Awine auction and dinner will be held at Mount Gambier’s City Hall next month when Mount Gambier Rotary clubs combine to auction off a local wine collection.

The collection is being made available by Robyn Downs and her family on behalf of the late Warwick Downs, who passed away in December 2021.

Mr Downs, a prominent local lawyer, was a valued member of the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West for over 50 years and also a past president and Paul Harris recipient.

He was a lover of fine and classic wine, particularly Australian reds.

Mrs Downs, in discussion with her family, subsequently decided to donate the collection to the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West, to raise funds for the future benefit of the community, in the memory of her husband.

The May 20 event will feature a collection of quality aged Australian white and red wines, including Penfold’s bins 28,128 and 389 premium wines, Wynn’s John Riddoch and Michael Shiraz, and various Peter Lehmann, D’Arenberg and Henschke.

Collectable ports, magnums and glasses will also be offered.

Wine auction event chairman Neville Gilbertson said a three-course dinner would be held in conjunction with the auction at City Hall from 6.30pm at a cost of $95 a head.

“Over 60 lots are being offered for auction to be conducted by local auctioneer and wine producer David Herbert, with listings of the collection lots being available from David or myself,” Mr Gilbertson said.

“It should be an enjoyable evening, with a rare opportunity for wine lovers to add some impressive red and white varieties to their collections.”

Guest speaker on the night will be renowned local forester Dr Jerry Leech AM.

Tickets are available from Mr Gilbertson, phone 0417 814 568