Haut-Brion supports US children’s charity

Château Haut-Brion has pledged its continued support for the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) with the donation of a wine console for a charity auction.

Clarence Dillon’s CEO Prince Robert of Luxembourg has been named “Honoured Vintner” at the 2012 Naples Winter Wine Festival taking place in Florida next January.

The estate has donated one of its limited edition wine consoles to the auction, which takes place on 28 January at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort.

The consoles have been designed by Viscount Linley and contain the vintages 1935, 1945, 1959, 1961, 1975, 1989, 1990 and 2009.

Several consoles have already appeared at auction around the world, where they were sold for the benefit of the Clinton Foundation, amfAR and Children’s Medical Foundation.

The NCEF supports under-privileged and at-risk children in southwest Florida and has already improved the lives of 125,000 children to date.

The Naples Winter Wine Festival is one of the most successful charity auctions in the world and since 2001 has raised more than US$94.5 million for the NCEF.

Prince Robert commented: “Philanthropy is undoubtedly one of the greatest legacies left to our family by Clarence Dillon. Our Domaine Clarence Dillon/Château Haut-Brion anniversary consoles bring together his passion for design, art, and excellence while raising funds for deserving causes around the globe.

“I am very proud to be named this year’s honored vintner and to continue Domaine Clarence Dillon’s support of the Naples Winter Wine Festival.

“The funds raised during the festival’s live auction directly impact the Naples Children & Education Foundation’s important work and we are proud to participate by donating one of our exquisite wine consoles.

“We look forward to the weekend’s events and wish continued success to the Foundation.”