This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Golden Vines Awards return in October after raising £1.3m for Gerard Basset Foundation
The Golden Vines Awards charity auction is set to take place in Florence this October, with a high bar already set from the £1.3 million raised at last year’s gala dinner hosted at London club Annabel’s.
The Golden Vines Fine Wine, Rare Spirits and Experience Auction smashed its £1 million target last year, raising upwards of £1.3 million for the Gerard Basset Foundation.
Last year’s charity auction comprised 73 auction lots with estimates ranging from a few thousand pounds to £150,000, drawn from some the world’s most prestigious fine wine estates and spirit distilleries, with each lot containing either a large format or a rare bottle. It also offered participants the chance to bid for a series of select experience including VIP tours and tasting, lunch or dinner with the owners and a stay at the winery or distillery.
The proceeds went to the Gerard Basset Foundation, the UK registered charity founded in memory of the master sommelier who died in 2019, and will be used to boost diversity and inclusion in wine education programmes globally.
Each Golden Vines Diversity Scholarships is worth £55,000 and is awarded to a BIPOC student wanting to study for their Master of Wine or Master Sommelier programme.
During this year’s event, dinner is set to be created by chef Massimo Bottura of the three Michelin star restaurant Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy.
Wines for the evening include Dom Pérignon Rosé 2008, Dom Pérignon P2 2004, Krug Grande Cuvée, Krug Vintage, Dom Ruinart, Trimbach Clos Sainte Hune 2012, Emidio Pepe Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2004, Château Cheval Blanc 2005 in Magnum, Solaia, Château d’Yquem, Taylor’s Port 1970 in Magnum; The Macallan, Richard Hennessy. All wines to be served at the gala dinners have been donated by the producers to support the charity event.
Following in the footsteps of Kylie Minogue, who took to the stage last year to perform, is this year’s headline artist Celeste. The British-American singer has received accolades such as the Brit’s Rising Star Award 2020 and the BBC’s Introducing Artist of the Year 2019.
Joining her will be, Sekou Sylla, a rising musician who has performed on BBC Music’s Introducing stage at Glastonbury and performed live at Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding.
In addition to the dinner, the auction will offer 100 lots, including bottles (large formats and old vintages of some of the world’s largest wine brands) and experiences (exclusive tastings and stays in Chateaux and historic cellars). The goal is to raise over £1.2 million, to finance wine education programmes related to diversity and involvement.
Related news
The Big Interview: Grant Ashton