In Conversation with Laurent Delaunay on Edouard Delaunay’s Landmark Partnership with Bonhams

When Bonhams announced its partnership with Burgundy’s Edouard Delaunay for “Jubilant Revival in Burgundy: Maison Edouard Delaunay Ex-Domaine – Finest & Rarest Wines”, it marked so much more than a milestone auction. It also represented a shift in how fine wines are released, authenticated and collected. Running online from 5 to 27 November 2025, the sale features 68 exceptional lots sourced directly from the Delaunay family’s private cellar — bottles that have never left their home at Château de Charmont until now.

Founded in 1893 and revived in 2017 under fifth-generation winemaker Laurent Delaunay, the Maison has become a model of Burgundy’s modern renaissance, uniting heritage with technical mastery. LUXUO speaks to Laurent Delaunay, president of Edouard Delaunay, about the significance of this unprecedented collaboration with Bonhams, the evolution of Burgundy’s auction market and why provenance remains the ultimate benchmark of value in fine wine.

How unique – and extraordinary – is this association between Bonhams and Edouard Delaunay?

For us, it is both new and truly unique. This is the very first time that we have worked on such a project with a prestigious auction house of this calibre. Traditionally, wine auctions have focused on the secondary market — collectors or cellar owners reselling bottles they had previously purchased from producers or négociants. These sales confirmed that fine wine could be both a pleasure to share and a valuable investment.

In recent years, however, a new approach has emerged: auctions featuring wines released directly by the producers themselves, often bottles that have been carefully kept until they reached their ideal maturity and market interest. This is precisely what we are offering through this collaboration with Bonhams.

For wine lovers, the benefits are clear. Authenticity and provenance are fully guaranteed since these wines come directly from our own family cellar. They have never travelled, have always been stored in perfect conditions at our Château de Charmont in Burgundy, and are now released at their optimal drinking window. Although this approach is gaining traction, it remains rare. For us, this is a true première.

How important and knowledgeable are Burgundy wine lovers in the Far East?

Extremely. Alongside the USA and the UK, wine enthusiasts in the Far East are among the most passionate and knowledgeable in the world. Since relaunching our Burgundy winery in 2017, we have made this part of the world a priority — selecting the finest importers and distributors, spending time in the region to present our wines, and welcoming many Asian visitors to Château de Charmont, just outside Nuits-Saint-Georges.

Over the years, many of these encounters have evolved into genuine friendships. I am constantly impressed by the curiosity and deep understanding of Burgundy that our Asian friends display. On several occasions, they have even introduced me to fellow Burgundy producers I had not met before — which says a lot about their passion and network.

What will be the profile of the bidders at this special auction to be staged in Hong Kong?

Open-minded wine lovers and collectors — people who are eager to discover a different facet of Burgundy, one that reflects the spirit of an authentic family Maison they might not yet know. Burgundy is a fascinating and singular wine region where, even for seasoned connoisseurs, there is always more to explore: new names, forgotten appellations, hidden gems.

As the renowned wine critic Michel Bettane recently wrote, “This is no longer a renaissance, it is a masterful return to the forefront.”

And although the auction will be launched from Hong Kong, it will be accessible online to wine enthusiasts across the globe.

Do you expect some record-breaking numbers?

Not necessarily. We are fully aware of our current market positioning and we continue to build our reputation step by step. However, given the exceptional quality of our wines — which have been unanimously praised by critics and sommeliers alike — we are confident that their value and recognition will continue to grow over time.

This auction therefore, represents an ideal opportunity for discerning collectors to invest in our best wines while they remain attractively priced. Above all, it allows us to introduce Edouard Delaunay to a new audience of collectors, to strengthen our image, and to establish an initial benchmark within the auction world.

How will you assess whether the auction is a complete or partial success?

Together with Bonhams, we have set moderate guide price targets and will be pleased if they are reached or exceeded. But beyond the financial aspect, what truly matters to us is the level of interest and enthusiasm this event generates around Edouard Delaunay.

Are there other similar initiatives by Edouard Delaunay planned elsewhere in the world?

No. This will remain a unique initiative, with no plans to replicate it in the near future.

Head to bonhams.com for more information.

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