26/06/2026
Today, wine auctions connect collectors across the world. But their story begins long before the first bottle ever entered an auction room.
According to the Greek historian Herodotus, forms of public bidding already existed in ancient Babylon. It was in ancient Rome, however, that auctions evolved into a formal economic institution. Known as auctiones, these sales were used for estates, inherited property, public assets and valuable goods, establishing many of the principles that continue to define auctions today.
The language of auctions tells an equally fascinating story. The Italian word asta and the English word auction both ultimately derive from the Latin auctio, from augere — “to increase” — a reference to the rising bids that still define auctions today.
Centuries later, Venice became one of Europe’s great trading capitals. Goods arriving by ship were often offered for public sale, marked by an asta (pole) placed on the vessel before bidding began.
Over time, auctions became the meeting place between rarity and appreciation, history and stewardship. Wine belongs perfectly to this world. Rare bottles are not simply sold. They are passed from one custodian to the next, carrying with them provenance, memory and time.
At G&R, we continue this tradition through a shared passion for Italian fine wines.
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今天，葡萄酒拍卖连接着世界各地的藏家。但拍卖的故事，其实远远早于第一瓶进入拍卖厅的葡萄酒。
据古希腊历史学家希罗多德（Herodotus）记载，早在古巴比伦时期，公开竞价的形式便已存在。而真正将拍卖发展为制度化经济活动的，则是古罗马。罗马人将其称为 auctiones，广泛用于庄园、遗产、公共资产及贵重物品的交易，并奠定了许多沿用至今的拍卖原则。
拍卖一词本身也承载着悠久历史。意大利语中的 asta 与英语中的 auction，都源自拉丁语 auctio，其词根 augere 意为“增加”，正如拍卖过程中不断攀升的竞价。
数个世纪后，威尼斯成为连接东西方的重要贸易中心。当满载货物的船只抵达港口时，人们会在船上竖起一根 asta（杆子），象征公开竞价即将开始。
随着时间推移，拍卖逐渐成为稀缺与热爱相遇的地方。而葡萄酒，正是其中最特别的存在。每一瓶珍稀佳酿的流转，不仅是一笔交易。更是一段历史、一份传承，以及时间的延续。
在 G&R，我们以同样的热情延续这一传统，专注于意大利精品葡萄酒的故事。
