A glittering wine gala dinner and charity auction jointly organised and hosted by Decanter and The Royal Opera House in London has raised more than £250,000.
Attending the gala dinner last night (9 February) were the ROH’s musical director, Sir Antonio Pappano who performed with opera stars, Bryn Terfel, Ermonela Jaho, David Junghoon Kim and Vlada Borovko.
Guests at the sell-out event enjoyed truly stellar wines provided by Baron Eric de Rothschild of Château Lafite-Rothschild, Frédéric Rouzaud of Champagne Louis Roederer, Paul Draper of California’s Ridge, Jean-Charles le Bault de la Morinière of Domaine Bonneau de Martray and Adrian Bridge of Fonseca (The Fladgate Partnership).
The auction was conducted by Christie’s’ David Elswood and Anthony Hanson MW. Bidding on the 10 unique wine and opera lots was fierce with a lunch for four at Château Lafite going for £25,000. A five-litre bottle of Ridge 1984 went for £17,000.
The full wine list served to guests:
Champagne Louis Roederer, Vintage Rosé 2009
Domaine Bonneau de Martray, Corton Charlemagne, Grand Cru 2007
Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal 2006
Ridge, Montebello Cabernet Sauvignon 1991
Château Lafite-Rothschild 1990
‘An honour’
‘It is an honour for Decanter to help raise this money for such a worthwhile cause and it is a privilege to have so many great wines and superb opera stars here with us tonight,’ said Decanter’s publishing director Sarah Kemp.
The total sum raised, including from a fine wine auction and from tickets, topped £250,000.
All the proceeds raised will go to the Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, which strives to engage young people in the creative arts, offers apprenticeships and commissions new work.
