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CHARLES SWANSON | THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
The auction will include all 40 vintages ever produced of Spottswoode Winery’s estate Cabernet Sauvignon and a 19-magnum lot of Opus One Winery’s singular Bordeaux-style blend.
Two Napa Valley wineries are expected to draw plenty of attention next month when famed auction house Christie’s opens bidding on a sale of rare and fine wines.
The auction will feature comprehensive collections of renowned vintages from the wineries, with proceeds benefiting Napa Green, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainability and climate action in the local wine industry.
The auction, which will take place online Sept. 4-18, will include a rare lot of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, encompassing all 40 vintages ever produced – from 1982 to 2021 – from the St. Helena winery.
Additionally, Oakville’s Opus One Winery is offering a unique 19-magnum lot of its singular Bordeaux-style blend, including vintages from 2001 to 2019.
Both lots are expected to fetch tens of thousands of dollars each, with all proceeds being donated to Napa Green.
“It’s pretty incredible,” said Anna Brittain, executive director of Napa Green. “I mean, 40 vintages of Spottswoode wine; I don’t know when we’ll see that again.”
Brittain also called the Opus One lot “unprecedented,” emphasizing the rarity of the collection.
“It’s hard to even fathom all those wines available,” she said.
Spottswoode, which released its 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon last year, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its iconic wine, according to president and CEO Beth Novak.
“We make wines that authentically represent both time and place, so each vintage literally is an expression of that,” she said. “Each vintage has a story.”
Some of the early vintages from the Novak family’s personal collection are particularly rare, she added.
“(There’s) maybe 18 bottles left of the ‘82 in our cellar, and I can’t imagine that there’s much more out there in the marketplace,” she said.
Both Spottswoode and Opus One are longtime members of Napa Green, which certifies vineyards and wineries for their sustainability practices. Their support of the organization comes at a crucial time, as the nonprofit has faced cuts in federal funding.
“We lost a significant federal grant several months ago,” Brittain said. “So we are grateful to have the proceeds from these lots supporting our work, because as with many nonprofits, we’re walking a tightrope right now.”
The grant, aimed at expanding markets for climate-smart commodities, was canceled by the Trump administration in April.
For Novak, Napa Green’s work to support better stewardship of Napa County’s vineyards and land is especially important, given the rising frequency of “extreme weather events.”
“This is an agriculturally based business, we live and die by what mother nature gives us,” she said. “For us, it’s all about building resilience into the system.”
“We want to have an incredibly healthy ecosystem and we need to do all we can to protect our ability to grow the finest wine grapes in this amazing place.”
Opus One winemaker Michael Silacci echoed this sentiment in an email to The Press Democrat Friday .
“Anna Brittain and her team at Napa Green take a spherical approach to preserving and protecting both the vineyards and the people of Napa Valley,” Silacci wrote. “Their foundational pillars are exceptionally strong and broad. Yet, in the face of funding challenges and limited resources, I felt compelled to put my magnums where my mind is – to support their invaluable work.”
For details on the Christie’s auction, go to pdne.ws/47R2jil.
There’s still time to register for the @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture #OneBlockChallenge informational sessions!
Register for either session at the link in our bio:
December 9th from 9:00-10:00 am
December 11th from 9:00-10:00 am
#soilhealth #regenerativeviticulture
@napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture partnered to bring the #OneBlockChallenge to Napa County winegrowers!
Tomorrow is the first virtual informational and onboarding session, so bring your questions, curiosity and excitement and hop on zoom to learn more.
#climateaction #regenerativeviticulture
Help us celebrate this historic milestone!!
100% of @napagreen’s Certified Vineyard members successfully phased out Roundup, setting a new standard for wine industry leadership.
Thank you to all of our members for your continued leadership and dedication to sustainability. Your choices impact meaningful change in our industry.
#climateaction #winebusiness #regenerativeag
What makes the #OneBlockChallenge so special? Hear from @regenerativeviticulture Co-Founder, @stephen_de_mirabeau!
The first informational session is next week so come with your questions. Learn more or get involved at the link in our bio.
#regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture climateaction
@napagreen is a non-profit focused on climate action in the wine industry!
This #GivingTuesday consider donating any amount to support regenerative farming practices, sustainable wine production, and strengthening our community.
#climateaction #nonprofit
Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for our incredible members and their teams, the community, our board, and all of the people who support climate action by drinking @napagreen certified wines!
