Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber is set to auction a significant portion of his private wine collection, with proceeds earmarked for a charity dedicated to providing music education to disadvantaged children. The sale, managed by auction house Christie’s, features an array of rare and valuable vintages, including a 1900 Chateau Margaux estimated to fetch up to £7,000.
The "remarkable" collection, stored for decades in the cellars of the composer’s Hampshire country estate, comprises "bottles, magnums and large formats from the most revered vineyards and finest vintages of the past century."
Among the highlights are three bottles of 1947 Chateau Cheval Blanc, each potentially reaching £15,000, and a magnum of 1961 Chateau Haut-Brion, valued at up to £4,000.
Named "Final Treasures From The Wine Cellar Of Andrew Lloyd Webber," the selection spans Bordeaux, Pinot Noir from esteemed producers like Domaine Rousseau, Trapet, and Bouchard, and a strong showing of White Burgundy, including magnums of Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet 2005.
Champagne from Dom Perignon, Cristal, Deutz, and Bollinger RD, alongside port, sherry, and other sweet wines, will also be available.
The funds raised will directly benefit The Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST), an organisation committed to transforming the lives of disadvantaged students through musical engagement. MiSST currently provides musical instruments, weekly tuition, and a classical music curriculum – known as The Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme – to pupils in 37 secondary schools located in areas of significant deprivation.
Part-funded by The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, the initiative has already reached nearly 30,000 students. The upcoming auction is anticipated to extend this reach to more than 2,000 additional young people.
Reflecting on the sale, Lord Lloyd Webber stated: "I suppose this is the end of an era. These bottles are the last great wines from my cellars at Sydmonton Court. Some of them have been there over 50 years. The proceeds will go to the Music In Secondary Schools Trust. Music in schools is a subject dear to my heart. I am proud that I have supported nearly 30,000 children’s musical education and given them their first musical instruments. This auction will educate many more."
Charles Foley, head of sales at Christie’s, underscored the collection's importance: "This remarkable collection is distinguished by its rarity, provenance and historical significance. Collectors worldwide will have the exceptional opportunity to acquire iconic wines, including Bordeaux such as the 1947 Cheval Blanc. We are equally proud that the sale will support The Music in Secondary Schools Trust and its vital work in disadvantaged schools across the UK, helping young people access the transformative power of music."
The entire sale will be conducted exclusively online through Christie’s, allowing for global participation.
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