Event comes as Grapes for Humanity Canada celebrates 25th Anniversary
TORONTO, Ontario, (April 9, 2025) — Grapes for Humanity Canada has announced its fifth annual auction will run from April 12th to April 22nd, 2025. As Canada’s most successful charity wine auction, the Grapes for Humanity Fine Wine Auction has raised more than $1.8 million for humanitarian and environmental programs throughout the globe.
Bidders will savour the opportunity to win rare vintages and bespoke experiences, including dinner with music icons Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush, exclusive wine experiences and rare wines by Ontario’s leading winemakers, including Thomas Bachelder. Registration is open at Wine.waddingtons.ca. Bids will open on April 12 at 8 AM ET and close on April 22nd at 7:00 PM ET.
Grapes for Humanity was founded in 2001 by Arlene Willis and Canada’s leading wine expert, Tony Aspler. This year marks the charity’s 25th anniversary. “In the last 25 years, a lot of wine has flowed through glasses at our dinners, wine tastings and events, all in support of projects that will better the lives of those who are in need of help, as well as urgent environmental concerns. I am enormously proud of what our all-volunteer organisation has accomplished; and the fact that 90% of funds we raise go directly to our designated causes,” says Aspler.
This year’s auction will be held in partnership with Waddington’s Auctioneers with proceeds going to Tree Canada, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
The auction features more than 600 lots, of which 400 wines are rated 90 and above. It also includes 60 ‘dream lots’ featuring once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, including:
- Dinner with rock legends Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush;
- Dinner with Blue Jay legend Jose Bautista;
- Dinner with Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and Colin Cripps;
- Dinner with Bubbles from Trailer Park Boys and Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson;
- A one-of-a-kind autographed guitar from Lee and Lifeson
- Wine tastings with renowned wine makers
- Once-in-a-lifetime curated trips to (insert locations)
- “Tête du Cuvée — From the Heart” community blends microlots, crafted from Ontario’s finest barrels and masterfully blended by acclaimed winemakers, including Thomas Bachelder.
Other items include:
- 47 autographed bottles by Geddy Lee;
- 2 bottles autographed by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson;
- 2 bottles autographed by Paul Pender;
- 1 bottle autographed by The Tragically Hip;
- 60 magnums of exclusive Tawse Sparkling Cuvee Paul Pender made by the late Paul Pender;
- 1,584 bottles of our exclusive “From the Heart” Microlot wines, 12 varietal wines, sold in 60 Mixed cases of 12 bottles, 1 of each varietal. And 6 12-packs of each varietal wine;
- 749 bottles of International wines and spirits including 25 100 Point wines and 400 90+ wines
A full list of auction items can be found at Grapesforhumanity.com/fine-wine-auction. For more information or interview requests, please contact: Andrea Chrysanthou, APR Amplify andrea@amplifyonline.ca
416-797-8194
About Grapes for Humanity
Grapes for Humanity is a charitable organization that raises funds to benefit humanitarian causes around the world through the enjoyment of fine wine. Founded in 2001 by Arlene Willis and Tony Aspler, Grapes for Humanity has raised millions of dollars to support various initiatives, including landmine clearing, healthcare, education, and more.
About Waddington’s Auctioneers
Waddington’s Auctioneers is a leading auction and appraisal company specializing in fine arts, jewellery, and wine. With a history dating back to 1850, Waddington’s is renowned for its expertise and exceptional service in the auction industry.
About The Nature Conservancy of Canada
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting Canada’s most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Through collaborative partnerships, the organization works to ensure a healthy, sustainable future for generations to come.
About Tree Canada
Tree Canada is the nation’s only non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees. Since 1992, Tree Canada has been committed to improving the lives of Canadians by working with communities, government agencies, and individuals to plant and care for trees.
