Auction
VDP.Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

If you need some more information on how the auction works and how you can place a bid yourself, please find our digital auction flyer and catalog here!

THE GROSSER RING AUCTION - TRIER, GERMANY -

The rarest & most prestigious German wines are only available at the auction.

The VDP Mosel-Saar-Ruwer chapter, also known as the Grosser Ring (“large circle”), was established in 1908. Since the end of the 19th century, many of Germany’s most renowned producers offer their finest wines at auction, where anyone can bid on some of the best Rieslings in the world.

How does the wine auction work?
The annual Grosser Ring wine auction is held in Trier. To take part you need an invitation, because of limited Places. The auction will be broadcast live on the internet (vdp-mosel.de). In the morning the guests have the possibility to taste the wines before the event. After the pre-auction tasting, the wines are then auctioned off in the afternoon in a so-called wet auction—i.e., the wines are served again while they are being auctioned.

Can I judge if a wine is worth it?
The wines sold at the Grosser Ring auction often represent the essence of Mosel Riesling’s greatness. The producer only offers the most exceptional wines from his or her cellar. In addition, all auction wines have to be tested before the event by a group of knowledgeable wine buyers.

How can i bid for a wine?

1. Take a look at the auction catalog at https://www.vdp.de/en/vdpauction-mosel

2. Choose your favorite wines and decide the amount of bottles you would like to purchase out of these lots.

3. Think about the maximum price per bottle that you are willing to pay. Bids are put in the form of 
    “I want x number of bottles for up to y euros per bottle.”

    For example, there is a flexible and smart bidding pyramid:
    I want 1 bottle up to €100 per bottle hammer price
    6 bottles if the hammer price is not more than €45 per bottle
   12 bottles if the hammer price is not more than €35 per bottle
   18 bottles if the hammer price is not more than €30 per bottle
   36 bottles if the hammer price is not more than €15 per bottle

4. Choose one of the accredited brokers. They will create a login to the Grosser Ring-Auction-Software for you, where you can enter your bids yourself. By using the software via your account, you have the option to change your bids at any time until the wine comes up for auction. Or give your maximum price for a certain number of bottles in the bidding pyramid to one of the wine brokers. They take care of everything else.

5. After the auction, the broker takes care of invoicing and on request of the shipment of your wines, which is no problem in Germany. International shipments are also possible.

Are auction wines cheaper than normaly sold lots?
No, the auction offers rare wines of exceptional quality. So what you get are wines that are worth their price, as demand meets supply. Nevertheless, bargains are possible.

Are there any hidden costs or other risks in bidding at auction?    
No, you don’t have to pay any extra fees for unsuccessful bids. For instance, if your maximum bid was lower than the hammer price, you simply don’t get the wine. If the hammer price meets the bid in your price pyramid, you only get the bottles that you ordered at that price.

The broker issues the invoice about the closing bid price and adds the broker’s commission of 5 percent, plus the value-added tax. There could be additional costs, such as for shipping.

Who ist my contact person?
Beside the producer, your commissioner is your contact person. The following list covers all contact details of the accredited wine commissioners in 2025. Inside the catalog of VDP.Mosel aution 2025, you will find a list of the brokers, too.