Whether by chance or by study, the act of discovery is a flawless thrill. It can last a few minutes, in the case of a song that captures your mood, or it can stay with you forever, if what you’ve learned is transformative, opening up a whole new world of experiences and possibilities.

Over the years, my list has included everything from destinations, authors and artists to tailors, meals (a wonderful eggplant pastry in Sardinia comes to mind) and designers. But it can also, of course, be deeper than a fleeting object or experience; occasionally it’s as deep as a cause or charity that becomes the commitment of a lifetime.

In this annual issue of giving, we focus on the act of giving this holiday season, for which we have hosted – and in many cases established—42 truly amazing opportunities to own or participate in something unique and spectacular (we’ll get to that shortly) and in philanthropy. In the United States, charitable giving increased nearly 4% in 2020, to a total of $ 471.44 billion. This is evidence of the trend towards more aggressive spending, in recognition of the challenges we currently face on multiple fronts, whether it’s Covid-19, the American racial calculus or the growing climate change. devastating. In our portfolio highlighting some of those leading this charge toward donating huge sums now, rather than leaving the funds to a foundation to divest later, we interviewed philanthropists and executives who intend , as writer Jackie Cooperman reports, “Make changes and do it quickly.”

I have promised you some fantastic gift ideas, and upon examination you will find that I am true to my word. How about a private Rufus Wainwright concert with the ultra-rare autographed Steinway he performed on as a keepsake? Or the last unsaid of the Hennessey Venom F5 hypercar, plus a truck and trailer to haul it? An exceptional diamond ring that changes color; a neoclassical French chateau from 1890, packaged ready to be built anywhere; or a set of six now discontinued FP Journe watches? A delicious week of romance in Provence or a place in the Carrera Panamericana rally, with a racing car? Maybe if it all sounds too pedestrian, being the first civilian to step out into space from the International Space Station is more your thing? Or a trip to the far reaches of the atmosphere in a very large balloon? Whatever you choose, rest assured that you will discover something very special and very valuable. Just like whoever you’ll give it to (even if it’s, um, you).

Speaking of discovery (and maybe a giveaway as well), let me tell you something that I hope will intrigue you: Robb Reportjust launched 672 Wine Club. We’ve partnered with Wine Savage to bring members under the radar bottles, often from family and boutique producers, that you probably couldn’t find elsewhere. The 672 refers to the number of bottles on a standard 56-case pallet, but also to the number of people we accept into the club, in order to access these highly allocated lots. And while buying vintages to keep for decades is an exquisite example of deferred discovery, what about those who also want something magical right now? For them, we have imagined a new model: each member will receive each quarter two bottles of each of the three varieties of red, three to drink now, three as much for the cellar.

Why choose between pleasure today or perfection tomorrow? Visit robbreport.winesavage.com to learn more and to register.

Elsewhere in these pages you’ll find Louis Vuitton’s Nomadic Objects collection, created by some of the greatest designers of the time, early reviews of three new beauties: the Ferrari 812 Competizione, Lamborghini’s Huracán STO and the Black Badge edition of Rolls. -Royce’s Ghost — and a stack of new motorcycles, plus an exceptional Italian wine region you may not have yet discovered.

Take advantage of the question.