The Rees Hotel is set to host a major auction of some of Central Otago and the world's best wines over the October Labour Day weekend (October 25-27) this year in Queenstown, New Zealand, to collectors from around the world. The charity auction is expected to offer approximately 300 lots with some individual wines predicted to sell for up to $60,000.

The Rees, long renowned for its internationally acclaimed cellar, wine list and innovative culinary events has curated an exclusive food and wine weekend itinerary which will feature the Central Otago Wine Auction and culminate in a degustation dinner with wines from five local producers. Mark Rose, CEO of The Rees, is looking to make this an annual event; one that will develop into a food and wine festival for Queenstown.

This inaugural weekend event will include a welcome cocktail party, wine masterclasses and tastings, a lunch at Bannockburn Hotel on Saturday and the annual Central Otago Wine Auction live and online, followed by a five-course degustation dinner at The Rees’ True South Dining Room on Sunday. Each of five local wine producers will provide two wines to match each of the five courses, the menu for which will be creatively designed by The Rees’ executive chef, Trent Watson, and showcase local produce and authentic New Zealand flavours. There will also be generous leisure time for the attendees to spend enjoying the many delights of Queenstown.

Blair Walter, of Felton Road Wines and a trustee of the Central Otago Pinot Noir Charitable Trust (established by COPNL), announced at the launch event in Queenstown recently, that many local producers had saved some of their best and most prized vintages for the auction.

The auction itself has been very successful over the years, since 2000, generating over $315,000 net income to assist an extensive range of local charities** including the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust and Queenstown Search & Rescue. An impressive list of prominent NZ artists* have created labels annually for the fourteen Pinot Noir Celebration Cuvee vintages auctioned along with other related luxury items.

The Rees Central Otago Wine Auction Weekend

Exclusive 3 Night Package 25-28 October 2024 inclusions:

• Lakeview Accommodation
• Breakfast Daily
• Welcome Function including drinks and canapes
• The Rees Pinot Noir Expedition – includes 5 x Masterclasses with 5 winemakers and lunch at Bannockburn Hotel
• Tickets to the Wine Auction at Ruma Wai Kahu – The Rees Hotel
• Winemakers dinner on Sunday night – featuring 5 winemakers and 5 courses.
• Late check out on Monday.

Total package price per person, double/twin-share $NZ1285 (Limited availability, single supplement available)

Full details and terms & conditions here. 
For bookings and enquiries phone: +64 3 450 1100 Or email: reservations@therees.co.nz
The Central Otago Auction information: https://wineauctionroom.com/
To register/participate in the auction: https://wineauctionroom.com/services/how-to-register-and-bid/
FAQs: https://wineauctionroom.com/services/faqs/

The Rees Hotel Queenstown’s Central Otago Wine Weekend is proudly supported by: Dish Magazine, The Wine Auction Room, Felton Road Wines, Quartz Reef, Prophets Rock, Rippon Vineyard Ata Rangi and Bannockburn Hotel.