become a popular weekend destination for oenophiles, foodies and those seeking relaxation.
Besides great wines, the lack of sales tax in Oregon makes this area and the auction an attractive event for wine sellers, retailers, restauranteurs and wholesalers.
This annual event started five years ago, 'as a way to convert rich Cabernet drinkers into fans of Pinot Noirs made in Willamette Valley,” said Millman. Last year 450 people attended the annual event. Bidders represented 26 states and 3 counties. 38% of attendees were retailers, 41% restauranteurs/hoteliers/private club proprietors, and 21% wholesalers, distributors, brokers and importers.
The Allison Inn & Spa offers romantic wine specials throughout the year. Located on 35 sprawling acres of farmland, guests have the opportunity to stay in one of the 77 deluxe guest rooms and 8 suites. Accommodations include a luxurious king size bed, crackling fireplace, comfortable window seat with a cozy throw blanket, a terrace or balcony and spa-like bathroom.
Blissful Romance specials include sparkling wine upon arrival, $100 credit at the onsite Jory Restaurant and Bar, and a $200 spa credit to be applied to one of the serene spa treatments. The spa offers 12 relaxing treatment rooms, a fitness studio, indoor swimming pool, hot whirlpool and pool terrace.
