Bonhams Concludes the Locanda Locatelli Wine Cellar Auction with Every Lot Sold

Bonhams’ online auction, “Locanda Locatelli: Iconic Italian Wines from a Landmark London Restaurant,” officially came to a close on 14 October, with every lot successfully sold. The sale, which ran from 1–14 October, offered collectors and wine lovers the rare opportunity to acquire bottles from one of London’s most celebrated Italian dining institutions.

The auction followed the closure of Locanda Locatelli in January this year — a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned as much for its warm Italian hospitality as for its exceptional 40-page wine list.

About Locanda Locatelli

Tucked discreetly behind an understated entrance on Seymour Street in Marylebone, Locanda Locatelli has been a beacon of Italian culinary mastery since it first opened in 2002. Founded by Chef Giorgio Locatelli and his wife, Plaxy Locatelli, who managed the restaurant together, it quickly rose to prominence and earned a Michelin star in 2003, a distinction it proudly held for over twenty years.

Designed by David Collins, the restaurant’s interior exuded understated glamour, combining sophistication with the familial warmth that defined Locatelli’s ethos. It was a place where exceptional food and wine met with a sense of intimacy and authenticity — a modern reflection of the Italian dining table.

The Story Behind Chef Giorgio Locatelli

Chef Giorgio Locatelli grew up in Lombardia, where his uncle ran a Michelin-starred restaurant — the setting that first ignited his passion for food. His career journey took him from Italy to London’s The Savoy, inspired by the works of Auguste Escoffier, and later to Paris, where he honed his craft in the kitchens of Restaurant Laurent and La Tour d’Argent.

When Locatelli eventually opened his own restaurant in London, he brought with him not only technical mastery but also a deep respect for the traditions of Italian cooking — a cuisine rooted in family, heritage, and hospitality. His book, Made in Italy, remains a seminal text on Italian gastronomy, blending recipes, history, and storytelling.

A World-Class Wine List with Italian Heart

At Locanda Locatelli, wine was treated with the same reverence as cuisine. Its 40-page wine list showcased the depth and diversity of Italian viticulture, offering both iconic labels and hidden regional treasures.

The restaurant’s cellar and list were widely acclaimed, featuring in The World’s Best Wine Lists 2015 by The World of Fine Wine, and receiving accolades from The Times and Wine List Confidential. It also earned the Leccio d’Oro Brunello Award (2010), the Wine List Confidential Award (2019), and maintained an Award of Excellence every year from 2008 to 2024.

For over two decades, the restaurant served more than 1.5 million guests, pairing exquisite dishes with wines that reflected Italy’s soul and craftsmanship.

Highlights from the Bonhams Auction

Bonhams’ sale of Locanda Locatelli’s cellar attracted global attention from collectors, with competitive bidding driving many lots above their estimates. Among the standout results were:

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva 1997 (5 x 750ml) – sold for £5,208
Masseto 2001 (6 x 750ml) – sold for £4,960
Sassicaia Vertical 1997–2015 (12 x 750ml) – sold for £3,720, exceeding its upper estimate by £320
Sassicaia 1988 (2 x magnums) – sold for £4,216
Gaja Barbaresco Vineyard Vertical 2008–2011 (12 x 750ml) – sold for £3,224
Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2011 (6 x 750ml) – sold for £3,224
Masseto 2003 (4 x 750ml) – sold for £2,976

These results underscored the enduring appeal of fine Italian wine and the prestige associated with Locanda Locatelli’s cellar.

Bonhams’ Reflections on the Sale

Commenting on the success of the auction, Mick O’Connell MW, Head of Wine, UK and Continental Europe at Bonhams, said:

“Locanda Locatelli was a cornerstone of Italian culinary excellence in London, and its wine list was nothing short of legendary.

The results of this sale reflect the deep appreciation collectors have for the restaurant’s extraordinary cellar. From rare vintages to iconic labels, every bottle told a story of passion, heritage, and impeccable taste. We at Bonhams are very proud to have partnered with Chef Giorgio, Plaxy, and the extended Locatelli team to bring this wonderful collection to auction.”

A Lasting Legacy

While Locanda Locatelli may have closed its doors earlier this year, its legacy continues — both through the memories of those who dined there and through the bottles that once graced its cellar. The success of the Bonhams auction was a testament to the restaurant’s influence on London’s dining scene and to the timeless allure of Italian craftsmanship, both in the kitchen and the vineyard.

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