▻ The Golden Vine Auction

Let's Talk About

20 Oct

Written By Sarah Kemp

Sarah Kemp in conversation with Romané Basset

Episode Summary:-

Wine lovers be prepared! One of the greatest auctions of wine experiences ever is going live online on October 20th and will stay live until Sunday 9th November. There are a few live lots which will be auctioned on the evening of 7th November – all details are listed on the website, listed below.

There are over 100 lots consisting of extraordinary lifetime experiences, which money in this case can buy, and for a wonderful charitable cause, the Gerard Basset Foundation. In this podcast, Sarah Kemp talks to Romané Basset, who established the Foundation with his mother, Nina, in memory of his father Gerard Basset, the much-beloved wine expert whose many achievements include being a Master of Wine, Master Sommelier, and World Best’s Sommelier.

Romané explains that since they started the Foundation they have raised over US$5 million, rewarding 1,600 beneficiaries in more than 30 countries. The guiding principle of the foundation is education, mentorship, inclusivity and supporting the hospitality industry in as many places as possible. (The grants and scholarships they have given include supporting individuals in Ukraine and in Africa, where there is limited wine education.)

With more than 100 lots, Sarah and Romané agree it is hard to choose ones to highlight, as they are all stellar. Romané, however, picks out a few which are very personal to him, starting with Biondi Santi (he is thrilled to report that they have supported the Foundation since the very first Golden Vine Auction). The lot comprises a one-night stay in Montalcino, a private visit for six guests with tasting of rare vintages, lunch with a Michelin-starred local chef hosted by Giampiero Bertolini, the Estate Director, plus a Methuselah (6 litres) of Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015.

He also mentions that there are tax breaks on charitable items for US citizens, which he is happy to answer questions on (see email below).

Among other highlights, for those who like adventure, there is a one-night experience at IWA Sake Experience in Japan, or if you can’t travel to Japan, a tasting of IWA Sake in Champagne hosted by Richard Geoffroy, the legendary cellarmaster of Dom Perignon, who left to set up IWA Sake. Sarah believes it is worth bidding just to meet Richard!

One item that is certainly going to attract furious bidding is the Le Pin lot, with special guest Jancis Robinson OBE MW. This will be a live lot taking place on the evening of 7th November 2025, and full details are on the website; 8 guests will enjoy a VIP tour, tasting, vineyard visit and fine-wine lunch, plus a Double Magnum of Le Pin 2009.

Romané points out that this auction could not happen without the generosity of the wine industry and friends. One great friend of the Bassets is James Finkel, who is offering an Epic Fine Wine and Cognac dinner at the University Club of New York. Wines to be included, among others: Domaine Romanee-Conti Montrachet 1988, Château Lafite 1961 and Napoleon Cognac 1811. For six lucky guests.

Sarah admits she would bid for all of them if she had the money, though the lots that caught her eye include Pichon Lalande and Pichon Baron, conveniently close if you bid for both, she says. If you were wanting to have the ultimate Bordeaux trip, you could then bid for the Château Latour and Mouton Rothschild lots. Outside Bordeaux, Sarah recommends looking out for the Joh. Jos. Prum lot, with their rare bottle of 1994 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Berrenauslese plus VIP tour, tasting, fine-wine lunch for 6 guests.

However, the lot Sarah reveals she wants most is from Cheval des Andes. She says, “Just imagine inviting nine friends to join you for an asado in the vineyards of Cheval des Andes, at the foot of the Andes in Argentina. How magical would that be?” Both Romané and Sarah agree it is impossible not to want to bid for any of them and with names like Krug, Harlan, Henschke, Domaine Dujac, Bodgeas Vega Sicilia, Taylor’s Port, Château Angelus, Colgin Cellars, Corison Winery, Domaine Bonneau du Martray, Dom Perignon all generously donating incredible experiences and wines, wine lovers will find it hard to choose. However, knowing the money will go to a terrific cause will make the experience even more special.

Featured