WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 11, 2020 – The United Sommeliers Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to out-of-work wine professionals, today announces the results of their charitable auction hosted by Acker Wines. The auction, which accepted generous donations from around the world has raised over $300,000 for sommeliers who have been furloughed as a result of widespread restaurant closures due to COVID-19. An additional ten percent of the proceeds will be going to a similar organization in France, the Union de la Sommellerie Française.
Over the course of this charity auction, 122 new world records were set both by domaine-direct lots and bottles donated by individuals, an impressive 57.5% of the non-mixed lots in the auction, highlighting the generosity of wine buyers. From Burgundy, the top two lots of the sale were single bottles of 1990 Henri Jayer Vosne Romanée Cros Parantoux and 1993 Échézeaux from the personal collection of renowned importer Martine Saunier, which realized $18,600 and $10,540 respectively. Domaine-direct offerings that also made a splash include two magnums of 2009 Dujac Clos de la Roche that sold for $6,200, a Methuselah of 2007 Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes at $4,340, and magnums of 2016 Domaine Meo Camuzet Vosne Romanée Cros Parantoux and Richebourg, realizing $3,720 and $3,472 respectively. Cherished California names lead the ledger in as two bottles of 2002 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon brought in $5,208, a 3 Liter of 2006 Colgin Red IX Estate sold for $3,224, and an exceptional experience lot from Lokoya, including magnums of the 2012 vintage, realized $3,224. Other notable numbers from the sale included a series of vintages from Château Le Pin, with single bottles of 1982, 1998, and 2009 selling for $8,680, $3,968, and $3,968 respectively alongside record setting figures from a bottle of 2018 Keller G-Max, a magnum of 2009 Louis Roederer Cristal, and a magnum of 2010 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Ceretta that realized $1,860 $868, and $744 each.
“It was very moving to see so many people in the wine world, both collectors and wineries alike come together for this worthy cause,” said Acker Chairman, John Kapon. “To raise such a significant amount for our friends in the hospitality industry is very satisfying, and we hope this will provide some much- needed relief for many sommeliers in serious need as so many restaurants remain closed through the summer months. Wine is truly the beverage that brings people together. At its heart, the business of wine is about people, about bringing people together, and about sharing, and we are thrilled to be part of that mission.”
Acker Wines will be continuing to raise money for the Foundation, with new lots coming up in their auction on June 29th, 2020.
To offer wines for auction on behalf of the Foundation, please email appraisals@ackerwines.com with the subject line “USF Donation” or visit www.unitedsommeliersfoundation.org/auction to learn more.
The Foundation is encouraging sommeliers in need of emergency monetary assistance to submit their applications for financial aid immediately as they continue their efforts awarding candidates. To apply for aid, offer a direct financial contribution or learn more, please visit: www.unitedsommeliersfoundation.org.
About The United Sommeliers Foundation: The United Sommeliers Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to provide immediate financial assistance to Sommeliers experiencing a pause or termination of employment due to circumstances beyond their control. The organization assists sommeliers nationwide and was founded by several of the industry’s leading experts with more than 100 years combined experience and knowledge. The organization’s goal is to positively impact the wine industry and the sommelier community for years to come. Please visit www.unitedsommeliersfoundation.org for more information.
About Acker Wines: Established in 1820, Acker is the oldest wine shop in America and the world’s largest fine and rare wine auction house. Since third generation wine merchant John Kapon, Chairman of Acker, started the auction business in 1998, the house has gained worldwide recognition. Acker offers a vast array of services, including cellar consultations, a deep retail inventory of fine and rare wine for immediate sale, first class wine education amenities, in-store tastings of high-end wines daily, and its ne plus ultra – fine and rare wine auctions.
