A Decade of Excellence: Celebrating 10 Years of Fine Wine & Spirits at Waddington’s

May 6, 2026 By: Waddington's Fine Wine & Spirits Team

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Just over ten years ago, Waddington’s launched its dedicated Fine Wine & Spirits department with a singular vision: to establish the premier destination for high-value liquid assets in Canada.

Today, we celebrate our achievements defined by rigorous curation, record-breaking results, and the unwavering trust of Canada’s most discerning collectors.

Since our inception, we have offered nearly 34,000 lots over 90+ specialised auctions. While some may prioritise volume, our philosophy remains rooted in quality. Every bottle that passes through our doors undergoes a strict vetting process to ensure it meets our exacting standards. This highly curated approach ensures that a Waddington’s auction is not just a public sale, but a definitive gallery of the world’s finest vintages and expressions.

Built on Relationships and Provenance

Our success is built on the strength of our community. We are honoured to be trusted by buyers across Canada, serving as the primary auction authority for the Canadian secondary market.

Perhaps the greatest testament to our work is the loyalty of our consignors; many have entrusted us with their collections for every single auction since our inception. This deep-rooted expertise also allows us to give back, supporting vital philanthropic efforts such as Grapes for Humanity, for whom we have proudly hosted five annual charity auctions, and have achieved nearly $3 million dollars for important causes such as climate change and nature conservation.

In Review: Iconic Lots (2016–2025)

To mark this milestone, we are looking back at the standout lots that defined each year of our journey.

2016	Perfection Elemental Series Cognac	A standout performance from our second dedicated Fine Spirits auction, highlighting the sophisticated demand among Canadian Cognac collectors for elite grape-based spirits.
2017	Mouton Rothschild Vertical (1945-2000)	A monumental 56-bottle vertical of 1er Cru Classé. A moment where fine art met fine wine, remaining one of the most notable collections ever seen at any auction.
2018	Private Collection 2018-2019	Spanning over 500 bottles and four auctions, this massive consignment from one of Canada’s largest private cellars solidified Waddington’s as the hub for spirits collectors.
2019	Black Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch 42 Years	An incredibly rare expression from the Islay legend; at the time of sale, it set the record for the most expensive spirit lot sold at auction in Canada.
2020	Château Lafite Rothschild 1986 OWC	Captured perfectly in its prime drinking window, this lot represented one of the most celebrated recent vintages from a legendary First Growth estate.
2021	Château Pétrus 1982 (5 Ltr.)	Often compared to the price of a luxury vehicle, this rare 5 litre bottle from Bordeaux’s “Bad Boy” of Pomerol is the ultimate trophy for any serious cellar.
2022	Château Pétrus 1995 OWC	While a single bottle is a luxury, an intact 12-bottle Original Wooden Case (OWC) is a collector’s “bucket list” achievement realised.
2023	Domaine Leroy Romanée St. Vivant 1998 and 1999	Our top-achieving Burgundy to date. These three bottles represent some of the most sought-after terroir and craftsmanship on the planet.
2024	The Groupe Duclot Bordeaux Collection	A curated selection of top-tier Bordeaux from a premier luxury brand that achieved exceptional results, reaffirming the strength of the Canadian market.
2025	Mouton Rothschild Vertical 1980-1999	A humble yet profound celebration of Bordeaux’s grandeur, this vertical was a testament to the excellence of Mouton Rothschild

Our June 2026 Fine Wine & Spirits Auctions

As we move into our second decade, the momentum only increases with our Spring Fine Wine & Spirits Auctions, featuring an extraordinary array of ultra rare and hard-to-find bottles. These auctions promise to be landmark events for collectors seeking to acquire pieces of history with impeccable provenance.

Stay Tuned: Sign up to our e-newsletters for first-access notifications about all auctions and events.

As always, we are here to help you with any inquiries. Whether you are looking to consign a single rare expression or a multi-generational cellar, we are ready to provide the expertise, care, and attention your collection deserves. Likewise, if you are looking to grow your collection, you can buy with confidence at Waddington’s.

Thank you to all of our buyers, consignors, partners, and friends for 10 incredible years.

– Joann, Devin, Gordon, Robin, Nick, and the rest of the Waddington’s team