LCBO INTRODUCES LIVE ONLINE BIDDING AT VINTAGES FINE WINE AUCTION NOVEMBER
12-14

TORONTO, Nov. 8 /CNW/ - The LCBO and Waddington's Auctioneers are inviting wine enthusiasts from around the world to bid live over the Internet during this year's Vintages Finest and Rarest Wines Auction being held November 12-14 at Waddington's Galleries in Toronto.

"The addition of Internet bidding puts this annual auction on par with the world's best," according to Barry O'Brien, LCBO Corporate Affairs Director and a chief organizer of the auction.

The Internet bidding is facilitated through web provider Artfact.com. Collectors can also bid in person at Waddington's Galleries at 111 Bathurst Street, in writing or by phone, fax or email. 

More than 2,300 lots of rare wines valued at $3.1 million will be up for bid at this year's auction. The selection will feature many first-time offerings, including top Burgundy vintages, such as Domaine Romanée-Conti, in 1,500 mL bottles, and highly-prized vintage Bordeaux in their original wood cases. There are also rare pre-World War II vintages and classic Champagnes.

All wines consigned to auction are stored in temperature and humidity-controlled conditions.

"The popularity of collecting wine as an investment grows every year," notes O'Brien. "Most wines offered at auction will appreciate in value, especially rare and acclaimed vintages so auctions are an excellent way to build a wine portfolio. This is also an opportunity to buy wines that aren't available through any other channels." 

The Vintages auction features three bidding sessions, the first one starting at 6:00 p.m. on November 12 and running until bidding closes.  On November 13 and 14, sessions will start at 10 a.m. and last until bidding closes.

"We are pleased to work with the LCBO to present this world-class auction," says Waddington's President Duncan McLean. "Our experience with fine art and our network of international clients provide an excellent basis for this partnership."

Auction catalogues are available for $20 at the auction itself, or as a download at www.vintages.com/auction. Previous auction customers will receive complimentary copies.  For questions and registration, contact Vintages Auction Co-ordinator John Yoxall at 416-864-6821 or by e-mail at [email protected] .

Waddington's is a Toronto-based, Canadian-owned and operated company that has been in the auction and appraisal business since 1850, and is considered Canada's largest purveyor of international calibre fine art. 

For further information:

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Chris Layton, LCBO Media Relations Co-ordinator
Tel. [phone]; Cell: 416 587-3729; E-mail:[email protected]

Barry O'Brien, Director, LCBO Corporate Affairs
Tel. [phone]; Cell: 416 627-7055; E-mail:[email protected]  

Vince Ciarlo, Ciarlo Communications (representing Waddington's)
Tel. [phone]; Cell: 416 458-5090; E-mail:[email protected]