GRAPES FOR HUMANITY GLOBAL FOUNDATION WINE LEGENDS VII RAISES MORE THAN $200,000 FOR THE POLG FOUNDATION AT NEW YORK GALA
EmitenTrust.com - Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation's sold-out benefit, chaired by Prince Robert and Princess Julie of Luxembourg, featured leading international wine producers and a $90,000 Château Haut-Brion auction sale.
NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation celebrated the success of its seventh Wine Legends Dinner, which raised more than $200,000 in net proceeds for The POLG Foundation. Held October 21 at the Harmonie Club in New York City, the sold-out benefit brought together leading international wine producers, collectors, and philanthropists in support of research into POLG-related mitochondrial disorders.
Chaired by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Robert and Princess Julie of Luxembourg, the event supported a cause deeply personal to the couple, whose son Frederik died in March 2025 from POLG-related mitochondrial disease. Through The POLG Foundation, the family continues the work they began with Frederik to advance research into effective treatments and ultimately a cure.
The evening was held under the patronage of renowned wine authorities Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson, with Marchese Piero Antinori, Xavier Barlier, and David Pearson serving as Honorary Chairs.
AN EVENING OF WINE AND PHILANTHROPY
Distinguished wine estates contributed wines for the dinner, with producers and representatives attending personally. Among those present were Alessia Antinori, Guillaume Fouilleron, Stefano Frescobaldi, Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Miguel Torres Maczassek, David Pearson, Jean-Guillaume Prats, Emma Swain, and Jorge Rosas.
Guests enjoyed wines from estates in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the United States, accompanied by a menu created by Executive Chef, Sherwin Charles.
A highlight of the live auction was a collection of wines from Domaine Clarence Dillon, including Château Haut-Brion, which sold for $90,000. The auction was conducted by Guy Rigby, longtime Board member, Master of Ceremonies, and Auctioneer for Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation.
The evening was supported by Fathom Creative, Prime Pediatric Dental Group, Mighty Therapeutics, and the Rada Zocco Foundation.
A PERSONAL MISSION
HRH Prince Robert of Luxembourg commented:
"My wife, Julie, and I are deeply grateful to Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation, to the donors, to the wine producers who gave so generously from their own cellars, to our foundation team and to everyone who made this exceptional evening possible. Since our beloved son passed, we have sought to transform our deep sadness into strengthened resolve — and our mission remains exactly what it was on the day that we founded this organisation with Frederik: to support and accelerate the research that will find effective treatments and a cure for POLG mitochondrial disorders. The families living with this disease do not have the luxury of time, and it is their urgency for answers that drives our PolG Foundation team forward every single day. What was given tonight brings that cure measurably closer."
— HRH Prince Robert of Luxembourg
Arlene Willis, Founder and Chairman of Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation, remarked:
"In our 25 years of bringing the wine community together for humanitarian causes, this was a particularly meaningful evening. We were honored to have Prince Robert and Princess Julie join us, and deeply moved by the generosity of the producers, collectors, and guests who made this possible. Raising more than $200,000 for The POLG Foundation is a wonderful result, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed."
— Arlene Willis, Founder and Chairman, Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation
ABOUT GRAPES FOR HUMANITY GLOBAL FOUNDATION
Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that brings together leading wine producers, collectors, and philanthropists through wine events and charitable auctions to raise funds for humanitarian causes around the world. Its philanthropic tradition dates to the founding of Grapes for Humanity by Arlene Willis and Tony Aspler in 2000.
ABOUT THE POLG FOUNDATION
The POLG Foundation advances research, raises awareness, and supports individuals and families affected by POLG-related mitochondrial disorders. Established by Prince Robert and Princess Julie of Luxembourg with their son Frederik, the Foundation is committed to accelerating the development of effective treatments and ultimately a cure.
Photos: High-resolution photographs from Wine Legends VII are available upon request.
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