Sotheby’s To Auction Rare 1865 Burgundy, 1990 Romanée-Conti Magnum Bottles At NYC Nightcap Launch

Sotheby’s is expanding its impressive luxury reach with the launch of Nightcap, an international Wine & Spirits festival making its New York debut from September 17–19 at the auction house’s global headquarters, The Breuer. Following its inaugural event in Hong Kong earlier this year, the flagship festival unites world-class educational tastings, exclusive collector dinners, and headline auctions to engage seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts alike.

Anchoring the festival is a four-part auction series offering over $7 million in extremely rare wine and spirits bottles. The series is headlined by The Impeccable Burgundy Collection: Part VI, featuring more than 600 lots including a magnum of 1990 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (est. $42,000–$60,000) and an 1865 Bouchard Père & Fils La Romanée (est. $80,000–$120,000).

The launch reflects the latest activation from Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits division, where new buyers currently represent more than one-third of all bidders. U.S. buyers continue to lead the global market at 31% of purchases, while a younger demographic is driving growth, with 51% of active bidders now under the age of 50, according to the auction house.

Another key highlight of the festival is The Nightcap Wine & Whisky Tasting on September 18. The walk-around experience will showcase approximately 40 wines and 20 whiskies—including selections from iconic producers such as Pol Roger, Vega Sicilia, Château Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, Jean-Louis Chave, and Pappy Van Winkle—alongside guided blind tastings.

“This inaugural New York edition of NIGHTCAP marks an exciting evolution for Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits, bringing together the full breadth of our global community in one dynamic moment,” said Nick Pegna, Sotheby’s Global Head of Wine & Spirits, in a statement shared by the auction house. “The strength of the market today is reflected not only in its continued growth, but in its energy, curiosity, and expanding community of collectors.” The live auction takes place on September 19 at The Breuer in New York.