About Heritage Auctions - Wine

After studying at Clark University in Massachusetts and Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, Frank joined the auction staff at New York-based Acker Merrall & Condit in 1998. In 2003 he joined Bonhams & Butterfield as Director of Fine & Rare Wines, becoming International Director in November of 2006 and taking on a revised role focused on making the Wine department there a global entity, paying particular attention to markets in the US and Hong Kong, where, in April of 2008, he held the first wine sale in more than 17 years. Over the course of the following year and a half Frank was in Hong Kong on a monthly basis, working not only on wine auction, but also spending a good deal of time working with the government in Hong Kong to develop appropriate policy around the business. His experience in the industry is across all phases of the business, from business development, to marketing, to sales, consignments and customer service, with a decidedly hands on approach. As early as 2000, Who What Where magazine published a feature story spotlighting Frank, his rise in the world of fine wines and his success orchestrating auctions. It said, in part: "Martell has rapidly established himself as a superstar in the world of wine... his future seems extremely bright." He has since been featured on CBS News, MSNBC, CNN, and CNBC's "Squawk Box" as an expert in the field and was cast in a primary role in John Cleese's documentary, "Wine for the confused."

Before joining Heritage’s Fine & Rare Wine Department as a New York-based Consignment Director, Michael spent 17 years becoming one of the most recognized sommeliers in the country. The Philadelphia native got his start in the wine business with a consultant position at the Burgundy Wine Company.  A connection made through this job led to an opportunity to work on the 2002 Nuits St. Georges harvest in Burgundy, during which he spent an entire growing season of plowing, pruning, and picking. Michael’s experience in Burgundy created a respect for nature, the ecosystem and terroir, but most importantly, an understanding of the grueling work small growers endured to create an appealing wine.

After returning to the U.S., he accepted sales and management positions with Michael Skurnik Wines, Clicquot, Inc., and Henriot Inc. before returning to France with Butterfield & Robinson in Beaune to lead wine tours throughout the region.  In 2007, Michael joined one of NYC’s finest restaurant groups, Chef Daniel’s Dinex Group, serving as wine director of Boulud Sud and Bar Boulud while tasting tens of thousands of wines over a nearly 10- year period.  His industry recognition during this period included being named a James Beard Award Finalist for “Americas Best Wine Program” (2014); Americas Best Blind Palate (2010); Bordeaux Ambassador to the U.S. (2015-2018); Ambassador of Wines of Northern Greece (2015-2018); two-time Sommelier of the Year (Food & Wine, 2012) (Wine Enthusiast, 2013); and two-time winner of Wine and Spirits Magazine “Sommelier Scavenger Hunt” (2014, 2015).

Santosh Varghese is a Consignment Director in Heritage Auctions’ Fine and Rare Wine department, based in New York. He works closely with collectors across the country, advising on strategy, timing, and presentation to help exceptional wine collections find the right market and achieve strong results. 

Before joining Heritage Auctions, Santosh built a broad foundation spanning finance, auctions, and the global fine wine trade. He began his career in investment banking in London and New York, before moving into wine through roles at Zachys Wine Auctions and VINTUS. At VINTUS, he launched and led Fida Wine, the company’s first direct-to-consumer platform, collaborating directly with collectors nationally to source and place rare and highly sought-after wines. This blend of analytical training, market insight, and hands-on collector experience informs his thoughtful, transparent approach to consignment. 

Santosh is also committed to expanding access and opportunity within the wine industry. He serves on the Board of Directors of The Roots Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underrepresented communities through education, mentorship, and career advancement in wine.