First Press Fine Wine Auction
Friends of Public Radio Arizona Invites You
to the First Press Fine Wine Auction
An extraordinary event took place in Phoenix on September 26, 2002: the inaugural First Press Fine Wine Auction. Approximately 300 fine wine enthusiasts gathered for the first time to raise money for Arizona’s two public radio stations and the statewide radio reading service for the visually impaired. At the same time, these individuals enjoyed a gourmet five-course meal, along with live classical and jazz entertainment, and a most unique silent auction, which previewed the main event - - the live auction of 50 lots of rare and collectible wines under the auspices of America’s most celebrated charity auctioneer.
A diverse array of some 50 wineries, over 140 companies and individuals, and more than four dozen volunteers came together that evening to present the initial First Press, to the delight of the guests, many of whom remarked on the singular quality of this unprecedented event. Fine wine expert Fritz Hatton, formerly with Christie’s International Wine Auction House for over twenty years and currently with Zachy's of New York--and esteemed Napa Valley vintner in his own right---called First Press “one of the best inaugural wine auctions” he has ever attended.
First Press 2003's Honorary Chair is Dan Duckhorn, owner of Duckhorn Wine Company in Napa Valley. He has been called the "Master of Merlot," with good reason. In 1980, Dan took a chance on bottling a vineyard designated Merlot from the 1978 vintage, an uncommon varietal wine at that time. Today, Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot is one of the most popular Merlots on restaurant wine lists in the U.S., according to the annual Wine & Spirits Magazine Restaurant Poll. Active in the Napa Valley community, Dan served as president of the Napa Valley Vintners' Association in 1994 and is a past chair of the Napa Valley Wine Auction.
Duckhorn Wine Company (www.duckhorn.com) has produced wine in the Napa Valley since Duckhorn Vineyards' first vintage in 1978. Since then the Duckhorn portfolio has expanded to include additional brands, all with waterfowl themed names and icons, including Paraduxx and Goldeneye. Their core commitment is to craft wines of distinction with an uncompromising focus on quality.
Dan and other vintners from well-known wineries will host VIP tables at First Press 2003, and will feature their wines exclusively at these special tables. Fritz Hatton – internationally renowned wine expert and auctioneer for Napa Valley’s World’s Largest Charity Wine Auction - will repeat as distinguished auctioneer for the evening’s live auction. The gala, including fine dining paired with wines, the live auction, and a silent auction of wine-related indulgences, will be presented on a background of live music.
A new feature in 2003 will be the addition of wine in the silent auction as well as in the live auction. This year’s event has also expanded to include a second day: the First Press Grand Tasting--a festival of high-end wine tasting, fine foods, and educational programs, featuring offerings from more than 40 vintners--will be held on November 2. Winery owners and representatives will be in attendance to answer questions. John Thomas is the First Press 2003 Chair. Corporate sponsors include America West Airlines, bizAZ, and Bonnett, Fairbourn, Friedman & Balint, PC, Molina Fine Jewelers, and Tribune Newspapers. Other sponsors include Alliance Beverage Distribution Company, AZ Wine Company, Circle West Architects, Institute for Bone and Joint Disorders, Microtronics, Morgan Stanley, Morrison Vein Institute, Pantheon Chemical Company, Public Radio Partners, and Pivotal Group.
Presented by Friends of Public Radio Arizona (a non-profit organization established to support the stations), First Press benefits the combined services of KJZZ, KBAQ, and Sun Sounds of Arizona. Wines to be auctioned at First Press are donated by private collectors, corporate donors, and fine-wine vintners from all over the world. Non-wine items for the silent auction lots are donated by business owners and private individuals. Refer to additional information on this page to donate wines or silent auction items, or to RSVP for either of the events.
Save These Dates!
Only 400 tickets will be available for First Press 2003, so be sure to RSVP early! Space is limited for both events. Sponsorships and VIP tables are also available.
First Press Black-Tie Dinner and Auction will be held on Saturday, November 1, from 5:30 to 10:30 pm. It will include both silent and live auctions, a five-course gourmet dinner, and entertainment, at $250 per person. First Press Grand Tasting will be held the afternoon of Sunday, November 2, at $75 per person. Both events will be held at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. ________________________________________________________________
For more information or to RSVP, call (480) 774-VINO (8466). Website: firstpressarizona.com. Email: eventinfo@firstpressarizona.com. Friends of Public Radio Arizona is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Make a Tax-Deductible Donation to the First Press Fine Wine Auction
