Wine collection set to go under the hammer to boost Rotary

The combined Mount Gambier Rotary Clubs are set to auction off local wine collection.

A Wine Auction and Dinner will be held at the Mount Gambier City Hallon Saturday, May 20, when a collection of quality aged Australian white and red wines will be auctioned.

The lots will include Penfold’s Bins 28, 128, 389 premium wines, Wynn’s John Riddoch & Michael Shiraz, and various Peter Lehmann, D’Arenberg and Henschke.

Collectable ports and magnums and glasses are also on offer. The collection is being made available by Robyn Downs and family on behalf of the late Warwick Downs, who passed away in December 2021.

Warwick, a prominent local lawyer, was a valued member of the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West for more than 50 years and also a Past President and Paul Harris Fellowship recipient.

He was a lover of fine and classic wine, particularly Australian Reds. Warwick’s wife Robyn (pictured), in discussion with her family, subsequently decided to donate the collection to the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West, to raise funds to the future benefit of the community, in the memory of Warwick.

Wine auction event chairman Neville Gilbertson said a three course dinner was planned to be held in conjunction with the auction at the City Hall from 6.30pm on Saturday, May 20, at a cost of $95 a head.

“Over 60 lots are being offered for auction to be conducted by local auctioneer and wine producer David Herbert, with listings of the collection lots being available from David or myself,” Mr Gilbertson said.

Guest speaker on the night will be renowned local forester Dr Jerry Leech AM

“It should be an enjoyable evening, with a rare opportunity for wine lovers to add some impressive red and white varieties to their collections, “Mr Gilbertson said.

Tickets are available from Neville Gilbertson on 0417 814 568