Rare 1945 Romanée-Conti Wine Sells for Over Rwf1.1 Billion
A rare 750ml bottle of Romanée-Conti 1945, aged for 80 years, has been sold for more than Rwf1.1 billion, setting a new world record as the most expensive wine ever sold.
The historic sale took place at an auction in New York City, organized by Acker Wines, a globally recognized firm specializing in rare and fine wines.
During the three-day auction held from March 26 to 28, 2026, the bottle of red wine was sold for $812,500, surpassing the previous record of $558,000 set in 2018.
The New York auction proved highly successful overall, generating more than $25 million in total sales. It also saw around 460 new price records for rare wines, reflecting the growing global demand for exclusive vintages.
According to John Kapon, president of Acker Wines, the 1945 Romanée-Conti is among the finest wines ever produced. He revealed that he has tasted it three times in his life, although it has been over 20 years since his last experience.
He said, “To this day, it remains the best wine I have ever tasted.”
One of the key reasons for the wine’s extraordinary value lies in its history. Produced in 1945 in the Burgundy region of France, it was made from Pinot Noir grapes before vineyards were devastated by the Phylloxera aphid pest.
By 1947, vineyards had to be replanted with more resistant varieties, significantly reducing production and making the 1945 vintage extremely rare. As a result, only a limited number of bottles still exist today.
Produced by Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, this wine is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and sought-after in the world, known for its exceptional taste and aroma.
Its rarity and historical significance continue to drive its value, making it one of the most coveted collectibles in the global wine market.