For 46 years, Jörg G. Bucherer (1936–2023) led the Bucherer Group, one of the world's foremost watch and jewellery retailers, based in Lucerne. The company had remained in family ownership since its founding in 1888—an era that came to an end in August 2023 when Jörg G. Bucherer sold the Group to Rolex. It was a farsighted decision, as Bucherer passed away a few months later at the age of 87, leaving no direct heirs but instead the Jörg G. Bucherer Foundation. The foundation will begin its work next year, focusing on art promotion, research, and welfare.
Jörg G. Bucherer had a particular passion for collecting and appreciating fine wines. He devoted great care to his wine cellars in Meggen, near Lucerne, and Marbella, where he stored his prized bottles in their original crates under optimal conditions.
Next month, Christie’s London has the privilege of offering 2,474 bottles from his collection in the online auction Timeless Excellence: The Pristine Personal Wine Collection of Jörg G. Bucherer (1936–2023). Expected to realise a total of around £1 million, the sale will take place from 16–30 April and will feature 238 lots of fine wines from the world’s most prestigious wineries.
See also: Barnebys’ Guide to Buying Wine at Auction
Among the highlights are 12 bottles of the rare and highly sought-after Le Pin 1990 (estimate: £28,000–35,000), 12 bottles of the legendary Domaine Leroy Romanée-Saint-Vivant 1999 (estimate: £45,000–60,000), and 6 magnums of the iconic Château Haut-Brion 1989 (estimate: £16,000–20,000). Also included in the auction are 1,628 bottles of Bordeaux from 1970 to 2005, featuring all the Premier Crus as well as Châteaux La Mission Haut-Brion, Palmer, and Pavie; 501 bottles of Burgundy from 1995 to 2003, including Domaine Leroy, DRC, and Domaines Ponsot, Gros Frère & Sœur, and Damoy; and 312 bottles of Spanish wines, featuring Vega Sicilia, Artadi, Aalto, and Numanthia.
All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Jörg G. Bucherer Foundation.
