Nightcap arrives at a moment of significant momentum for Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits business, following a record first half of 2026.

During the first six months of the year, Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits conducted 29 auctions featuring more than 13,000 lots and generating $49.25 million in total auction sales, with a 94% sell-through rate. New York was particularly strong, with 99% of lots sold, 190% achieving results above their low estimates, and the average lot achieving 235% of its low estimate. The first half of the year also saw continued growth in the bidder and buyer base, with 26% of bidders and 34% of buyers new to Sotheby’s New York.

The results also point to a rapidly expanding and increasingly international collector base. Across our global auctions, 25% of bidders were new to Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits, while 28% of buyers were new to the business. Younger collectors are also playing an increasingly important role, with 53% of bidders under the age of 50, including 26% under 40. Among buyers, 47% were under 50 and 22% under 40, highlighting the growing engagement of a new generation of collectors.

Participation was truly global, with bidders from 57 countries across Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Strong demand was reflected in the results, with 50% of lots selling above their high estimates. New York was Sotheby’s leading Wine & Spirits market by sales in the first half of the year, closely followed by Hong Kong, with growth further supported by the continued expansion of Sotheby’s Wine retail business. Notably, New York achieved an unprecedented five consecutive white-glove sales, with 99% of lots sold.

The year began on a high note with The Great American Whiskey Collection, which totaled $2.5 million, setting a record for the most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold at auction, including a record for the most valuable bottle of American whiskey ever sold at auction.

Sotheby’s and The Distillers’ Charity also extended their partnership for the biennial Distillers One of One auction through 2033, alongside a series of landmark auctions bringing some of the world’s most sought-after wines and spirits to collectors internationally.

In June, the top lot sold by Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits so far this year was The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection NV (6 BT75), which achieved $446,635.

“Nightcap brings together everything that is driving the Wine & Spirits market today: extraordinary collections, exceptional provenance, global participation and a new generation of collectors who are approaching wine and spirits with fresh curiosity. Following a record first half, it feels particularly fitting to bring this community together in New York for four days of auctions, tastings, dinners and culture. From some of the greatest Burgundy ever assembled to highly sought-after American whiskey, Nightcap reflects both the depth of the market and the incredible breadth of collecting today.”

Nick Pegna, Sotheby’s Global Head of Wine & Spirits

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building in New York City, featuring Marcel, 945 Madison Avenue – a new continental restaurant designed by Roman & Williams.