Christie’s to auction the cellar of the Hon. Henry Tang

As wine collectors go, Henry Tang is legendary.

It was his daring move, as Chief Secretary of Hong Kong, to reduce wine duty to zero – helping establish Hong Kong as the global wine trading hub it is today.

Yet it’s Tang’s personal collection, expertly curated over five decades, that inspires real awe. Comprising a dazzling array of the world’s most sought-after wines, his cellar is a testament to his passion, discernment and unflinching eye for quality.

Now, in a landmark event, the collection will be sold at a live auction at Christie’s Hong Kong on 10 October – marking 60 years since the Christie’s Wine Department opened its doors.

With the collection expected to sell for more than HK$26 million (around £2.5 million), the sale presents an unmissable opportunity for wine lovers around the world.

With 860 lots, including vintages spanning 90 years, this auction will showcase an astonishing range of the greatest names.

Legendary Burgundy domaines are represented, including a magnum of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 1995 valued at HK$160,000-$220,000 and a Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1996 from Henri Jayer, also in magnum, estimated at HK$180,000-260,000.

Also featuring are a cast of Burgundy’s most renowned whites, including rising stars Domaine Paul Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet La Romanée (mixed vintages 2016-2017) and Domaine Bernard-Bonin, Meursault Les Charmes-Dessus 2016 as well as timeless classics, such as a magnum from Puligny-Montrachet’s most revered estate, Domaine Leflaive, estimated at HK$140,000-190,000.

The Bordeaux offerings are equally compelling: fine examples from all the Premier Crus will be sold, alongside legendary Right Bank estates including Petrus, Lafleur and Cheval Blanc.

When building his collection, Tang has always been guided by personal conviction, not convention. Accordingly, the lots on offer are strikingly diverse – ranging from rare Champagnes like Salon and Krug to Piedmont’s Giacomo Conterno and Keller in the Rheinhessen, as well as New World heavyweights Screaming Eagle and Penfolds Grange.

Asked to reflect on his collecting philosophy, Tang describes a commitment to the story that each wine has to tell. ‘I always look for balance, elegance, fragrance and taste,’ he says. The fundamental elements that prove whether a wine is of lasting value.

But the question on everyone’s lips is: why sell, and why now?

‘After more than fifty years of collecting, there comes a moment to reflect on a cellar and recognise that wine has always been about sharing,’ says Tang. ‘As Christie's celebrates the 60th Anniversary of its Wine Department and 40 years in Asia, I can think of no more fitting occasion to part with some treasured bottles.’

It’s that spirit of generosity that inspires this auction. ‘Mr. Tang has been a mentor, advocate, and friend to countless collectors and members of the wine trade,’ says Adam Bilbey, Global Head of Wine and Spirits at Christie’s. ‘Few individuals have done more to shape and elevate the culture of fine wine collecting in Asia. We are truly privileged to showcase a selection from Mr Tang’s remarkable cellar.’

The Cellar of the Hon. Henry Tang will be auctioned on 10 October 2026 at 6/F–7/F, The Henderson, 2 Murray Road, Central, Hong Kong.

To browse the sale, follow the lots and place bids, visit Christie’s.

Contact +852 2760 1766 | infoasia@christies.com

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