Vineyards by Christie’s International Real Estate to Launch at Christie’s Hong Kong Wine Spring 2013 Sale

Hong Kong, May 23, 2013 – Christie’s International Real Estate will officially launch the world’s first global advisory service for buyers of vineyard estates during Christie’s spring auctions in Hong Kong that features a sale of fine and rare wines on May 25. 

Vineyards by Christie’s International Real Estate is a pioneering program designed to meet international demand from clients requesting expert advice in purchasing overseas vineyard properties in the world’s most sought-after wine regions.

Throughout the auction starting on May 25, Christie’s International Real Estate will host a booth to showcase international vineyard estate offerings, affording Christie’s clients an appreciation of the global scope of the spectacular vineyards represented by its network of Affiliates.

“Making the connection between fine wine and luxury vineyard estates is at the core of our new advisory service,” said Bonnie Stone Sellers, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate, the real estate arm of Christie’s. “Our presence at the Hong Kong sales underscores the synergy between Christie’s and Christie’s International Real Estate by serving the same group of clients with luxury products. We look forward to introducing this unique advisory service to the world’s most discerning audience.”

Comprising over 590 lots valued at more than HK$35 million, the sale will offer a diverse range of vintage wines by producers from all around the globe, including classic regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhône, and Napa Valley. Two important private collections from Europe will also be featured in the auction. To promote the harmonious match of wine with Asian food culture, Christie’s will also host an event called “Perfect Pairings,” a series of recommended pairings of wine with Asian cuisine.

Demand for fine foreign wine in Asia has grown exponentially in recent years, with the auction house reporting sales of HK$286.5 million (US$36.9 million) from nine wine sales in Hong Kong last year. Similarly, demand from affluent Chinese investors for foreign wine has extended to a growing interest in foreign wine-producing estates.

About Christie’s International Real Estate

Christie’s International Real Estate is an invitation-only Affiliate network composed of the world’s most proven and qualified real estate specialists in the luxury residential sector. The company has offices in London, New York, Hong Kong, Beverly Hills, Chicago, and Palm Beach; and approximately 130 global Affiliates with 25,000 real estate professionals in 40 countries.