Acker, in Manhattan, has existed since 1820, making it Americas oldest wine shop. It has been a family business since 1933. In 1994, wine auctions were allowed in New York state and Acker, Merrall & Condit started in the wine auction business in 1998. Since then they have become probably the dominant wine auction in the US. A good part of this is due to John Kapon, the President, and omnipresent auctioneer, who combines great knowledge, an extensive collector network with an easy going, and unstuffy style. Along with Morrell & Co (the two names are easy to mix up), they offer a 0% sellers commission, which is not heavily advertized (and should be), but has been there since they started. Recently they officiated over the largest wine auction ever realizing $24.5 Million in a single auction (beating the previous auction record by $10 Million).
They regularly have their auctions at Cru, the well-known Manhattan wine restaurant, merging business with a great lunch.