Bonhams' Largest Wine Auction
One of the Greatest Restaurant Cellars Ever Offered (25,000 Bottles)
London, Bonhams has closed the largest wine auction in its history, presenting what is widely regarded as the greatest restaurant wine cellar ever to come to market, dispersed across three locations, three live sales and three white glove results (100% Sold).
The 6 auctions totalled an amazing result of $6,379,335 USD.
The event attracted registrants representing 38 countries and bidders from every continent. Drawn from the legendary cellar of the two Michelin starred Hostellerie Jérôme in La Turbie, overlooking Monaco, the three part series marked the final chapter of a gastronomic landmark created by celebrated chef Bruno Cirino, renowned as much for its profound wine culture as its cuisine.
The Legendary Cellar of Hostellerie Jérôme: The French Riviera's Gastronomic Heritage opened in Hong Kong in November, continued in Paris in February 2026, and concluded with a live sale in London on 23 April 2026, followed by an online sale from 9 to 30 April 2026. The concluding London Live auction achieved an exceptional 100% sold by lot and value, realizing £249,302, underscoring the international demand for this historic cellar and bringing a landmark Bonhams series to a triumphant close. The online sale achieved a total of £467,926.
Part I of the global sales series, held live on 22 November at Bonhams Hong Kong, was 100% sold with all 509 lots realizing a total of HK$25.7 million/ US$3.3 million, surpassing the high estimate. The online sale achieved over HK$6million/US $872,140. This momentum continued with Part II in Paris on 14 February 2026, where all 306 lots were sold for nearly €609,000/US$650,000, 155% of the low estimate. The online sale achieved over €300,000/US$350,632.
Amayès Aouli, Global Head of Wine & Spirits, Bonhams, comments: "With an ambitious global strategy of offering this cellar among 6 auctions out of 3 of our major Bonhams locations (Hong Kong, France, United-Kingdon), we are delighted to have brought together collectors from every continent in celebration of the legendary cellar of Hostellerie Jérôme. We extend our sincere thanks to Chef Bruno Cirino for his trust, and to every participant for their passion and commitment. The exceptional quality of the wines was matched only by the enthusiasm they inspired and the memories we have created in sharing theses wines extensively in dinners and three white gloves lively auctions. For what is one of the most important restaurant wine auctions ever staged and the biggest wine auctions in Bonhams history, this was a success made possible by hundreds of equally passionate Bonhams colleagues from every department."
The Hostellerie Jérôme Cellar
An Encyclopaedia of French Wine with Impeccable Provenance
This three-part auction features wines from the iconic cellar of Hostellerie Jérôme, renowned for its breadth and quality. With over 25,000 bottles, the collection spans the greatest wine regions of France, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and the Rhône Valley, offering a true encyclopaedia of French viticulture. Meticulously curated to complement Cirino's cuisine, the cellar embodies the art of pairing, elevating every dining experience.
All wines were purchased directly from the domaines upon release over more than 3 decades, underscoring its impeccable provenance and the trust of France's renowned winemakers, many of whom reserve rare direct allocations only for restaurants that meet their rigorous standards. Stored with extreme care in the restaurant's cellars, the wines remain in pristine condition and are now perfectly ready to enjoy.
Highlights of the live London sale include:
• Domaine Leroy, Clos de la Roche, from 1999 (2 x 750ml), estimated at £4,500 to 5,500, sold for £8,060.
• An exceptional vertical of Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg, comprising the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 vintages (3 × 750ml each), estimated at £5,000 to 6,500, sold for £6,448.
• A fine selection of Domaine Jean Louis Chave Hermitage, spanning the 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011 vintages (3 × 750ml each), estimated at £4,500 to 5,500, sold for £5,580.
• A remarkable selection of Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny magnums, comprising Le Bourg 2006 (1 × 1500ml), Les Poyeux 2014, 2015 and 2017 (3 × 1500ml each), and Le Clos 2012 (3 × 1500ml), 2015 (6 × 1500ml) and 2017 (3 × 1500ml), estimated at £6,000 to 7,500, sold for £5,952.
Highlights of the online sale include:
• Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Marechale, 2010 (24 x 750ml), estimated at £3,000 to 3,800, sold for £3,224.
• A trio of Clos Rougeard Saumur Champigny Les Poyeux vintages, comprising 2009, 2010 and 2011 (6 × 750ml each), estimated at £2,600 to 3,400, sold for £3,472.
• Domaine Coche Dury, Corton-Charlemagne, 2009 (1 x 750ml), estimated at £2,400 to 3,000, sold for £3,968.
(Press Release)
