An extraordinary opportunity for collectors and wine lovers alike has opened with the third edition of the online charity auction organised by Sotheby’s and Bordeaux’s Cité du Vin, now live until October 27, 2025.
The event brings together 64 exclusive lots of fine wines and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, donated by some of the most prestigious wineries across the globe, to support the Fondation pour la Culture et les Civilisations du Vin.
All proceeds from the auction will contribute to Cité du Vin’s 2026 cultural programme, which includes interactive exhibitions, international wine tourism projects, and educational initiatives celebrating the diversity of global winemaking heritage. “The support of buyers will allow us to continue our mission and develop cultural activities that celebrate the diversity of winemaking heritage,” said Géraldine Thomas, Director of Development at Cité du Vin.
Highlights of the 2025 Charity Auction
The catalogue reads like a dream list for wine enthusiasts, featuring bottles of extraordinary rarity and prestige.
Penfolds Grange Imperial 2008 – 100-Point Icon
Among the most valuable lots is a rehoboam (6 litres) of Penfolds Grange Imperial 2008, one of just six examples ever produced of this Australian legend. The vintage, rated 100 points by both Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator, is estimated at EUR 24,000–35,000, underscoring its global reputation as one of the finest modern vintages of Grange.
Cité du Vin 1855–2025 Collection: In the Footsteps of Thomas Jefferson
A centerpiece of the auction, this historic lot celebrates the 170th anniversary of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification and the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, one of the earliest champions of Bordeaux wines.
The package includes 88 bottles — one from each classified Cru of Médoc and Sauternes (86 from the 2016 vintage and 2 from 2020) — each with a commemorative label and presented in hand-engraved wooden cases by La Caisserie du Bazadais.
But the highlight lies in the accompanying three-day Bordeaux experience for four guests (two couples), including:
- Private visits, tastings, and exclusive meals at top châteaux such as Mouton Rothschild, Cos d'Estournel, Giscours, de Malle, d'Yquem, Batailley, and Pontet-Canet
- Luxury accommodation for three nights in a classified château
- Private transfers throughout the stay
- A signed copy of “1855 – Culte & Cultures” by Nicolas Kenedi and Jean-Maurice Sacre
- The winning bidder’s name inscribed on a plaque inside the Cité du Vin auditorium
Estimated starting price: EUR 10,000–20,000.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences
Nearly 90% of the lots include immersive wine experiences, blending rare bottles with access to the world’s most iconic estates:
- Three Magnums of Pétrus (2007, 2009, 2011) – EUR 18,000–35,000
- Château Le Pin “Wine and Dine” Experience – A jeroboam of Pomerol 2018 paired with a private tasting and lunch with the owners, plus four Cité du Vin passes (EUR 15,000–30,000)
- Domaine Clarence Dillon Collection (2016 vintage) – Nine magnums from its family of estates including Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, Quintus, and others (EUR 5,500–11,000)
- Tenuta dell’Ornellaia 2008 Jeroboam Experience – The auction’s only Italian lot, offering a private visit and cellar lunch or dinner for six guests in Bolgheri (EUR 4,000–8,000)
Global Icons Unite for a Common Cause
The auction’s global scope reflects the international spirit of the Cité du Vin. Prestigious contributions include:
- Opus One 2019 (Napa Valley) – Magnum with “Art de la Table” gastronomic dinner for six (EUR 5,000–10,000)
- Château d’Yquem 2005 (Sauternes) – Magnum and lunch for six at the estate (EUR 3,000–6,000)
- Champagne Deutz 1998 Jeroboam – Tour and lunch at Maison Deutz (EUR 4,000–8,000)
- Familia Torres “Mas La Plana” 2007 Jeroboam – Private visit, vineyard lunch, dinner, overnight stay in Barcelona or Sitges, and a next-day tour of Priorat (EUR 5,000–10,000)
- Bodega Garzón “Balasto Vertical” (2016, 2018, 2020) – Private tasting and lunch led by chef Francis Mallmann (EUR 1,500–3,000)
A Celebration of Culture, Generosity, and Wine
With its mix of collectible bottles, bespoke travel experiences, and cultural partnerships, the Sotheby’s–Cité du Vin auction stands as a showcase of the world’s shared passion for wine and heritage. Beyond its glamour, it embodies a meaningful purpose — supporting cultural exchange and the preservation of wine civilisation for future generations.
Bidding is now open through Sotheby’s online platform, with the auction closing on October 27, 2025. For collectors and connoisseurs, it’s an unmissable chance to acquire not only rare bottles, but also the stories, people, and places that make wine an enduring art form.
Source: WineNews