Organizations with a long history of developing climate solutions for the global wine industry will each receive thousands of dollars from Grapes for Humanity Global following the success of our inaugural auction with Christie’s.
Rescue the Grapes closed with 100% of its lots sold, including several well above the estimate, for a combined total of $71,450 earmarked for climate organizations.
Arlene Willis, Grapes for Humanity Global Founder and CEO, lauded donors for their generous contributions to a worthy cause.
“We’re thrilled with the response to the auction and know that the funds raised will be a significant first step toward addressing the daunting challenge of climate change within the wine industry,” she said.
“Christie’s has been a game-changing partner, and we look forward to continuing to work together to address this existential challenge,”
Organizations supporting communities affected by climate change will share the auction proceeds, including The Porto Protocol, Tasting Climate Change, the Climate Adaptation Certificate program and Napa Valley Vintners. GFH Global’s work with The Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti, Yamba Malawi and The Halo Trust continues.
This is GFH Global’s first partnership with Christie’s New York. The record-breaking auction also included fine and rare wines from two private collections. The sale totalled $1,558,313 with 99% sold by lot and 125% hammer above low estimate. It also attracted 27% first-time registrants and five auction records were set throughout.
Bidders from around the world fought to secure each of GFH Global’s 44 lots which included rare wine and wine experiences from wineries throughout France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand, Portugal, the United States and Canada.
Chris Munro, Head of Department, Wine and Spirits, Christie’s Americas, reflected on the successful collaboration: “Following our successful wine sale in January, our second online auction out of Los Angeles continues to demonstrate the strength of the fine wine market. We were delighted to collaborate with the Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation and help raise over $70,000 to fund projects affected by climate change. Bidders from around the globe fought to secure some of the fantastic experiences donated by wine producers committed to this worthwhile cause.”