2024 Auction Lots

2 – 1.5 Liter Rare Millésime 2008
2 – 1.5 Liter Rare Rosé Millésime 2014

Six (6) night unforgettable journey to Paris and Champagne for two (2) couples

Roundtrip, Business Class Airfare from any major city in the contiguous United States to Paris, France
VIP Meet and Greet, roundtrip airport services with customs assistance
Roundtrip, airport transfers and private ground transportation to all stated activities

Paris, France
Three (3) nights’ accommodations in Signature Suites at Five-star Alfred Sommier Hotel
Private guided tour of the Palace of Versailles
Private visit to fine jewelry boutique Mellerio

Reims, France:
Three (3) nights’ accommodations in Suites at the luxurious Résidence Eisenhower
Private vineyard and cellar tour at Rare Champagne
Private tasting of Rare Champagne with chef de cave Émilien Boutillat
Private guided tour of Reims Cathedral
Multi-course dinner at Résidence Eisenhower paired with Rare Champagne library vintages
Lunch at Château de Sacy with 360-degree views of surrounding vineyards

Two couples will experience the best of Paris, followed by special insider access in Reims, including private tastings of Rare Champagne and a glimpse into the production of a legend.

Rare Champagne’s noble origins date back to May 6, 1785, when Florens-Louis Heidsieck met Queen Marie Antoinette for the first time: “I wanted to make a cuvée worthy of a queen!” he wrote. The legend was born 200 years later with the unveiling of the very first Rare Champagne vintage, Rare Millésime 1976.

Over the past 40 years, Rare Champagne has only released 14 vintages, all in very limited volumes. The cellar master is committed to selecting exceptional and unique vintages, showcasing a perfect mastery over nature and an experience born of time and expertise. Rare Champagne is both fine and voluptuous, with a rich generosity, a touch of elegance rounded by the sensuality of warm, tropical notes with hints of brioche.

Your journey begins in Paris, where your party will spend three nights in Suites at the luxurious Alfred Sommier Hotel, centrally located in the capital’s 8th arrondissement. You’ll receive a private tour of the Palace of Versailles, perhaps visiting the very spot where Marie Antoinette sipped the first Cuvée. Your time in Paris will include a visit to Mellerio, the oldest (and last) family-owned jewelry house in France—famed for the Mellerio cut, a 57-facet jewel cut, shaped as an oval within an ellipse.

It’s time to transfer to Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne, where you’ll stay in Suites at the Résidence Eisenhower. This magnificent mansion, located steps from the Cathedral and now restored as a luxury hotel, hosted General Eisenhower during the final days of World War II.

You’ll have a private tour of Reims Cathedral, one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Founded in the 11th century, it was the traditional location for the coronation of the Kings of France.

At Rare Champagne, you’ll meet the young and dynamic chief winemaker, Émilien Boutillat, who took over from the legendary Régis Camus in 2018. Boutillat grew up in a winemaking family and honed his skills at wineries in Chile, New Zealand, South Africa, California and Bordeaux. Following your private tour of the vineyards and cellar, Boutillat will lead your Rare Champagne tasting, explaining the art of blending and the balance between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Your appreciation of Rare Champagne will be enhanced at a splendid dinner at Résidence Eisenhower featuring a collection of library vintages.

Back at home, each couple will be able to recreate their experience with a pair of vintage Magnums: Rare Champagne 2008 with its freshness and long-lasting minerality and  Rare Rosé’s 2014 fragrant intensity with hints of flowers and spice.

What’s rarer than Rare Champagne? The chance to give a meaningful future to a deserving child. Bid high and often for this special opportunity.

Insider's Info

Visit to be scheduled for mutually agreeable dates, excluding the month of September. Meals are only included as stated above and served with select wine and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Lunch at Château de Sacy will be à la carte including wine. Gratuities are only included for the dinner at Résidence Eisenhower.

Donor

Rare Champagne