The Wine Classic's Live Auction will have biders vying for posh prizes such as exotic trips, one-of-a-kind winery tours, private events, museum quality art, and vintage wines. The tent will rocking and rolling with excitement as paddles are raised! Stay tuned as more Live Auction lots are added.

Traditionally, the Wine Classic supports our Changing Exhibit Fund, however in 2012 money raised will support our Taylor Planetarium.In 1989, the Taylor Planetarium opened its doors to the Bozeman community. To date 1.2 million people have experienced a Taylor Planetarium show, including 82% of schoolchildren who visit. However, during the past 20 years, the facility and the Digistar 2 projector have become outdated. To Build Bigger Skies at the Taylor Planetarium, the Museum needs $1.5 million for a facility renovation, equipment upgrade to Digistar 4, new show purchases and incremental initial annual operating costs.

To donate auction items, please contact Suzi White at 406.994.1998 or submit donation items here.

To view the list of all available auction items please down the 2012 Wine Classic Program.

Live Auction Lot #1
6L Bottle of Steele Zinfandel Mendocino County 2009

This rare 6L bottling of Mendocino Zinfandel is a combination of Steele’s “best of the best” Mendocino Zinfandel vineyards. A minimalist approach was taken while producing this wine. The fruit was harvested in late September, then gently crushed and fermented individually in stainless tanks, separately aged in Hungarian and French oak for 10 months, then blended just before bottling so the integrity of each individual vineyard can be appreciated in the wine. This Zinfandel depicts fresh red fruit, mint, ripe prune and raspberry characteristics. Dark fruit and allspice fill the mid palate which is complimented with a dusty fig finish. It’s a mouthful of flavor. Perfect for pairing with an assortment of cheeses: white cheddar, a mild blue, or Pecorino. A spicy Cioppino or pork sausages with grilled eggplant would also be great compliments.

Donated by the Wine Gallery / Value: $400

Live Auction Lot #2
Sip and Stay for Six at the MT Pockets Ranch in Bridger Canyon

Located seven miles from downtown Bozeman in Bridger Canyon is the charming “MT Pockets Ranger Cabin” where you and your party of five will relax for two days and nights. Unwind in the mountains with vistas of the Bridger Mountains and an abundance of wildlife including deer, elk and bear. Access Bridger Creek or the three stocked ponds for your chance to fish Montana’s pristine waters for rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout. Your stay includes a five-course dinner prepared by Over the Tapas owner Mark Bohnemann. A four-bottle vertical of Joseph Phelps’ Insignia wine has been hand-selected to accompany the meal. Valid on a mutually agreeable date September 2012−October 2013. Three bedroom cabin includes one room with a king bed, one room with a queen bed and one room with two queen bunk beds.

Donated by Over the Tapas, Mark & Addie Theisen, Mark & Leah Bohnemann / Value: $2,500

Live Auction Lot #3
Unforgettable Kentucky Derby Package with Airfare for Two

You have two first floor clubhouse tickets for the “Run for the Roses” Kentucky Derby race for three year-old thoroughbred horses, and the Kentucky Oaks race for three year-old fillies, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th, 2013, capping the two week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure includes round-trip coach class airfare for two within the contiguous U.S. and Canada with American Airlines. Lodging is not included. A minimum of 21 days advance booking is required as is either Friday or Saturday night stay or any 3 night consecutive stay. Travel is available from any of the 48 contiguous United States or Canada to anywhere American Airlines flies in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada subject to availability. AAdvantage miles may be earned in accordance with the terms and conditions of the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Miles cannot be utilized to upgrade these coach class certificates to a higher level of service. The certificates will have a one-year expiration date from the date issued and all reservations are subject to availability. The following blackout dates apply: 2013: Jan 1-2; Feb 15-18; Mar 8-11; Mar 15-17; Mar 22-24; Mar 29-Apr 1; May 24-27; Jul 3-7; Aug 30-Sep 2; Nov 22-27; Nov 30-Dec 2; Dec 20-23; Dec 27-31. Any airport departure taxes, fees or fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the purchaser. Ground transportation is not included in this package. Travel is valid 12 months from date of purchase. Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed. All packages have a no refund policy. Suggested retail value is calculated using tariff air rates.

