I was beyond thrilled when granted a press pass to this year's illustrious auction activities, which over the years have raised more than $60 million smackers to benefit various causes including assistance for at-need youth in the area. The most staggering part of that statement is not the dollar figure but rather the fact that there are actually disadvantaged children in the Napa Valley.

The auction, flatteringly (and, I must admit, accurately) dubbed "the granddaddy of all wine auctions" by its own press engine, raised over $8.4 million this year, including a record bid of $1.05 million. Included in the total funds raised was $460,000 for a 12 magnum vertical from 1992 forward of Screaming Eagle. Here's a pic of all that good stuff. I think this woman was actually guarding the stuff from all the gazillionaires cruising around. There's something about Screaming Eagle that makes people a little ga-ga.

The night before the auction I had trouble sleeping because I was so excited. Seriously. I literally felt like a little kid all anxious before xmas morning. Here I am at the press breakfast held at Cakebread Cellars, this year's auction hosts. I didn't get a lot of shut eye, but you can't tell because I was absolutely thrilled.

You see, I was 15 minutes away from the Festival, where I would be able to taste barrel futures from more than 100 wineries, sample delicious foodstuffs and still more wine from more than 140 vintners and generally bask in the wonderfulness of the whole gala event. But don't let me bore you with statistics just yet when there are so many delicious images to look at!

For starters, let's look at the fashion on display at the Festival, because it was seriously interesting. Like I said, the Hamptons in California. Meaning: bags! shoes! burmuda shorts! And, lotsa pink and big hats.

These are my favorite two women from the event, because I loved their outfits, but for very different reasons. The first woman's getup epitomizes Hamptons stilo, replete with bling-y watch, posh bag, super bright attire and incomprehensibly tanned and arobized figure. The second gal's pictured because she was absolutely adorable, from the hair to the dress to the shoes: she nailed casual chic Napa. Way to go!

And, my two favorite dudes from the event - check out their matching festive belts! Very Hamptons.

Back to the event! The food was stunning AND delicious. Here, offerings attractively packaged from the Oakville Grocery, long a favorite of mine for the most amazing foodstuffs in the valley. Check out how the guy's shirt matches the food - a feat repeated in the next shot by the pink-sleeved man taking a sample of this yummy pink endive appetizer. Kind of weird, right?

And, here's a pic of my blogging idol Alder Yarrow and new acquaintances Sam Spencer and Caroline Hoogenboom of Spencer Roloson winery. Their 2003 La Herradura Syrah from the base of Napa's Howell Mountain was my favorite wine of the day. It smelled just like these chocolate/caramel-covered coffee beans I had recently from Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. Also licorice, plums, dust, pepper and black cherry. Yum.

Brian Clark and the guys from Grape Radio! Way to keep us all up to speed on the wine world, folks.

Now, the barrel tasting room. Here's a shot of what it looked like in there. Not only was it crowded, but this place was bumping - literally - with loud music and louder banter echoing off the walls at Trinchero Family Winery, the host winery for the Friday festival.

Here I am pictured with my buddy Francois Bugue, Associate Winemaker at Cain, makers of the famous Cain Five. I had a private tour at the winery recently with Francois, who's super cool and enthusiastic. Check back for my entry about that soon.

To keep the energy high and the bids higher, volunteers would periodically cruise around the room in a conga line. Here's a pic. Although it sounds bizarre, I actually got into it all. The energy was just great. And, it didn't hurt that I was sampling some really great wines. My favorites from the barrel samples included those from Miner, Rudd, Nikel & Nikel's Sullenger Vineyard and, of course, Cain.

Wrapping things up, let's have a look at the live auction display lots. This is St. Supery's display, which included this lovely lady channeling Lucille Ball stomping real grapes. I also really enjoyed St. Supery's white meritage blend, Virtu, by the way. A really nice wine.

This is the Grgich Hills display, a funny tongue-in-cheek (I think) situation including cardboard cutouts of family members. This guy was having trouble getting one of them to stand up, which seemed to really peeve him. Clearly, he wasn't drinking on the job or he might of found it funny, as I did.

And so, to re-cap the day: fantastic! I drove home after stopping into the Oakville Grocery for a latte, a little cheese and some baked treats for later. Back in the city by late afternoon, I was completely content and basking in my overall feeling of good health and good luck for having been invited to attend Auction Napa Valley. Nothing like a little side trip to the Hamptons in your own back yard to make you feel fabulous.

Until next year.

www.napavintners.com

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