On February 21, Northern California’s Napa Valley will host the 19th annual Premiere Napa Valley auction weekend. Each year, this unusual event is held at the area’s Culinary Institute of America; the heavily attended barrel tasting offers samples of the wines up for sale, followed by the bidding. Though the event is open only to the trade, these uncommon wines make their way to collectors via the various retailers and restaurateurs in attendance.

The weekend is rich in networking opportunities, but it’s th…