Salud: Oregon’s Pinot Noir Auction

The 15th Annual Salud Pinot Noir Auction in Oregon, was held November 11 and 12, 2006. The event raised a record $752,695, with $166,400 coming from the barrel auction of unique Pinot Noirs. 42 of Oregon’s top wine producers provided barrel samples of the 2005 vintage for the fundraiser. The majority of the 168 case lots went for more than $1,000, with several topping $2,000. Auction events included a tasting on Saturday at Domaine Drouhin and a dinner on Sunday at the Governor Hotel in Portland.

The co-chairs of the event were Danielle Andrus Montalieu of Solena Cellars and Adam Campbell of Elk Cove Vineyards. Oregon vintners are passionate about Salud which provides healthcare outreach services for seasonal vineyard workers and their families. Salud is a bi-lingual, bi-cultural service involving a dedicated group of Oregon vintners and volunteers associated with Tuality Healthcare Foundation. “Salud” refers to the traditional Spanish toast, “to your health.” In 2005, Salud served over 3,000 qualified individuals.

The 2007 auction will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11. For more information, visit www.saludauction.org.