LOS ANGELES (Oct. 7, 2024) – To celebrate its 30th anniversary and its most recognizable board member, the Petersen Automotive Museum (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) will offer a once-in-a-lifetime collection of award-winning wines at its annual Petersen Gala on Saturday, October 19. Bruce Meyer, this year’s Gala honoree and Founding Chairman, has assembled an exclusive compilation of Harlan Estate wines that will be auctioned off during the event’s charity auction to benefit the museum’s scholarship fund.

Out of a friendship with Harlan Estate’s Founder, H. William Harlan, dating back to their college years, Meyer acquired wine every year from Harlan Estate since its initial offering. In order to maintain the collection’s perfect provenance, Harlan agreed to cellar these bottles at the winery—something the estate has not done for any other collector. This unprecedented cache, which encompasses one bottle from each of the first 30 vintages released (1990 through 2019) by the Napa Valley winegrower, has never been removed from the estate grounds, and the bottles can be signed by Harlan at the winning bidder’s request. This marks the largest and most valuable collection of perfect-provenance Harlan Estate wines ever offered at a charity auction.

“The Petersen Museum is such a huge part of my life and I’m honored to support what is considered the world’s finest automotive museum,” said Meyer. “This collection mimics the museum in that the value of each item is high, but the value of the collection as a whole is what makes it truly special. Nothing like this has ever been made available and the funds raised will make a significant impact on the museum and our community.”

– Bruce Meyer, Petersen Gala honoree and Founding Chairman

“No one else owns all our wines with perfect provenance, and if anyone understands provenance, it’s people who own fine automobiles,” said Harlan. “The 30th anniversary of the Petersen and our 30th wine release happened at the same time; Bruce’s contribution of this unparalleled collection is the perfect way to celebrate the occasion.”

– H. William Harlan, Harlan Estate

Founded in 1984 and located on 240 acres of steep, terraced slopes in the western hills of Oakville, Napa Valley, Harlan Estate has established itself as one of the premier producers of Bordeaux-style red wines in the United States. Harlan Estate wines are renowned for their exceptional quality and are regarded as among the finest in the world. The winery focuses on a single flagship wine—a blend consisting primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The estate’s soils, elevation, and climate contribute to the wine’s distinctive character. Harlan Estate wines are known for their ability to age gracefully for decades, with complexity evolving over time, and this collection has been exclusively stored at the winery in a private cellar. 

Funds raised from the Gala and auction, which will be hosted by comedian and TV star Jay Leno, benefit the Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation. Donations to the Foundation help to shape captivating exhibits, enrich education programs, safeguard 2D and 3D artifacts, digitize the museum’s extensive archive and expand the influence and accessibility of car culture. 

This world-class collection of wines will be available for auction at the Petersen Gala on Saturday, Oct. 19. For information about bidding or additional details on the collection, email development@petersen.org.