Anonymously donated / Value: $3,000

Live Auction Lot #4
Celebration by Montana artist Troy Collins

24”x48” oil on canvas. Mastering the truest form of impressionistic art by pouring his heart onto canvas, Troy Collin’s vision and faith dance with color and technique, changing the spiritual temperature of galleries and homes nationwide. As a protégé for four years, under master impressionist Robert Moore, Troy nurtured his creativity, skill, and design in direct balance with virtues and principles. He gleaned a passion for creating a visual experience that captures and moves each viewer to connect with the colors, texture, and design elements in an intimate way, by evoking a tug at people’s heartstrings. Find more of Troy’s work at Montana Trails Gallery, located in downtown Bozeman.

Donated by Montana Trails Gallery and Troy Collins / Value: $5,950

Live Auction Lot #5
Intimate Friends Getaway for Six at Exclusive Rancho Pacifico, Costa Rica

Experience the magic. Owned by Garrison and Silvia Krause of Bozeman, Rancho Pacifico is a small, adult-exclusive, luxury eco-hotel, spa and preserve located in the rainforest overlooking the Pacific Ocean along the unspoiled southern coast of Costa Rica in Uvita de Osa. It has won numerous 5-star awards, and is a member of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Your friends, or family group of six, will spend seven glorious nights in the villa with three king bedrooms with private terraces, spacious private bathrooms with double his and hers indoor/outdoor showers, a full-kitchen and a private infinity pool overlooking dramatic ocean and rainforest views and much more. Valid through December 31, 2013 with black-out dates December 1, 2012−April 15, 2013.

Donated by Rancho Pacifico and Garrison & Silvia Krause / Value: $5,250

Live Auction Lot #6
1978−1990 Vertical Château Pichon-Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande

This spectacular vertical spans 13 years of winemaking from the world-renowned Pauillac vintner Château Pichon-Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande. The vertical has an average Robert Parker rating of 90 points. The vertical was originally acquired in auction and has been properly cellared. 13—750 ml bottles. All wine has been stored professionally. We recommend decanting the wine prior to tasting. All wines are sold “as is” with no guarantee of provenance or suitability for consumption.

Donated by Brian & Ann Cook / Value: $3,800

Live Auction Lot #7
Out of This World Kennedy Space Center Astronaut Experience for Two

Enjoy a unique experience for two at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex near Orlando, Florida. Your package includes the Astronaut Training Experience, an exciting combination of hands-on training and preparation for the rigors of spaceflight. You’ll hear first-hand from veteran NASA astronauts as you progress through an authentic day of mission simulation, exploration and real-life astronaut training. Participants must be at least 14 years of age for this experience. Your package also includes a Kennedy headquarters behind-the-scenes tour with the closest possible view of the space shuttle launch pad and landing facility. Join other Kennedy visitors for lunch with an astronaut who will share, first-hand, the excitement of space exploration. Be sure to visit the Rocket Garden to view ten-story high rockets from all eras of space exploration, walk through a full-size space shuttle mock-up, watch IMAX® space films on gigantic five-story screens, and see an actual Gemini program capsule. Your out-of-this world Kennedy package includes a four-night stay at your choice of these Hyatt Place properties: Hyatt Place Orlando/Universal, Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Mary or Hyatt Place Orlando/Convention Center. Your party of two will fly round-trip in coach class service from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada, subject to availability. A minimum of three nights or a Saturday night stay is required. AAdvantage miles may be earned in accordance with the terms and conditions of the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Miles cannot be utilized to upgrade these coach class certificates to a higher level of service. The certificates will have a one-year expiration date from the date issued and all reservations are subject to availability. The following blackout dates apply: Nov 16-21, 24-26; Dec 21-24, Dec 28, 2012-Jan 2, 2013. Any airport departure taxes, fees or fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the purchaser. The purchase of this package includes a complimentary booking service. Travel must be booked a minimum of 60 days in advance. Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed. All packages are non-refundable. Packages cannot be resold. Suggested retail value is calculated using tariff air rates and rack room rates. Ground transportation is not included in this package unless where specified.

