Although the dust has barely settled on the 2009 Auction Napa Valley charity wine auction, work is already underway for the 2010 event. To rousing applause at the recent general membership meeting, Beth Novak Milliken, president of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery accepted the chairmanship on behalf of herself, her family and the winery team for the 30th anniversary of the renowned fundraiser.

Led by proprietor Mary Weber Novak and Novak Milliken, the event is scheduled for June 3-6.

“My mother and I are honored to have been asked to lead Auction Napa Valley in 2010,” said Novak Milliken, “and we are happy to serve as the chairs as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of this vital and amazing community fundraiser. Having lived here for more than 36 years, we recognize that being strongly connected to our community carries with it not only a true sense of belonging but a responsibility to help ensure its future. Thus, whether it is through our winery's 24-year commitment to organic farming, our active involvement in educational and environmental causes, or now taking a leading role in Auction Napa Valley, our commitment to ensuring a vibrant and healthy community continues.”

Spottswoode, a family-owned historic vineyard and winery renowned for its cabernet sauvignon, was established in 1882. Spottswoode was christened by Mrs. Albert Spotts, who owned the property from 1910 until its purchase in 1972 by Mary Weber Novak and her late husband, Dr. Jack Novak. The first Spottswoode cab was produced in 1982, 100 years after the estate’s founding. Today, two of Mary's daughters, Beth and Lindy, work for the family winery.