A British mother from Kent could be sentenced to up to 50 years in a US prison after being charged in connection with an audacious theft of ultra-rare wines valued at over £31,500.
The Alleged Heist at L'Auberge Provencale
Natali Ray, a mother-of-three from Herne Bay, appeared in Clark County General District Court in Virginia this week. She faces charges of grand larceny, conspiracy to commit grand larceny, and defrauding an innkeeper. Prosecutors described the case as a "complicated" and "planned heist."
The alleged crime took place at the historic L'Auberge Provencale winery and restaurant. It is claimed that on November 19, Ray used a fake identity, posing as the assistant to a wealthy Canadian businesswoman. According to reports, she distracted staff by asking detailed questions about the wine cellar's climate control and expressing interest in French vintages.
A Coordinated Distraction
While sommelier Christian Borel was engaged with Ray, a male accomplice is alleged to have acted. CCTV footage and witness accounts suggest the man slipped eight bottles of precious Pinot Noir into special long pockets within his wool coat. The target was wine from Burgundy's legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti estate, which produces only around 5,000 bottles annually.
Christian Borel later recalled hearing a "clink" during the encounter, which in hindsight he believes was the sound of the theft. The visit ended abruptly, with Ray allegedly cutting the sommelier off mid-sentence before leaving quickly with her companion.
Arrest and Defence
Following a chase, Ray was detained and arrested at the scene, though her accomplice managed to escape. She is currently being held without bond at the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center in Virginia.
In a surprising turn, Ray reportedly told officials that she had been forced into the crime by the accomplice, whom she met on a cruise. A neighbour described the allegations as "totally out of character," suggesting Ray's "good nature" may have been her downfall.
The co-owner of the winery, Celeste Borel, expressed dismay, stating their wine collection, built over decades, was "one of the most special parts of who we are."
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Natali Ray's next court date is a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 11, 2026. If found guilty on all charges, the maximum potential sentence is 50 years imprisonment. The case continues to develop as investigations proceed.
