The Classic Wines Auction, one of the countrys top charity wine auctions, continued its steady growth from its beginnings in 1982 when it raised $9,000 to the current record of over $3 million raised at the March 1st, 2008 auction to benefit five Portland area charities.

The annual week-long events included a partnership with Taste Walla Walla, 33 winemaker dinners, an Ambassadors dinner and awards and the Gala Auction at the Oregon Convention Center.

The five charities benefiting from auction revenues include Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children, and Trillium Family Services and YWCA Clark County.