Government to auction off their fine wine stocks

Back in 2010 the British Government was being criticised for stocking up its wine cellars in times of austerity. The reason given then was that it was in preparation for the Popes visit.

But now for the first time the government is to auction off wines from its official cellar, selling off valuable wines that are approaching or at their peak drinking. A handful of lots, with an estimated total value of £50,000, will be featured in Christie’s Fine & Rare Wines sale on 21 March.

The wines – such as a six-bottle case of 1970 Chateau Petrus (high estimate £6,000); 12 bottles of 1986 Le Pin (£10,000); and 12 bottles of 1986 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (£6,000) – have been stored in the Government Hospitality Cellar in Lancaster House, near Buckingham Palace, since they were purchased from UK merchants.

Following a 2011 decision, the Government must review and report to Parliament annually on costs, consumption, purchases and value of the wine cellar.