The H One restaurant in the IFC Mall was hopping on Sunday as bidders from Hong Kong, Italy and Singapore competed for 36 lots of vintage Barolo wine. Produced in northern Italy, the wine is often referred to as the country's finest produce. Live coverage of the auction was streamed on TV sets for all international bidders to see.

More than 60 local guests, including Italian consul general Alessandra Schiavo, (pictured with Cinzia Maini Wines director Alessandro Pozza, left, and auctioneer John Dibble) enjoyed an eight-course dinner during the bidding.

A total of more than HK$428,000 of bids were made, with Hong Kong's contribution of HK$126,000 coming second to Italy. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Don Bosco Technical School of Sihanoukville in Cambodia to buy teaching materials.