Anonymously donated / Value: $5,666

Live Auction Lot #8
Saddle Cavvy by Honorary Artist Gary Carter

14”x9”, Oil on Linen. Gary Carter is a member and past president of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America, a group of artists whose paintings perpetuate the memory and culture of the Old West. As portrayed in this original work, Saddle Cavvy, Gary’s paintings feature powerful men who hunt, explore and travel in high, lonesome country and the animals that live amongst the west. Gary, and his wife Marlys, invite the winner and up to five guests to their house overlooking Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone, MT for a tour of Gary’s studio and in-home Museum. Enjoy afternoon tea prepared by Marlys.

Donated by Gary & Marlys Carter / Value: $5,350

Live Auction Lot #9
Luxurious Bike Trip for Two in France with DuVine Adventures

A group bike tour with DuVine Adventures is simply the best way to see France. Before you leave, rejoice in your win with a set of three French wines including one bottle of 1997 Château Léoville Poyferré, one bottle of 1997 Château Pavie Decesse Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, one bottle of 1999 Château Giscours Margaux and after celebrating, join personal trainer Jackie Rainford Corcoran for five 60-minute training sessions at the Ridge to prepare to bike, eat, drink and sleep through Provence or Burgundy, France in the summer of 2013. This is cycling at its best: savor elegant cuisine and local wines, while discovering art, culture and beauty like only France can offer.

If you choose to bike through Provence you will cycle through vestiges of ancient Rome, medieval hilltop villages, and the heart of the “Petit Luberon.” You will bask in the beauty of the rural countryside while sampling the local wines, briny olives, and delicate truffles in the sun-bathed markets. Continue on to explore the town of St. Remy, the birthplace of Nostradamus, a favorite inspiration of Van Gogh and a shopper's paradise.

If you prefer visiting Burgundy, the bike tour route traces the saga of wine itself, from its introduction by Celts and Romans to the refinement of winemaking at local monasteries. With more than 1,000 vineyards, you'll step into a world of wine and food with tastings in Pommard, Vosne-Romanée, Aloxe-Corton, and other famous villages. Included in both trips are top-of-the-line hybrid bicycles, luxury accommodations, dining in the region’s finest restaurants, and experienced, friendly guides. Van support is available to carry your purchases, distribute refreshments, and provide transportation back to your hotel. Most tours are rated as moderate level trips with an average biking distance of 25-31 miles per day (a total of about 4–5 hours of pedaling per day). Private training valid through October 15, 2013. Valid for Summer 2013 departure dates only. Does not include transportation to and from the meeting location. Provence trip dates are: Apr 21-26, Apr 28-May 3, May 5-10, May 19-24, Jun 2-7, Jun 9-14, Jun 30-July 5, Jul 14-19, Sep 1-6, Sep 8-13, Sept 15-20, Sep 29 - Oct 4, Oct 6-11, Oct 13-18, Oct 20-25. Burgundy trip dates are May 5-10, May 19-24, May 26-31, Jun 16-21, Jun 23-28, Jul 14-19, Jul 21-26, Aug 11-16, Aug 25-30, Sep 1-6, Sep 8-13, Sep 22-27, Oct 6-11. Three 750ml bottles are included. All bottles have been stored professionally at 55 degrees. We recommend decanting the wine before tasting. All wines are sold “as is” with no guarantee of provenance or suitability for consumption.

Donated by DuVine Adventures, Jackie Rainford Corcoran and the Ridge Athletic Club / Value: $9,465