Cheers! 🍂 🍁 🍃
#climateaction #nonprofit #wineindustry
Join us @beringervyds Hudson House on December 11th for wine and updates!
At the end of each year we like to bring together our team, members, and community to discuss some of the highlights from the past year, and what’s ahead in the new year.
➡️ Ticket link in bio.
#community #nonprofit #winetasting
What is regenerative viticulture and where do I even start?!?
Last week, @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture launched the #OneBlockChallenge in Napa, creating an accessible pathway for growers to start with just one block, while providing support and mentorship for regenerative practices.
To hear the workshop recording from @chuckschembre or to learn more about the One Block Challenge or Napa Green Vineyard Certification, head to the links in our bio.
#climateaction #regenerativeag
@napagreen has a @candiddotorg GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency, which shows our nonprofit’s commitment to accountability. It also let donors see insights into our organization and operation to make informed donation decisions!
Our valuable climate action work cannot happen without the support of our community, members, donors and sponsors!
Want to donate or make an impact in another way? Head to the link in our bio or reach out to connect.
#climateaction #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization
Day 2 of our Growing Regenerative Viticulture event was amazing!
We learned about the onsite regenerative practices from @bedrockmorgan and @j_neustadt, heard the technical side of how these practices work from @chuckschembre, learned sampling techniques from @soilrainandhope, and saw the data and insights from @sectormentor and @grape_cowboy.
Thanks to all who attended and to @bedrockwines for hosting!
➡️ To learn more about regenerative vineyard practices or to enroll in either the One Block Challenge or Napa Green Vineyard certification, head to the links in our bio.
#regenerativeag #climateaction #vineyardmanagement #oneblockchallenge #napagreen #regenerativeviticulture #soilhealth #biodiversity #carbonfarming
Today @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture proudly launched the One Block Challenge in Napa, an initiative to encourage winegrowers to adopt regenerative viticulture practices on a manageable scale.
We heard from an incredible group of regenerative agriculture experts, practitioners, and leaders who shared valuable insights and success stories.
Thanks to our attendees, @opusonewinery for hosting, and our exceptional speakers: @chuckschembre @stephen_de_mirabeau @cainethompson @soilrainandhope @forrestellab and @hilarysgraves.
➡️ Visit the link in our bio to sign up for the One Block Challenge or learn more!
#regenerativeag #climateaction #vineyardmanagement #oneblockchallenge #napagreen #regenerativeviticulture #soilhealth #biodiversity #carbonfarming
Applications for the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards 2026 awards are now open!
California’s wine industry is a global leader in sustainable practices due to the dedication of its vineyards and wineries in setting high standards for: 🍇 Environmental stewardship
🍇 Being a responsible employer and community member
🍇 Implementing innovative and sustainable business practices
We invite you to apply for the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards to highlight your excellence!
Apply Now at greenmedal.org/apply.
#CAGreenMedal #SustainableWine #WineIndustry #Sustainability #SustainableWinegrowing
#CaliforniaGreenMedal #WineBusiness #Wine
What Do Consumers Ask Winemakers Most Often? Chimney Rock Has Some Answers
We love this @grapecollective conversation with @elizvianna, the Winemaker and GM @chimneyrockwinery!
#sustainablewine #winetasting #winebusiness #regenerativeag
We are thrilled to be nominated for the @napachamberofcommerce Community Benefit Organization of the Year!
🗳️ Cast your vote daily from now until November 21st. Link in bio!
#nonprofit #napavalley #chamberofcommerce
Congratulations to @phiferpavittwine on achieving both @napagreen Vineyard and Winery recertification!
Phifer Pavitt has mindfully cultivated a thriving ecosystem where every element - from insects and plants to earthly materials - serves a purpose and repurpose.
We invite you to book a tasting to explore their innovative Eco Barn, serene pollinator garden, and exemplary environmental stewardship practices. When you visit, you will discover wines that not only capture a sense of place but also embody a living testament to regenerative farming from soil to bottle.
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness #womenownedwinery #landstewardship #environmentalstewardship #regenerativeag
Congratulations to the 2025 @winebusinessmonthly Wine Industry Leaders!
We`re thrilled to see many of our members, partners, speakers, sponsors, and community leaders recognized for their innovative contributions and leadership in the wine industry!
Special thanks to @napavintners President and CEO, Linda Reiff, for championing environmental efforts in the Napa Valley wine industry by establishing the @napagreen program!
#winebusiness #wineindustry #environmentalstewardship #napavalleywine #napavalley
