January 2002
Shopping the Bazaar of the Absurd
Tom Wark crowns David Reynolds as America's premier charity wine auctioneer

The auction was going along splendidly A finely dressed and dapper group of do-gooders, tummies full of a celebrity chef-prepared meal and appropriately liquored up on fine wines, sat buzzing with paddles in hand. Auction lots promising big bottles, trips to exotic destinations and special meals were being sold at a nice clip. Then, all of a sudden, Dave stopped everything. It was right in the middle of a lot that held two 3 -liter bottles of California Cabernet. The bidding was fairly robust, up to $1,000 on a pair of big bottles that had a street value of no more than $500. But that just wasn't good enough for Dave.

Solemnly, Dave looked into the eyes of everyone at once,"Do you think for one moment I'm going to let any of you get out of here with such a good deal? Remember, this is about charity." Then with a wicked smile he informed the happy crowd, "And don't forget, I know where many of you live! Now, let's start all over and begin the bidding at $2,000!"

For those who have never attended a charity wine auction, it is critical that you not labor under the assumption that there is any similarity between it and a commercial wine auction. While commercial auctioneers are concerned with creating an orderly market for collectible wine, charity auctioneers are most anxious to quickly dismantle any notion of order, creating instead an a atmosphere akin to a bazaar of absurdity; an event where circus manners and giddy generosity propel people to happily overpaY This is exactly the milieu in which Dave excels.

David Reynolds knows charity wine auctions. As America's premier charity wine auctioneer, he is an expert on wines and parting people from their money–a deadly combination of talents if you also own a gavel. It is a set of talents that he has put to use helping nonprofit organizations across the country raise millions of dollars for every charity under the sun.

Born in London, Dave is the son of an American father and an English mother. Despite his unmistakable English accent, his completely approachable, even jolly, persona seems to indicate a more permanent paternal influence. His Manchester University education left him with a combined degree in politics, philosophy and economics.

He began his profession as a wine auctioneer in l9S4. In 1993 he established Reynolds & Buckley Fundraising Auctioneers through which he and his wife, Colleen Reynolds-Buckley, present a most remarkable service. Given the enormous number of auctions Reynolds presides over, he is likely the most recognizable face to wine-industry members at the center of the impressive number of charity wine auctions that occur each year.

There is no actual season for charity wine auctions. This is one reason why Dave Reynolds can preside over 50 of them annually While the Napa Valley Wine Auction (America's most successful charity wine auction) raises upwards of $5 million for Napa Valley organizations, the average charity wine auction hauls in well under seven figures from a mostly well-to-do crowd that loves a good time, appreciates wine and food and just wants to help. From a wine collector's perspective, the charity auctions are an amazing source of rare and fine wines that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere. Most wineries produce a few big bottles of their best wines for the purpose of donating them to their favorite causes and the auctions that support them. Finely etched, large bottles are common at charity wine auctions. Vertical collections representing numerous vintages of a single wine regularly appear on the block.

It's possible you might find these kinds of wine goodies available at commercial wine auctions. What you won't find at Christie's, Sotheby's and Butterfields, however, is dinner for 10 at a Napa Valley Winery with the owners and winemakers that will be prepared by a chef you've seen on the Food Network, all coming only after a complete tasting of everywine ever produced by the winery These are the kind of lots that get charity auction-goers drooling and saying to themselves,"lt's all for a good cause."

Dave Reynolds Tips for Maximizing Donation Dollars at Charity Auctions

• The first few lots of an auction are always sacrificial. Early on, the goal is setting the pace. I want people to know this is going to go quickly. I'11 knock down these lots fast. Get your bid in and they'll be yours.

• Look for "showcase" or "highlight" lots that will bring in big bucks and get the room buzzing. After the hammer goes down on these lots the room is hard to quiet down, but you can't stop and wait. I'11 always put a clean, simple lot here and I'll bring down the hammer quickly to reestablish the pace. Bid fast and you'll get this lot.

• If you want a particular lot, tell the auctioneer beforehand. If I know you want the lot, I'll look for you first and I'll check with you before closing the lot.

• If you can't talk to the auctioneer beforehand, bid eagerly early. I'll see you and I'll know to check with you before closing the lot.

• Never stop bidding at a round number. If your limit is set at $1,000, the chances are others have set the same limit. Plan for $1,100.

• Form consortiums. Five couples splitting a dinner for 10, or a lineup of big bottles have a great advantage over a single bidder.