Live Auction Lot #10
Girlfriends Weekend Getaway for Four

No other trip provides VIP access like this one! Once you arrive in New York City (airfare included), your party will enjoy a private tour of People magazine, a behind-the-scenes tour of the prestigious Sotheby’s, a Sex and the City highlights tour in a private limousine, and a three-night stay at the Plaza Hotel! You’ll meet up with Lanny Jones, former editor of People, as he walks you through the magazine’s offices at Rockefeller Center. You’ll sit in on a story or cover meeting, meet with editors, and enjoy lunch at the Time-Life Cafeteria. Then, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour in the exhibit of your choice at Sotheby’s, and discover for yourself why the Sotheby’s name equates to extraordinary art, fine wine, unparalleled service and international glamour. Finally, enjoy a private three-hour guided Sex and the City tour where you’ll follow in the footsteps of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda. Watch clips from the show as you cruise by more than 40 recognizable locations. You don’t have to be a Sex and the City fan to enjoy this highly entertaining tour of Manhattan’s best neighborhoods. Your accommodations include a three-night stay in two standard rooms at the luxurious Plaza hotel with daily breakfast for four, and round-trip coach class airfare for four within the contiguous U.S. and Canada. Food, beverages, and gratuities not included. Must be age 18 or older to take the tours. Please be aware that during holidays, special events and movie premieres, private tours will not be available. This package includes round-trip coach class service for four (4) from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada to anywhere American Airlines flies in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada, subject to availability. A minimum of three nights or a Saturday night stay is required. AAdvantage miles may be earned in accordance with the terms and conditions of the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Miles cannot be utilized to upgrade these coach class certificates to a higher level of service. The following blackout dates apply: Nov 16-21, 24-26; Dec 21-24; Dec 28, 2012-Jan 2, 2013. Airfare certificates will have a one-year expiration from the date of purchase. Any airport departure taxes, fees or fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the purchaser. Must be booked a minimum of 60 days in advance. Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed. All purchases are non-refundable. Packages cannot be resold. Ground transportation is not included unless where specified. People magazine tour must be arranged on a mutually agreeable date Monday−Friday by July 14, 2013.

Donated by Deborah Srb—Sotheby’s International Realty, Lanny Jones and People Magazine / Value: $15,688

Live Auction Lot #11
"(Your Name Here) Invitational"— Private Golf Tournament & Pool Party at Black Bull for 32 people

Imagine having your very own, fully customizable, golf tournament and pool party for 32 people at Black Bull! Enjoy taking over Black Bull, Bozeman’s Finest Golf Community, for the day and hosting your friends at your private golf tournament. Work with Black Bull’s award-winning professional staff to create the perfect private tournament. Tournament can be any format of your choosing (Scramble, Best Ball, etc.) and will include all details of a professional tournament (tee prizes, scoreboards, scorecards, player pairings, cart signs, on-course contests, etc.) A pre-tournament clinic held at Black Bull’s 14-acre practice facility is included. Golf carts, continental breakfast or box lunch and a poolside barbecue awards party are included. Black Bull is a private club community with resort-like amenities including: a Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course, pool pavilion, fitness center, tennis courts, walking trails and a stunning Locati Architects-designed Corral Clubhouse. Enjoy this rare opportunity to call Black Bull your own for the day. For out-of-town guests; five King rooms with breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn are included. The winner of this auction package will be held to the same standards of conduct and rules of all Black Bull Members. This certificate has no cash value, is non-transferrable and only valid for the original auction winner without prior written consent. This package cannot be resold for another organization’s fundraising effort. This is subject to availability; certain blackout dates may apply including holidays. This certificate does not include alcoholic beverages, or incidentals. Expires October 1, 2013.

Donated by Black Bull Golf Community and Hilton Garden Inn / Value: $10,850

Live Auction Lot #12
Champagne Louis Roederer 3L of Cristal Rosé 2002 with an Exclusive Experience at Champagne Louis Roederer in France

Cristal Rosé is the rarest champagne by Louis Roederer. Its first vintage was 1974. It is even more rare in a Jeroboam (3 liter), which is produced in extremely limited quantities. These special bottles—the best of Champagne Louis Roederer—are never for sale except through a small number of carefully selected charitable auctions. Cristal Rosé is produced from the best family-owned vineyards with regimented standards of winemaking. The traditional skin maceration is used to gently extract the Pinot Noir’s natural pigment for the unique color; an addition of about 40% grands crus Chardonnay creates the particularly harmonious style of this exquisite rosé. The winner will be invited, with a guest of his/her choice, to a private visit of the proprietary cellars, and a tasting and lunch at the family residence in Reims, France. This is an extraordinary opportunity! These cellars are not open to the public. The Jeroboam will be presented in a wooden gift box with a personalized brass plate honoring the name of the generous donor. Arrangements to be made on a mutually agreeable date; transportation not included.

Donated by Champagne Louis Roederer and Maisons Marques & Domaines USA / Value: Priceless




© 11th Annual Wine Classic  :  Sponsored by The Museum of the Rockies