Onshore Cellars Aids Ukraine Through the UNHCR, April 2022
by Jessica Dunnett
Supplying fine wines and spirits to yachts - Onshore Cellars
BACKGROUND
In light of the rapidly evolving humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, we at Onshore Cellars set up a charity auction to provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance to refugees. In early April, we held a brainstorming session to determine what we, as a small team, could do. Feeling rather helpless, we began by donating clothes and medical supplies, but this seemed like a drop in the ocean. Our founder, Ed Dunnett, then came up with the notion of a charity auction. A quick call to our friend Tony Stout, owner of YACHTNEEDS Marketplace, got the ball rolling!
Here was a perfect way to provide support for Ukrainian refugees, and it didn’t take long to find backing from the industry. Indeed, there was overwhelming generosity from the yachting companies involved. Our sponsors provided some incredible prizes, such as a cashmere blanket from Cabin Shop and a day charter in Palma from Roccabella Yachts.
The silent online auction began on the Onshore Cellars website on 20 April, with the bidding closing at 8 pm on 25 April. Updates were posted on Instagram. The highest-bidding winners were announced live from Barcelona that evening. We had hundreds of bids from around the world, and raised a total of €10 280! We are so proud to have achieved this so quickly for our chosen partner, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). We are grateful for the generous support from our sponsors in this amazing industry that made this possible.
THE AUCTION LOTS
The following describes our wonderful sponsors and the prizes won.
Company: YACHTNEEDS
Prize: Stay for two at La Villa Hotel, northern Italy
Estimated value: €1200
La Villa is a 16th-century palazzo converted into an award-winning, family-run boutique hotel, set in a beautiful location overlooking the Piemonte winelands, home to the famous Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, and sparkling wines. Located close to the market town of Nizza Monferrato, the spa town of Acqui Terme, the home of Moscato, Asti, and the truffle hub of Alba.
Prize:
Night’s stay for 2, double room, La Villa Hotel
Breakfast
Four-course evening meal
Couples massage
Company: MGMT Yacht in association with Modern Classics
Prize: Aston Martin rental in the Scottish Highlands
Estimated value: €850
Modern Classics offered this rare opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s finest motor vehicles in the beautiful setting of the Scottish Highlands.
Prize:
48-hour rental
Pickup in Perth
Company: Roccabella Yachts
Prize: Day charter and lunch for six in Palma
Estimated value: €1400
A serious lot, by the new kids on the block!
Prize:
Charter for six with captain, 10 am to 7 pm
Drinks and snacks included
Lunch at Roxy’s, Palma
Two jet surfs, paddleboards, snorkelling gear
Company: Aqua Marine
Prize: Romantic weekend for two in Jersey
Estimated value: €1450
Enjoy an all-expenses-paid romantic getaway in Jersey, Channel Islands.
Prize:
Two-night stay for two at the four-star Royal Yacht Hotel, St Helier
Flights included from most European international airports
Dining at the sophisticated and contemporary hotel restaurant, Sirocco
Tour and wine tasting
Company: Ocean Pantry
Prize: Dinner for two at Disfrutar
Estimated value: €850
The most sought-after restaurant in Barcelona and a must for anyone looking for a gastronomic experience to talk about for years to come!
Prize:
Dinner for two
Avant-garde Mediterranean cuisine
Company: Quay Crew
Prize: Wine tour at Querciabella and lunch for eight
Estimated value: €800
Querciabella is one of Italy’s top wine estates, situated in the famous region of Chianti. After the tour, world-famous butcher/chef Dario Cecchini (as popularised in Netflix’s Chef’s Table) prepares a meaty feast!
Prize:
Private tour at Querciabella
Lunch for eight at restaurant Dario Cecchini
Company: TYTG TheYachtToyGuy
Prize: Water sports day for four
Estimated value: €900
A four-hour session on the most thrilling up-to-date e-boards from our base in Antibes. An unbeatable water sensation at up to 50 kmh!
Prize:
Rides on Awake Board
Rides on Fliteboard
Rides on Lift Foil
Qualified instructor
Company: Cabin Shop
Prize: bi-coloured cashmere throw
Estimated value: €830
This super chic, bi-coloured 100% cashmere throw comes in a range of colour options. Superfine, with long fringes, delicate tones, and noble softness, it perfectly defines “chic à la française”.
Prize:
Cashmere throw 140 x 200 cm
230 g/m2
Company: inter-nett
Prize: Go-karting for 12
Estimated value: €800
A morning of go-karting with exclusive use at a facility close to your team or yacht. Including classification rounds, a final race, and a trophy for the winner!
Prize:
Private session
Winner’s trophy
Company: Nautica Assistance Yacht Agents and Suppliers
Prize: Stay for two at Hotel Su Gologone, with massages
Estimated value: €1200
The Hotel Su Gologone expresses the authentic soul of magical Sardinia. Featuring unspoilt nature, the sense and taste for Sardinian art, and the love for authentic, exquisite cuisine.
Prize:
Two nights for two with half board in Classic room
Couples massage
Company: Onshore Cellars
Prize: Wine tour at Gaja and lunch for four
Estimated value: €1400
One of Italy’s most iconic vineyards, Gaja has transformed Italian viticulture and winemaking through radical and often controversial innovations. Just a stroll across the road is Antica Torre, the favorite local lunch spot, with pasta to die for!
Prize:
Private tour at Gaja vineyard, Piedmonte, Italy
Lunch for four at Antica Torre
SAILING ONWARDS
Onshore Cellars was thrilled to play its part in this vital fundraising effort, as
as well as connecting with these wonderful brands and companies. We express our most heartfelt gratitude towards the yachting community and their affiliated
businesses for coming together to make a difference. We see this as a possible
microcosm for a more connected world, and hope it’s just a taste of things to
come.
Cheers 🥂 - Jessica Dunnett @onshorecellars
Jessica & Ed of Onshore Cellars, and Tony of Yacht Needs.
Onshore Cellars specialises in the supply of wines & spirits to yachts and their owners, having grown into one of the most ethical and well-respected suppliers in the industry.
We look forward to supplying your yacht, villa or home.
https://onshorecellars.com/
