Thank you for your commitment to volunteer at Auction Napa Valley 2008 — The American Wine Classic. We hope you will find the enclosed information to be helpful as you prepare for your upcoming volunteer duties.

The Auction is organized each year by the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) trade organization, the sole organization committed to the promotion and protection of the Napa Valley Appellation. More than 90% of the NVV's over 300 members support the Auction each year with extraordinary donations of wine, hospitality, and their time.

To plan and execute this celebration each year, a vintner leader is selected to chair the event: this year the Heitz Wine Cellar Family has been leading the Auction Steering Committee and working extensively with the NVV staff to ensure another successful Auction on behalf of their fellow vintners.

Over the years, the Auction has earned the reputation as "granddaddy" of all charity wine events raising nearly $78 million for the well-being of the Napa County community. Many local non-profit organizations such as Community Health Clinic Ole, Sister Anne Dental Clinic, Boys and Girls Clubs from American Canyon to Calistoga, and Napa Valley Community Housing have all dramatically benefited from generous Auction grants. We're proud to say that what's raised in Napa Valley stays in Napa Valley!

The mission of Auction Napa Valley has remained virtually unchanged during its 27 year history:

To utilize the reputation of Napa Valley wines to enhance the well being of the Napa community.

And, in 2007, the NVV made a $25 million promise to the community, ensuring that the Auction will distribute a minimum of $5 million to its beneficiaries each year over the next five years. Any funds raised in excess will also be distributed to beneficiaries each year. All proceeds are given in November following the Auction.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this endeavor is the opportunity to work together with local volunteers like you — Auction Napa Valley is "neighbors helping neighbors." Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary community event.

 

Auction Napa Valley 2008 Schedule of Events:

Following is information regarding your assigned shift and tips for success for volunteering at Auction Napa Valley:

Volunteer Orientation:
All volunteers are required to attend an advance orientation meeting with your Steering Committee Captain. At that time you will receive important information about your service at Auction Napa Valley. Your orientation information can be found on the last page of this document.

Appropriate Dress:
Volunteers are required to wear solid tan pants, knee-length shorts, or skirts. Comfortable walking shoes are essential!

Because this is a professional wine tasting event, please do not wear perfume or cologne that would distract from the aromas of the wine. Please keep personal items to a minimum by leaving your purses and backpacks at home. Locked storage is not available.

Event Check-in:
All volunteers are required to check in at the start of your shift. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of your first assigned shift and proceed to the check in area — the I & F Building at Trinchero Family Estates on Friday and the Zinfandel Ranch parking area on Saturday for Meadowood volunteers. You will receive your volunteer apron at check in and your name will be added to the invitation list for this Fall's Volunteer Celebration and Check Presentation.

Credentials:
Volunteer credentials are required to board the shuttle and access the event. Credentials will be distributed by your Steering Committee Captain before the event. Without your credential, you will not be allowed access to the event.

Volunteer Meals:
Volunteer meals will be served on Friday, June 6 at Taste Napa Valley at Trinchero Family Estates in the I & F building from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Volunteer meals will be served at Meadowood on Saturday, June 8 in the Woodside Room from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.

All food and wines (other than provided to you at volunteer meals), dancing and entertainment at the auction events are for registered guests. Neither full nor partial bottles of wine may be removed from the grounds.

By law, ALL registrants and guests attending any Auction-sponsored events, including Hospitality Events, must be at least 21 years of age. No one under 21, including infants and toddlers, will be admitted to any Auction function.

Unable to work your assignment?
Please notify your Steering Committee Captain immediately so we can find someone else to cover your shift.

Parking for Friday Taste Napa Valley at Trinchero Family Estates:
For Friday Festival assignments prior to or after June 6, please park at Trinchero Family Estates, Main Street, St. Helena.

For event day assignments on Friday, June 6, please park at Louis M. Martini winery, 254 South St. Helena Highway, St. Helena. A bus will shuttle you to the event.

Parking For Saturday Main Events at Meadowood:
For assignments prior to or after Saturday, June 7, please park directly at Meadowood Napa Valley at 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena.

For assignments at Meadowood on Saturday, June 7, please park at Sutter Home Zinfandel Ranch Winery, 105 Zinfandel Lane, St. Helena. Shuttle service is available from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.

We hope this information provides you with a better understanding of Auction Napa Valley and the very important contribution you are making to the community by volunteering. Thank you for your important role in the success of the Auction Napa Valley!

 

Who Are the Napa Valley Vintners?
Now in our seventh decade, the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) trade association is the sole organization responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley Appellation as a winegrowing region second to none in the world. Respect for our history reinforces our commitment to the preservation and enhancement of the Valley's land, wine, and community for future generations. We address the shared interests of our nearly 300 members and aspire to be the essential organization for all Napa Valley vintners.