Opening day festivities, June 1, at Silverado Vineyards include a preview look at the 160 spectacular Live Auction Lots, the traditional Barrel Tasting of some of Napa Valley's finest works in progress, the Private Donor Auction and the beginning of one of the Auction's hottest events, the highly competitive Barrel Lot Auction - all accompanied by the Marketplace Tasting of Napa Valley wine country's bounty of epicurean delights.

Privately hosted winery events with star chefs, music and entertainment on Thursday night and during the day on Friday culminate with the Vintners' Gala Black-Tie Dinner on Friday night. Under the big tent, Napa Valley Celebrity Chef Holly Peterson Mondavi will create an elegant feast befitting the colorful and exciting "Kaleidoscope 2000." Unwind on the dance floor after dinner to the retro music of Dick Bright's SRO.

Auction Day, Saturday, June 3, will bring the Pride of Napa Valley Feast, showcasing the signature dishes of Napa Valley's top restaurants. And at 12 noon, the Auction begins under the auspices of respected Auction house, Christie's. Nearly 160 unique wine lots - plus a limited number of special event lots offered by the Napa Valley Vintners' Association - will re-create the fevered pitch of bidding that has become legendary at the Napa Valley Wine Auction.

Chihuly will install works, created exclusively for the Auction, at Meadowood Napa Valley during the four-day period of the Auction. America's first designated National Living Treasure, Chihuly's work is found in the finest museums around the world. He also has created massive outdoor installations in Italy, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Ireland and Finland.