WHAT: The Napa Valley Wine Auction - the world's largest charity wine event.

WHEN: Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9, 2002.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Thursday: Festivities begin at Sterling Vineyards (11am to 3pm) with the Preview Auction Lot Display, Traditional Barrel Tasting and Auction, Private Donor Auction and marketplace tasting of Napa Valley food specialties.

Thursday Evening: Vintner dinners begin at 6pm and feature celebrity chefs, elaborate themes/decor, and special wines and music, hosted by individual wineries throughout the Valley.

Friday: Vintner hosted special events/luncheons take place from 11am to 3pm at numerous wineries throughout the Valley.

Friday Evening: Vintners host the Vintners' Gala at Meadowood Napa Valley, St. Helena. Five chefs from New York&Mac182;s Le Cirque restaurant, including owner Sirio Maccioni and executive chef Pierre Schaedelin, will celebrate the Auction theme with a world class dinner and wine pairing. Circus performers, a surprise headliner and late night dancing will round out the evening. Barrel and Private Donor Auctions continue.

Saturday: Live Auction, Meadowood Napa Valley. Begins with the Pride of
Napa Valley Feast (a showcase feast of top Napa Valley restaurants' signature dishes). Barrel Auction closes promptly at 12 noon. Live Auction begins at 12:30pm featuring nearly 140 unique wines, including one-of-a-kind lots offered by the Napa Valley Vintners Association. Live Auction and Private Donor Auction conclude early evening.

Saturday Evening: Al fresco dinner and dancing immediately follows the Auction. Napa Valley Wine Auction veterans and guest chefs Alejandro Ayala and Javier Guzman of Meadowood Napa Valley will provide their culinary talents to satiate the hungry bidders.

Sunday: Traditional winery open houses with entertainment, tastings and food.


AUCTION CHAIRS: Robert, Kara and Andrea Pecota, Robert Pecota Winery. Bob and his daughters are the first multi-generational family to chair this event. Bob has participated in every Napa Valley Wine Auction since its inception
in 1981.

THEME: Cirque du Vin: Revelry in the Vineyards -- was selected to celebrate the color, vitality and spectacle of Napa Valley life by transporting the event into a sophisticated circus for adults!

ART PROGRAM: 27 local artists have been commissioned to create original paintings illuminating the theme. These original artworks will be displayed throughout the Auction festivities and offered as Silent Auction items for presentation to high bidders on Saturday evening.

SPONSOR: The Napa Valley Vintners Association, a non-profit, professional trade organization representing nearly 200 Napa Valley wineries.

BENEFICIARIES: Local Napa Valley health organizations and programs dedicated to providing affordable housing and youth development. The primary focus of the Auction donations is to help support agencies working collaboratively to assist the underserved in Napa County.

HISTORY: Since its inception in 1981, the Napa Valley Wine Auction has contributed nearly $40 million to local organizations. Now the world's largest and most successful wine charity event, the Auction attracts nearly 1800 attendees from throughout the world and is annually supported by more than 1,000 community volunteers.

PUBLIC INVITATIONS: The Napa Valley Wine Auction is open to the general public. The complete Auction package is $2,500 per couple. A limited number of day passes are available for Thursday and Saturday events, as well as individual tickets for the Gala Dinner. Click here to Sign-up for an Invitation

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