Christie’s Relaunches NYC Wine Auctions with Koch’s $15M Cellar

This June, Christie’s Wine returns to New York City with a splash—reviving its live auction program with one of the most significant wine collections to ever hit the market. From June 12–14, The Cellar of William I. Koch: The Great American Collector will headline a three-day event at Christie’s Rockefeller Center, presenting over 1,500 lots valued at a low estimate of $15 million. Known for his passion and precision, Koch’s private cellar includes rare, large-format vintages from the likes of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Pétrus—offering collectors and connoisseurs a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

This isn’t just another wine auction. Koch’s collection includes over 750 large-format bottles, including more than 45 Jeroboams and Methuselahs from DRC alone. Many of these bottles hail from Koch’s residences in Palm Beach, Cape Cod, and Aspen, and represent a personal journey of collecting that spans decades. “Wine brings it all together,” said Koch. “You can taste the love, passion, hard work, and dedication that went into the making of a great wine.” Highlights include a 1900 Château Lafite Rothschild, a 1945 Château Mouton Rothschild, and magnums of 1990 Petrus—all among the most sought-after vintages in the world.

Christie’s Global Head of Wine & Spirits, Adam Bilbey, called the sale “an unparalleled offering” and a tribute to Koch’s influence in shaping the world of wine collecting. The auction also marks the relaunch of Christie’s fine wine program in New York City following a brief pause, signaling a renewed focus on rare wine sales in one of the world’s premier markets.

Collectors and enthusiasts will gather this June for a front-row seat to history—where passion, provenance, and prestige collide in the heart of Manhattan. With iconic vintages, storied estates, and a name like Koch behind it all, this isn’t just an auction—it’s a celebration of legacy in a glass.

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