05 Jun What Happens After the Final Bid? A Closer Look at Nashville Wine Auction’s White-Glove Travel Experiences

When the final paddle goes down at the l’Eté du Vin Live Auction, the excitement doesn’t end — for some, it’s only the beginning. The winning bidders of Nashville Wine Auction’s exclusive travel packages are stepping into a world of experiences meticulously crafted for a level of luxury and connection that’s impossible to replicate. 

These aren’t just vacations. They’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences — curated with a “white glove” touch that only Nashville Wine Auction can deliver, thanks to our deep relationships with premiere wineries, estates, and culinary destinations around the world. 

We spoke with several past travelers who offered a behind-the-scenes look at what makes these trips unforgettable. 

8-day exploration of bountiful Burgundy 

For Mark Peacock, Vice Chair of the Nashville Wine Auction board, a recent trip to Burgundy — alongside his wife Nancy and friends Vicki and Rick Horne — was the latest in a long list of memorable experiences. 

“As usual for a [Nashville Wine Auction] trip, it was an over-the-top, well-curated event,” he shared. “We drank great wine, enjoyed fantastic dining experiences, and stayed in three unique hotels with exceptional service. And we learned a ton about Burgundy wine. We even rode [in] a hot air balloon!”

The attention to detail was evident at every turn — right down to the transportation. “The English-speaking driver in the black Mercedes van was always early,” Peacock joked, noting that it was just one small sign of the level of luxury.

But the real magic, Peacock said, was in the unparalleled access Nashville Wine Auction provided. “We had exclusive tastings you can’t just sign up for online,” he explained. Highlights included a private day with Jean-David of Albert Bichot, culminating in an extraordinary lunch at the Bichot mansion and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hospices de Beaune cuverie (closed to the public). 

Beyond the experiences, Peacock credits the seamless coordination to Nashville Wine Auction’s choice of local travel staff. “Fanny, who helped facilitate the trip, feels like my French best friend now.”

Peacock and his wife Nancy are no strangers to Nashville Wine Auction trips, having traveled previously to places like New York City, Bordeaux, and the Rhone Valley. Each journey, he said, leaves a lasting mark. 

“The trips are experiences you will cherish for the rest of your lives. And of course, the higher you bid, the more Nashville Wine Auction can give to its beneficiaries engaged in the fight against cancer.” 

Touring Napa with icons of winemaking 

Seasoned Napa Valley travelers Jeffrey and Rachel Mitchell thought they had seen it all — until they experienced Napa with Nashville Wine Auction. 

“We traveled to Napa Valley for a once-in-a-lifetime bespoke experience,” said Jeffrey Mitchell. “We are seasoned patrons to Napa, but this trip took us to new places with new experiences. The wineries we visited were world-class, and we had five-star accommodations with a private driver every day.”

The touches of luxury didn’t stop there. “We had lunches with winemakers, made by private chefs. It doesn’t get more luxurious than that,” Mitchell shared.

What set the trip apart, Mitchell emphasized, was Nashville Wine Auction’s global network and trusted reputation. “Their connections open doors to experiences you wouldn’t get otherwise — like staying at the winery estate house or enjoying a five-course gourmet lunch with the winemaker.”

The Mitchells have also traveled to Bordeaux with Nashville Wine Auction, where they dined at Michelin-starred restaurants and met legends like Baron Eric Rothschild at Château Lafite Rothschild.

“[Nashville Wine Auction] trips are bespoke, world-class, and luxurious,” Mitchell said. “Treat yourself to a [Nashville Wine Auction] trip and get ready for one of the best experiences of your life.”

Awestruck in Argentina 

For Christie Wilson, former board member and long-time supporter, Argentina offered a dazzling combination of culture, history, and unexpected surprises. 

“Our destinations were Mendoza and Buenos Aires. The people, the food, the architecture, the wine — it was all amazing!” she said. “We knew very little about Argentina going in, but learning the rich history made it even more fascinating.”

“The only thing we would have changed was spending more time in Mendoza,” Wilson noted. “It’s charming, full of Michelin-star restaurants and local flavor. And of course, we visited incredible wineries with Italian, French, and Spanish influences.”

Buenos Aires brought its own share of excitement. “We were there when Argentina beat Brazil in soccer, and the city was electric. We even ate at Don Julio, one of the world’s best steakhouses,” Wilson shared. Another highlight? A chance encounter with a shoe designer near their hotel — and three new pairs of perfect-fit shoes as a souvenir.

Wilson credits Nashville Wine Auction for elevating the entire adventure. “They handled every detail to a “T” and all with first-class style. Lee Ann Steen was a rockstar, seamlessly coordinating with Argentina On the Go guides to ensure an unforgettable experience.”

Having experienced Napa with Nashville Wine Auction in the past, Wilson knows the consistent quality. “[Nashville Wine Auction] trips are well-known, well-done, well-organized, and first-class.  They are experiences that would be hard to recreate without the connections and level of excellence that Nashville Wine Auction is known for.”

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Each year, the l’Eté du Vin Live Auction offers the chance to claim one of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences — all while funding the fight against cancer. The trips go far beyond luxury; they represent a rare combination of exceptional destinations, exclusive access, and the signature “white glove” service that Nashville Wine Auction has become known for. 

Get ready to bid on July 26 — and start packing.