Michael Davis is the most experienced wine auctioneer in America. He was hired by Christie’s New York shortly after he graduated from college. He took a client services position with the hope of eventually landing in the Photography Department. A trip to Napa Valley to assist Michael Broadbent at the first Napa Valley Wine Auction changed everything. He assisted with the first Christie’s wine auctions in America, which at the time were elaborate road shows, and ultimately headed the Wine Department for the firm when all its wine operations were based in Chicago.
Michael, along with his colleague Paul Hart, founded Davis & Company in 1993, and the firm quickly became a leading auction house specializing in rare wines. In October 1998 Davis & Company was acquired by Sotheby’s, and Michael was appointed Senior Vice President and co-director of the North American Wine Department. In the first year of his term at Sotheby’s, wine sales rose 220% on the way to a record-breaking year.
After honoring their contract with Sotheby’s, Michael and Paul formed Hart Davis Hart Wine Company in January 2005. With their combined experience of over 75 years in the rare wine business, Hart Davis Hart emerged as both a dynamic retailer and internationally important wine auction house in the first year of operation. The firm is one of the most innovative and trusted sources for rare wine in America, serving collectors and restaurants worldwide by offering traditional live auctions, private retail services, online sales, and consultation at every level. In May 2007 Hart Davis Hart offered The Steven Verlin Collection, the largest named single-owner wine auction in history. The two-day auction was 100% sold, and numerous world records were shattered as the auction tallied $7.1 million.
Over the course of his career, Michael has worked with many prominent collectors and numerous records have been set under his gavel. His insight on the market is highly sought by television, radio, and print media. He has been interviewed by CNN, and NPR, virtually all wine consumer publications, as well as Time, Town & Country, Robb Report, W, and most leading newspapers across the country.
Michael also regularly donates his time and services to various charity auctions across the U.S. and Canada.