The Bordeaux wine world has marked a historic double anniversary with extraordinary style.
To celebrate 170 years since the Bordeaux Classification of 1855, commissioned by Napoleon III, and the 10th anniversary of the Cité du Vin, the cultural institution partnered with Sotheby’s to create a unique charity auction:
“1855–2025 Cité du Vin Collection – In the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson.”
Held online between 7 and 27 October, the auction brought together an exceptional lineup of 64 exclusive lots, attracting global collectors and raising EUR 220,000 for the Fondation pour la Culture et les Civilisations du Vin. With 90% of lots sold and an average of EUR 11,000 raised per day, the event reconfirmed Bordeaux’s enduring prestige and the global appeal of fine wine philanthropy.
The Top Lot: A Journey Through the 1855 Classification
The star of the sale was an unparalleled wine and travel experience, hammering at EUR 27,500. The lot consisted of:
The “1855–2025 Cité du Vin Collection”
A bespoke set containing 88 bottles, each representing one estate from the 1855 Classification:
- 86 bottles from the 2016 vintage
- 2 bottles from the 2020 vintage
- Cru Classé wines from Médoc and Sauternes
A Dream Experience in Bordeaux
The package included four guests and featured:
- Private visits and tastings at legendary châteaux:
Château Batailley, Château Pontet-Canet, Château Cos d'Estournel, Château Giscours, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château de Malle, and Château d'Yquem - Exclusive lunches and dinners at iconic estates
- An overnight stay at a prestigious Classified Growth château
- A signed copy of “1855 – Culte & Cultures”, edited by Nicolas Kenedi and Jean-Maurice Sacre
- The buyer’s name engraved permanently on a seat in the Thomas Jefferson Auditorium at the Cité du Vin
This lot encapsulated everything Bordeaux embodies: heritage, craftsmanship, cultural influence, and timeless luxury.
The Only Italian Lot: Ornellaia Shines
Italy made a proud appearance with a jeroboam (3L) of Ornellaia 2008, offered by Tenuta dell'Ornellaia of the Frescobaldi Group.
The package also included:
- A private estate tour
- A lunch or dinner for six guests with a member of the Ornellaia team
- Complimentary entry to the Cité du Vin
It sold for EUR 6,875, highlighting the international appreciation for Italian fine wines even in a Bordeaux-centered auction.
Other Exceptional Lots: Global Icons of Fine Wine
The catalog featured rare bottles paired with exclusive, often once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Among the highlights:
Bordeaux & France
-
Château Le Pin, Pomerol 2018
Rehoroboam (5L), private tour, tasting & lunch for four
EUR 16,250 -
Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2016
Methuselah (6L), private tasting for four
EUR 4,375
Spain
-
Tempos Vega Sicilia – Único 2012
Magnum, private tour & lunch for four
EUR 11,250
USA
-
Opus One 2019
Magnum, “Art de la Table” gourmet experience for six
EUR 9,375
Champagne
-
Barons de Rothschild Rare Blanc de Blancs 2013
Methuselah, private tour & lunch in Vertus for six
EUR 4,000 -
Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Edition
Magnum, private tour & tasting for eight
EUR 4,000
Each of these lots combined rarity, terroir, and hospitality—elevating wine to a cultural and experiential art form.
Supporting the Future of Wine Culture
All proceeds will support the Cité du Vin’s 2026 cultural program, which includes:
- Interactive exhibitions
- International wine tourism projects
- Educational initiatives reaching over 400,000 visitors annually from more than 180 countries
As the Cité du Vin prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2026, the success of this charity auction confirms the institution’s deep global resonance.
Conclusion
The “1855–2025 Cité du Vin Collection” auction was more than a sale of rare bottles—it was a celebration of wine’s cultural power. By uniting Bordeaux’s centuries-old history, global philanthropy, and a visionary institution like the Cité du Vin, the event honored the past while ensuring a vibrant future for wine education and appreciation.
A true tribute to the legacy of Thomas Jefferson, one of the earliest connoisseurs of Bordeaux, and a remarkable moment for the international wine community.
Source: WineNews