Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber is to offer part of his private wine collection up for auction to raise money for a charity that helps disadvantaged children through music.
Auction house Christie’s said the “remarkable” collection includes a bottle of 1900 Chateau Margaux, which is estimated to fetch up to £7,000.
It said the lots, which have been stored in the cellar of the composer’s country estate in Hampshire, features “bottles, magnums and large formats from the most revered vineyards and finest vintages of the past century”.
The money raised will go to The Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST), which is dedicated to transforming the lives of disadvantaged students through music.
It provides pupils in 37 secondary schools in areas of significant deprivation with musical instruments, weekly tuition, and a classical music curriculum known as The Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme.
Part-funded by The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, it has reached nearly 30,000 students to date and the auction is expected to help more than 2,000 more.
Lord Lloyd-Webber revealed he is a “recovering alcoholic” in an interview with The Times on Saturday.
“Sixteen months ago I decided that I needed help and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said, adding that he regularly attends Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.
Speaking about the wine sale, he said: “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.”
The collection, named Final Treasures From The Wine Cellar Of Andrew Lloyd Webber, features wine from the Bordeaux region of France, including three bottles of 1947 Chateau Cheval Blanc, which are estimated to fetch up to £15,000 per bottle, and a magnum of 1961 Chateau Haut-Brion, expected to go for up to £4,000.
A selection of Pinot Noir includes Domaine Rousseau, Trapet, Bouchard, while White Burgundy is a particular strength, led by magnums of Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet 2005.
Champagne including Dom Perignon, Cristal, Deutz and Bollinger RD will also be auctioned as well as port, sherry, and other sweet wines.
Charles Foley, head of sales at Christie’s, said: “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 sale will be offered exclusively online via Christie’s, with global bidding accessible throughout the sale period.
