Lot 11
Anniversary in Oregon

4 – 5 Liter Domaine Serene “Evenstad Reserve” Pinot Noir (99, 02, 03, 04)
12 - Oregon Pinot Noir glasses by Riedel, engraved with the logo of the 15th year celebration of Evenstad Reserve
Three (3) days at Domaine Serene for two (2) couples
Accommodations in the Winery Hill House
Wines to drink while visiting (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah)
VIP Tour of the five-level gravity flow winery, followed by a VIP Tasting
Dinner with Grace & Ken Evenstad at their home prepared by 2008 NWWF Chef Thierry Rautureau and paired with library wines
VIP tour of the nearby Evergreen Aviation Museum

Trailblazers face innumerable challenges. Selecting the right varietal for virgin slopes, indeed selecting where to plant, is daunting under the best of circumstances. With such risk can come rewards, the creation of unique world class wines from formerly fallow land. Following such a path requires an uncompromising commitment to excellence, seldom as dramatically displayed as at Domaine Serene.

While Burgundy was undoubtedly their inspiration, the Evenstads chose a model for their wine that has more in common with the “assemblage” approach utilized at another famed hill; Hermitage. Rather than simply vinifying a series of single vineyard Pinots, they purposefully cultivated a diversity of clones and rootstocks, selected to complement the microclimates of slope and elevation. The plan was that the various plots would ripen differently each year, and that - regardless of vintage - the components that shone the brightest could be combined into a single reserve wine that was not only consistent, but comprised of only the best wines from the best parcels. That wine is Domaine Serene’s Evenstad Reserve, and this vintage marks its 15th anniversary.

Today the Evenstad Reserve is crafted from nine different estate vineyards and is the favorite Pinot Noir on the wine lists of many great restaurants across the U.S. because consumers can rely on its consistent quality. Domaine Serene produces very few five-liter bottles, almost all exclusively for auction. The 1999 vintage was the first year that any five-liter bottles of the Evenstad Reserve were produced and that vintage anchors this rare collection of four such amazing bottles; each beautifully etched, hand-painted and signed by the Evenstads. These wines are combined with a dozen of Riedel crystal’s newest design - Oregon Pinot Noir - each etched with the Evenstad Reserve anniversary celebration logo.

The Evenstads’ commitment to world-class wines is plainly visible to anyone fortunate enough to visit and there may never be a better chance to visit this spectacular winery than by acquiring this lot. Two couples will be invited to be the guests of the Evenstads for three nights at the Winery Hill House, Domaine Serene’s hilltop Tuscan-style villa.

Lyricist David Gates once wrote, “If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can’t I paint you?” The same sentiment applies to the spectacular beauty of Domaine Serene’s incomparable setting in the Red Hills of Dundee. Mere words can not describe this five-level Tuscan-style gravity flow winery, nestled in a hilltop with sweeping views of the snowcapped Cascade mountains and the Coast Range.

All ground transportation will be provided and the days will feature vineyard and winery tours as well as barrel and bottle tastings. One evening will feature a very special dinner at the Evenstads’ hilltop home. A breathtaking 142 acre location with 360 degree views, the home is complemented by its extraordinary flower gardens. Surrounded by vines, 2008 Naples Winter Wine Festival’s Chef Thierry Rautareau from Rover’s in Seattle will prepare the meal and he and his wife will join the group to eat as well. Of course, the menu and this enchanted evening wouldn’t be complete if they weren’t accompanied by library wines from Domaine Serene.

For one day, however, wine will take a back seat to the fantasy of flight, in the form of a VIP tour of the Evergreen Aviation Museum. This privately owned world-class aviation museum is located in nearby McMinnville. It houses Howard Hughes’ famed Spruce Goose, as well as about 60 other interesting antique airplanes, including bombers, spy planes, helicopters, etc. The fortunate couples will have the opportunity to meet the owner of the museum and will be able to go into the cockpit of the Spruce Goose. Let your bidding paddles take flight!

Insider’s Info: Airfare to Oregon is not included. Visit to be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date.

DONORS: Grace & Ken Evenstad of Domaine Serene and Thierry Rautureau of Rover’s