Fancy a signed six-litre imperial of Chateau Margeaux? What if it comes with a special hosted tour, tasting and dining experience for you and seven of your favourite people at the famed Bordeaux estate? This is just one of 73 incredible packages that will become available when The Golden Vines Fine Wine, Rare Spirit and Experience Global Online Auction goes live on Thursday, September 23.
For two weeks, wine lovers from around the world will have the chance to bid on top wines, experiences and more – and all for a good cause. All profits from the auction will be donated to The Gerard Basset Foundation, which funds a selection of diversity and inclusion-focused wine education programs around the world. Anticipated prices vary, with some packages expected to exceed £60,000.
Many esteemed global wine names are getting behind the event, with most of the auction’s lots incorporating large formats of their finest wines, a private tour of the vineyards and winery, and a tasting and meal hosted by the people behind the estate. In many cases, an overnight stay at the winery’s luxe accommodation is also included. While international travel may not be possible at the moment, many experiences have an unlimited date to redeem the packages on offer.
The fine wine producers involved in the auction represent more than 15 wine regions around the world, including France, Spain and others across Europe, as well as California, South Africa and beyond. Think names such as Chateau d’Yquem, Domaine Dujac, Gaja, and Opus One, plus distilleries such as Glenmorangie, to name a few.
Spain's Marques de Riscal, for example, is offering six bottles of its 150 Anniversary, two nights’ accommodation at the winery’s hotel, with a wine-paired meal at the restaurant, spa treatments and a VIP tour of the bodega. Penfolds is also involved, offering one of the 11 imperials made of 2016 Grange, plus a back-vintage Grange tasting and private dining experience in a Private Members Club in London.
The auction is being staged by London-based Liquid Icons, which was founded by the late Gerard Basset OBE MW MS and Lewis Chester DipWSET. It will be hosted on the online charity fundraising platform Givergy, allowing for global bids until the auction closes on October 7.
For all details – and a little daydreaming – see here.
Top image: Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux, France, which is participating in the coming auction.
