Cité du Vin and Sotheby’s combine for ‘unprecedented’ sale

Bordeaux’s Cité du Vin has joined forces with auctioneer Sotheby’s for an online wine sale to benefit the museum.

Starting at 3pm today (11 November) and running until 22 November, the auction includes both wines and wine experiences including private dinners and visits to domaines such as Le Pin, Calon Ségur, Margaux, Opus One and Taittinger.

There are 42 lots in total and the proceeds will raise funds for the Cité du Vin to help it develop its 2020 cultural programme.

Jamie Ritchie, Chairman, Sotheby’s Wine, said: “Ever since it opened in 2016, the Cité du Vin has brought a renewed energy to Bordeaux, not least with the stunning architectural statement made by the building itself, the ‘Guggenheim of wine’. This immersive museum has played a vital role in focusing the world’s attention on the cultures and civilisations of millennia of wine history.

“We are thrilled to join forces with this iconic institution and offer exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunities donated by each winery, for wine lovers to visit these great properties and receive their legendary hospitality. Meeting the people behind the wines provides an insight and perspective that is unique and will be an experience that can be savoured for the rest of one’s life. We expect bidders to buy several lots and make the trip of their lifetime.”

Sylvie Cazes, president of the foundation for the Culture and Civilisations of Wine – Cité du Vin, said: “A sale of this magnitude is a first for the foundation. We are therefore delighted to be able to benefit from the expertise of Sotheby’s Wine, whose world-standing reputation will shine a light on the exceptional lots being offered by our generous donors for this special event, and the foundation’s mission in its cultural and artistic endeavours.”