Michael Davis 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 prominent international 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.
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, and various newspapers.
Michael also regularly donates his services to various charity auctions across the U.S. and Canada. He is excited about working closely with John Hart, who is a respected friend of many years.
