Grapes of Grief and Gratitude Benefit Wine Auction Featuring Rare Wines and Unique Auction Items

Business Wire, Nov 29, 2001

News/Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 2001

Dec. 8 Auction being held on Internet and in New York City for New

York Police & Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund

The Grapes of Grief and Gratitude Benefit Auction, scheduled for Dec. 8, has released the catalog of auction items donated for the event. The auction is being held both at the Union League Club in Manhattan and on the Internet at www.grapesofgrief.com, to benefit the families of the New York firefighters, police officers and emergency response professionals who lost their lives working to save others in the World Trade Center disaster.

Included in the diverse offerings are an unsurpassed collection of wines from every region and country, consisting of rare and valuable bottles, grand formats and vertical sets. One lot of note is provided by the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, which consists of classified and non-classified growths in the Bordeaux region of France. The chateaux of the Union joined together to offer over 100 magnums from the already-legendary 2000 vintage, signed by the owners of the chateaux. "Over the years, American wine drinkers have supported the Bordeaux region," said Patrick Maroteaux, president of the Union. "It seemed only appropriate that we return the support and affection America has shown to us. We hope this rare lot will in some way reach across to those brave families who have lost so much."

Wine experiences such as dinners, vineyard visits and wine tours, and wine memorabilia and books are also featured. More unusual items include a walk-on part in the popular television show, Frasier. Private wine collectors have also opened their cellars to contribute to this cause. "We have gathered lots that all wine lovers will want to bid on, especially since they know that their purchases are contributions to such a worthy cause," said organizer Peter Morrell, chairman of Morrell & Company.

The auction catalog, available for $15, may be ordered online at www.grapesofgrief.com, or by calling Morrell & Company at 212/688-9370. The event is being organized by Roberta and Peter Morrell, Morrell & Company and The Morrell Wine Group; and Stuart Leaf and Mark Golodetz, two wine-loving New York citizens. Proceeds will be donated to the New York Police & Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund, chaired by former New York Met's slugger "Rusty" Staub. In order to raise the maximum amount for the fund, the usual buyer's premium and New York sales tax will not be charged, which will allow buyers to bid at least 23.25% higher than at a typical auction. Credit cards will not be accepted in order to avoid spending charitable funds on commissions.

Morrell & Company, America's Premier Wine Merchant was founded in 1947. Peter Morrell, chairman, and Roberta Morrell, president, preside over the family-run Morrell Wine Group which includes Morrell & Company Wine & Spirit Merchants, Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe, Morrell & Company Fine Wine Auctions, Vintage Wine Warehouse, Wines By Morrell - Easthampton, NY and Wines By Morrell - Tampa, FL.