Sommelier auction closes today! Bid here
We all know the problem any serious collector of anything experiences. The collection assumes a size and complexity way in excess of any sensible norm. Hands up those who own more bottles of wine than they could reasonably be expected to drink. Would you welcome some expert advice?
Or perhaps you just fancy organising a wonderful dinner based on such wines as you own and need a little help identifying those that are ready to drink. Or you might simply enjoy the company of one of the world's most respected sommeliers for the evening.
As part of their seasonal appeal in aid of the Global Fund for Children the Financial Times is running an online auction whereby you can bid for one (or all!) of these sommeliers and their expertise for an evening where they are based, date to be fixed by mutual agreement:
Yvonne Cheung, The Upper House, Hong Kong (pictured)
Emily O'Hare, River Cafe, London
João Pires, Dinner, London
John Ragan, Union Square Hospitality Group, New York
Xavier Rousset, Texture and 28-50, London
Ronan Sayburn MS, The Dorchester Collection, London
Matt Wilkin MS, consultant sommelier, London
Auction closes at (London time) 8pm for most somms, 9pm John Ragan and Yvonne Chueng midnight tonight. Bid here