(WineSpectator) - California's heat wave cooled off just in time for the Sonoma County Wine Auction on Saturday, but the bidding was hotter than ever. The live auction held at La Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard in Windsor pulled in $5.2 million, breaking last year's record of $4.6 million. The proceeds will go to more than 70 local charities.

The auction was the highlight of two wine-fueled days of festivities that kicked off Friday with a preview party at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates and Gardens, as well as vintner-hosted dinners at wineries throughout the county. The following afternoon, 500 guests gathered on La Crema's lawn to sip wine and nosh on bites from local restaurants.

This year marked a new format for the live auction. For the first time in a decade, the auction was held separately from the wine and food event Taste of Sonoma, which took place over the Labor Day weekend. The organizers, the Sonoma County Vintners and the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance, said the change was part of an effort to increase attendance and awareness of the auction.

Inside the auction tent, there was a festive mood as energetic auctioneer John Curley capered about the stage, urging the crowd to bid generously. The crowd responded. A bidding war broke out over one of the top lots, sponsored by auction chair Barbara Banke of Jackson Family Wines. The package included a trip for two couples to the Kentucky Derby with four nights' accommodation at Banke's thoroughbred farm, as well as large-format bottles from Stonestreet Winery. Banke doubled the lot, and the two winning bidders paid $210,000, raising $420,000.