A case of six bottles of wine produced on the prison island of Gorgona is currently up for sale at Sworders. Estimated at £200 - 300, the bottles form part of our Fine Wine and Spirits timed auction, drawing to a close on Sunday 8th November.
A case of six bottles of wine produced on the prison island of Gorgona is currently up for sale at Sworders. Estimated at £200 - 300, the bottles form part of our Fine Wine and Spirits timed auction, drawing to a close on Sunday 8th November.
The Tuscan island of Gorgona was established as a penal colony in 1869 and today still houses 70 inmates in the final stages of long prison sentences.
In July 2012 the Frescobaldi winemaking dynasty responded to an email from the prison director asking for help in making something drinkable from the existing hectares of vineyards on the island. The prisoners had tried to produce wine for government employees but soon realised substantial oenological knowledge was required. The prison director emailed more than a hundred wineries asking for help but it was only Lamberto Frescobaldi who answered. Three days later, he was on a boat to Gorgona and soon became the driving force of a project that helped inmates gain new skills.
Today the organically-made wine has has an international following, from the US to Japan – not only because it has a heartwarming story to tell but also because it is an excellent organic wine.
A fine commode, believed to be by John Cobb (1715-1778), arguably one of England's greatest furniture makers, comes up for sale in Dick Turpin | The Legend Lives On to be held on 25 January.
7 December 2023
Sworders are pleased to present a selection of antique and vintage textiles in our December Fine Interiors sale, including items from the collection of the late Hildegard Heygate.
4 December 2023
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Emma Barnett has been appointed as Head of Department with responsibility for the future development of our Homes and Interiors sales – Emma has been with Sworders for some time, but as she now moves into this pivotal role, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce her to you.
30 November 2023