Any prevailing economic woes didn’t dampen enthusiasm for a good party Saturday night as the main event of Auction Napa Valley 2008 — dubbed the American Wine Classic — took place on the fairway at Meadowood resort.

An estimated 1,000 guests were on hand for the 28th charity wine auction — and nearly as many volunteers, many of them representing local organizations that have benefited from the event and will again this year when the 2008 profits are distributed.

The tables were filled at the sold-out event in a tent that had been transformed with chandeliers and silk wall hangings.

This year’s guests included Her Royal Highness Princess Nandi Zulu, attending in conjunction with an auction lot offered by Lokoya that will include a safari on the Thanda Private Game Reserve in South Africa and dinner with the princess and her father, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.

The princess, who said this was her first visit to the Napa Valley, thought it was “a lovely place” and she would be happy to return. “I came for this wine festivity,” she said, “and for sure I’ll come back. I am having fun and I can just expect to have more.”

The Heitz family are chairing this year’s auction, and Kathleen Heitz welcomed the crowd to enjoy “this inspirational collaboration of everyone in the valley.” Heitz also introduced comedian Jay Leno who returned to the auction to provide the opening entertainment, and stayed on stage to help the auctioneers ramp up bids as the auction got underway.

“This is every commedians dream,” Leno told the crowd, “rich people eating.”

Leno’s comentary included everything from trans fats and obesity to George Bush. “Did you hear President Bush today?” he asked. “He said he has no plans to invade Iran. He’s still going to do it. He just has no plan, same as the last time.”

Talking to the press before the auction began, Leno also commented on Hillary Clinton’s concession speech, which had happened earlier in the day: “A good speech, she should have given it six months ago.”

Leno also admitted he didn’t particularly like wine, but said he supports the wine auction “because it’s a charitable event.”

Bobbie Dyer of Florida was among the guests who’d traveled to Napa Valley to enjoy the lavish hospitality of the four day auction and to maybe return home with a bottle or two of wine. Beginning Thursday, wineries have hosted many events for the visitors and many more are planned for Sunday.

“The last four days we’ve been saying, ‘This is very similar to being at home in Melbourne, Florida,’” Dyer said. “Thursday night we went to the masked ball at Del Dotto and it was fabulous. Yesterday we went on an safari with an African princess at Lokoya. Tonight we are here. Oh, yes, it’s just like being in Melbourne.”

As of press time, bidding had just gotten underway on the 44 live auction lots. A complete account of the auction will be in Monday’s Register.