The prestigious Cape Wine Auction, an international wine auction held annually in South Africa, achieved a turnover of R10,6 million this year, which will be used for education and social upliftment in the Winelands.

Lucille Botha

This is the highest auction turnover since 2022, when R12 million was achieved. A record amount of R22 million was achieved in 2017.

Since the auction’s inception in 2014, a total of R152,8 million has been raised. All funds go towards educational projects in the Cape Winelands, with the aim of helping to break the cycle of poverty.

Leading wine lovers, mainly from South Africa, usually bid at this auction, where wine, art, travel and food experiences come under the hammer.

Over R1 million for F1 experience

The highest bid was for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix VIP experience, donated by Heineken Beverages. The successful bidder paid R1,3 million and will be able to visit the pits and race track, meet F1 personalities and enjoy four nights of luxury accommodation during the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix later this year.

A bronze sculpture by artist Anton Smit sold for R650 000. The sculpture, titled In Moment II – a Life-size Bronze, is almost two metres high and depicts a figure with outstretched arms.

Three lots consisting of seven nights’ accommodation in one of The Hideaways Club’s luxury villas in Asia, Europe or Africa were auctioned for R600 000 each.

The Côte du Cap experience, which includes private flights between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay and four nights in the ultra-luxurious Côte du Cap villa, complete with a private chef and concierge services, was sold for R420 000.

As in the past, all lots were successfully auctioned.

A barrel auction was held in the morning, where wine collectors could bid on unique wines that were often unreleased and were offered in lots of ten cases.

De Grendel’s Sir David Graaff 2017 First Baronet of Cape Town, a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, fetched the top price of R70 000.

Bids were set at R55 000 each for Newton Johnson Family Vineyard Chardonnay 2024, Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – Single Vineyard and De Wetshof Chardonnay Block 17 2024.

Extraordinary generosity

According to Paul Clüver, chairman of the Cape Wine Auction Trust, the auction has once again shown that it is a unique source of hope and inspiration for the future.

“We are once again humbled by the extraordinary generosity of our donors and the bidders whose wholehearted support has made it such a success.”

Nederburg, the Paarl wine farm where South Africa’s first wine auction was held in 1975 to launch Edelkeur, has been the home of the Cape Wine Auction since this year. For the glamorous occasion, music and entertainment, interactive lounges, picnic experiences and top-shelf food and wine stalls created a cheerful yet stylish atmosphere.

Darielle Robertson, director of the Cape Wine Auction, says the weekend was very special. It included the barrel auction, the main auction and the celebration party afterwards.

“Guests loved Mi Casa and Lloyiso and danced until late into the night.”

Kate Jackson, general manager of Nederburg, says it was incredible to see the generosity that is so characteristic of the Cape Wine Auction in action.

“The funds raised not only reflect the passion of the wine community, but also a shared commitment to bring about meaningful change through education in the Cape Winelands.”

She says Nederburg will continue to support the auction and ensure that it grows in influence.

“It is an honour to host an initiative that brings together wine, community and philanthropy in such a powerful way.”

Roland Peens acted as auctioneer for the barrel auction, while Dan Nicholl handled the experiential auction.

For more information, visit Cape Wine Auction and Nederburg.

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