The Sonoma Barrel Auction was held on July 13, and Rutz Cellars was once again a contributor to this great fundraiser.  Our half-barrel lot of 2000 Maison Grand Cru Pinot Noir sold for $7,200.

But the auction is just one part of this great three day event. Certain wineries are asked to host a luncheon on the day of the auction, so that the attendees can see up-close what a winery is all about. We jumped at the chance to show-off...uh...showcase our cave and our wines to 70 wine lovers from around the world.

Lunch was served outside the entrance to the cave.

With ten different Rutz Cellars
wines available, it was hard to
choose which one to try first.

Many of our guests escaped the mid-day heat by retreating into the cave.

  

Sales Manager Roger Ivy 
shares a 2000 Pinot Noir 
direct from the barrel.

Guests were treated to a wonderful buffet lunch, prepared by chef Keith Luce of Plumpjack Cafe in San Francisco.

Proprietor Keith Rutz and
 Winemaker Elliott Millett

Keith with three of his daughters (Melissa, Lauren, and Cecily, from left to right), who "volunteered" to help dad with all of the preparations.

Keith thanks all of his guests for coming, and toasts chef Keith Luce
 for preparing an incredible meal.