Wine fetches $12,500 for Christchurch

Simon Ward of Webb's with one of the bottles of wine that raised more than $47,000 for Christchurch. Photo / Supplied

A bottle of wine that was donated to a Christchurch relief appeal from one of the world's most famous wineries sold for $12,500 at a charity auction.

Wineries from Burgundy in France and from Central Otago donated about 300 bottles for the auction at Webb's last month that raised a total of $47,561.

The money will be given to the Red Cross. The star seller, a 1971 Romanee-Conti from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Burgundy, was donated from the private cellar of the winery's owner, Aubert de Villaine.

Webb's head of fine wine, Simon Ward, said the price, $12,500, was in line with market expectations and was paid by a New Zealand-based investor who wished to remain anonymous.

Ward said the wine fetched so much because it was very rare and from an established label.

He said the fact that it came from a private cellar and its history was known would have added to the value.

It is believed to be the highest price a bottle of wine has fetched at auction in New Zealand.

"The main reason we have seen such an extraordinary level of support [for the auction] from Burgundy is that the wine industry is very much a relationship-driven business and great friendships are often formed when New Zealanders go overseas to work in within the wine industry and leave a lasting impression," said Ward.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the result."

De Villaine said he donated the Romanee-Conti because he wanted to "support our New Zealand friends".