William (“Bill”) Harlan’s vision of producing a wine from the Napa Valley that would be welcome at the table with the fine wines of the world coalesced in 1980 as part of what would become his “200-year plan.” This “perspective on time” takes into account the many generations of exploration needed to begin to express, in wine, the character of a particular piece of land. That quest began in the early 1980s, when, while hiking in the Mayacamas Mountains, Harlan came across this isolated and untamed property located between Oakville and Yountville. The land’s vista moved him, but ownership proved elusive until 2008, when the property was finally offered for sale. He placed his son, Will, in charge of the project, alongside Director of Winegrowing Cory Empting, and they—with Winemaker David Cilli—gradually planted this wild landscape. Ultimately, they found that this dramatically singular and untamed place would change them, and inspire the quest for what they call the “missing shade of red.” The sense of otherness derived from this remote island of metamorphic rock allowed them to chart a path of their own, unbounded by preconceived notions, past or present.

Your party will enjoy an exclusive visit to the Promontory territory where you will savor bites made by Chef Kostow while opening rare bottles of Promontory with members of the Harlan family. You will then head into the winery for a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes experience with Winemaker David Cilli.

Dinner that evening will feature a wide selection of wine from the Harlan family library and will be hosted by Amanda and Will Harlan alongside Winemaker David Cilli. The meal will be prepared by Chef Christopher Kostow, who attained Three Michelin Stars at The Restaurant at Meadowood. The group will also stay at Meadowood Napa Valley, the Harlan family’s Forbes Five-star and Michelin Three-Key resort in St. Helena. The property offers a serene and private experience, with Suites and Cottages that blend into the surrounding hills. Each lodging is elegantly furnished for privacy, relaxation and restoration, and combines the wine country’s distinctive blend of rustic and refined materials with an acute sensitivity to the nuances of comfort.

The winning bidders will also receive an extremely rare and priceless vertical of Promontory from 2013 to 2018, in Three Liter format. Each vintage received perfect 100-point scores, and the wine itself will mature gracefully for decades.

Just as the Harlan family encompasses the century ahead, your generous winning bid will ensure an invaluable legacy for future generations of young people. 

Insider’s Info

This trip is for three (3) couples. Visit to be scheduled for mutually agreeable dates and based on availability. Airfare and airport transfers are not included. Highest available Suites will be provided at Meadowood. Meals are only included as stated above and include select wines and non-alcoholic beverages. Gratuities are not included for any portion of the trip. Wine will ship directly to the winning bidders.