De Alin Ladaru 
The Cité du Vin in Bordeaux and Sotheby’s France are joining forces for the third time to organise a new charity auction in aid of the Foundation for wine culture and civilisations, in order to support its mission to promote the cultural heritage of wine.
„We are very honoured to be able to partner with Sotheby’s once again and join forces to promote wine culture around the world. The proceeds from this exceptional sale will support the Foundation in its mission to preserve, celebrate and promote the universal cultural heritage of wine to as many people as possible.”
SYLVIE CAZES
President of the Cité du Vin
Since its creation in 2014, the Foundation for wine culture and civilisations has been working to make the cultural, universal and living heritage of wine accessible to as many people as possible. Since 2016, it has been offering original and innovative cultural activities at the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux (a permanent interactive and digital exhibition, a sensory journey and tasting workshops, cultural events, temporary exhibitions, etc.) to enable French and international visitors (180 different nationalities welcomed each year) of all profiles (novices, enthusiasts, professionals, young people, etc.) to discover the many facets of wine. With an average of 400,000 visitors each year and more than three million since its opening, the Cité du Vin appeals to a wide audience with its modernity and accessibility and has become, in less than ten years, a benchmark for cultural sites dedicated to wine.
The foundation also carries out cultural engineering missions, providing support (strategic and/or operational) for structuring wine tourism projects.
From 7 to 27 October, Sotheby’s will have the privilege of presenting, over a period of twenty days, 64 exceptional lots, generously donated by the world’s leading wine estates. The sale will showcase not only wines sourced directly from the cellars of the most renowned vineyards, but above all exceptional and exclusive wine experiences (more than 90% of the lots offer an experience).
An invitation to the heart of wine heritage and the art of living with wine, they will provide access to some of the most prestigious properties in the world: from private tours of estates to discover their expertise, exclusive tastings, and gourmet dinners with the owners, to unique stays in iconic châteaux and properties that are usually closed to the public.
„We are delighted to be partnering once again with the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux to support the promotion of wine heritage. The success of the two previous editions has compelled us to select new experiences that are just as incredible.”
NICK PEGNA
Global Director of Sotheby’s Wine and Spirits Department
Among the 64 lots on offer are :
- „1855-2025 Cité du Vin Collection – In the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson”
For this third edition, and to mark the 170th anniversary of the legendary 1855 Classification and the 10th anniversary of the Cité du Vin, an exceptionally prestigious lot has been created in close collaboration with the Cité du Vin and the 1855 Grand Crus Classé Council. As a unifying body, the Council represents and brings together the 88 grands crus classés recognised in 1855, with a view to ensuring the influence and longevity of this historic classification. It was under his remarkable leadership and thanks to the commitment of its members that each of the 88 châteaux and their representatives generously donated a bottle, giving rise to the „1855-2025 Collection Cité du Vin – In the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson”, bringing together all the wines (Médoc and Sauternes) from the 2016 vintage (unless otherwise indicated – the year the Cité du Vin opened). Each bottle will be marked with a „special collection” sticker and housed in custom-made cases produced by Caisserie du Bazadais, a patron of the Cité du Vin. This wine treasure is complemented by the most exclusive wine experience: a three-day programme for two couples, offering total immersion in this legendary classification.
Estimate: €10,000–20,000
- Château Le Pin
1 Double Magnum (3L) of Château Le Pin 2018, accompanied by a private tour with tasting, followed by an exclusive lunch offered by the owners for four people.
Estimate: €15,000-30,000
- Château d’Yquem
1 Magnum (1.5L) of Château d’Yquem 2005, accompanied by a private tour of the estate, followed by a refined lunch showcasing the estate’s wines, for six people.
Estimate: €3,000–6,000
- Château Beychevelle
1 Jeroboam (5L) of Château Beychevelle 2015 in its original wooden case, accompanied by an exceptional experience including a private tour with tasting, a winemaker’s dinner, and one night at the Château (three bedrooms, breakfast included), for six people or three couples.
Estimate: €3,000–6,000
- Cité du Vin
Private VIP tour of the Cité du Vin, followed by lunch at Le 7 Panoramic restaurant and one night at the Grand Hôtel (classic room, breakfast at Le Bordeaux restaurant and access to the Guerlain spa for two people), rounded off with a gourmet dinner for two at Le Chapon Fin.
Estimate: €3,000–6,000
- France | Deutz Champagne
1 Jeroboam (3L) of Cuvée William Deutz 1998 „Berceau 7”, accompanied by a private tour of Maison Deutz and lunch for four people.
Estimate: €4,000–8,000
- Italy | Ornellaia
1 Double Magnum (3L) of Ornellaia 2008, accompanied by a private tour and an exclusive lunch or dinner at the estate, in the presence of a member of the management team, for six people.
Estimate: €4,000–8,000
- United States | Opus One
1 Magnum (1.5L) of Opus One 2019, accompanied by the „Art of the Table” experience: an in-depth guided tour of the estate by a brand ambassador, followed by a gourmet dinner for six people.
Estimate: €4,500–8,500
- Spain | Torres
1 Jeroboam (3L) of the legendary Mas La Plana 2007, accompanied by a letter from Mr Miguel Torres, accompanied by a VIP tour with tasting, followed by a gourmet lunch in the vineyards with a member of the Torres family, and a gourmet dinner. The experience also includes one night in a luxury 5-star hotel in Barcelona or Sitges, as well as a private tour of Priorat with a tasting lunch hosted by the estate’s head sommelier, Brenda Sánchez, for two people.
Estimate: €4,500–8,500
- Uruguay | Bodega Garzón
Vertical tasting of three magnums (1.5L) of Balasto from the 2016, 2018 and 2020 vintages, accompanied by a private tour with tasting, followed by an exclusive lunch at the estate’s restaurant, hosted by world-renowned chef Francis Mallmann and one of the directors of Bodega Garzón, for four people.
Estimate: €1,500–3,000
„We are delighted with this third auction in aid of the Foundation for wine culture and civilisations. Through the quality and originality of their lots, the donors have once again demonstrated their commitment to our cause. The support of future buyers will enable us to continue our mission and to devise cultural activities that celebrate the diversity of wine heritage.”
GÉRALDINE THOMAS
Director of Development, Sponsorship and Partnerships, Cité du Vin
