The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is an annual event that has become a highlight of the wine calendar in California. This prestigious event brings together wine industry professionals from around the world for an exclusive tasting and auction of some of Sonoma County's finest wines.

The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is hosted by the Sonoma County Vintners, a group that represents over 200 wineries in the region. The event takes place each spring and is invitation-only, with tickets being sold to restaurants, wine retailers and distributors. The auction features unique, “Never Before, Never Again” wines that will make their way to wine enthusiasts all over the world and showcase Sonoma County wine.

The wines at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction are made exclusively from grapes grown in Sonoma County. This region is renowned for producing some of the finest grapes in the world, with over 60,000 acres of vineyards spread across the county. The region's unique terroir, which is influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountain ranges, results in wines that are complex, balanced, and reflective of their origins.

At the Sonoma County Barrel Auction, the wines are auctioned off in lots of five, ten, or twenty cases. The bidding can be intense, with buyers from around the world competing for the opportunity to purchase these exclusive wines. The auction also provides an opportunity for winemakers to showcase their talents and their wineries, as they discuss each lot and answer questions from buyers.

In addition to the auction, the Sonoma County Barrel Auction also features a pre-auction tasting of each of the 70 lots up for sale the next day. This provides an opportunity for attendees to sample a wide range of wines and to discover new favorites.

The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is not just about buying and selling wine, though. It's also a celebration of the unique wine culture of Sonoma County. It is a great opportunity for attendees to meet and network with other wine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and winemakers, forging new connections and deepening their understanding of the world of wine.