Heralding a significant milestone for the South African wine industry, this past weekend saw the successful roll-out of the 40th annual Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. Taking place on Friday, 4 and Saturday, 5 October both online and in person at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, the hybrid event drew 276 bidders from 13 countries, raising a sum of R16 645 500, and up 11% on last year.
A total of 2,118 cases (6 x 750ml) were sold, with an average price of R1,309 per bottle, R1,210 for white wines and R1,375 for red wines.
Since its inception in 1985, the annual Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction has provided wine enthusiasts and investors locally and abroad with the ideal platform to purchase rare and exclusive South African wines.
This year, 48 wines, comprising 20 white- and 28 red wines, went under the hammer. All wines were exclusively produced for the auction by members of the Cape Winemakers Guild and underwent a rigorous selection process.
With prices reaching R45 000 per 2 x 6 bottle case lot of 750ml, the Mullineux Swartland ‘The Gris’ Old Vines Sémillon 2023 set a new record for white wines. This was the highest average price for any wine on Auction. Kanonkop Wine Estate’s CWG Paul Sauer 2021 was the most successful seller by value and the last of Abrie Beeslaar’s Cape Winemakers Guild offerings from Kanonkop. The top five sellers by average price also included Savage Wines Auction Syrah 2022, Boschkloof CWG Epilogue Syrah 2022 and David & Nadia Veiling Chenin Blanc 2023. The Boschkloof was remarkably the first wine offered by winemaker Reenen Borman, since taking over from his father Jacques, a previous Guild member.
There were a total of 101 successful bidders. 55% of sales went to South African bidders, with the balance of the wines going to overseas bidders, with 28% going to the UK.
Registered bidders hailed from far and wide, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, China, UAE, United Kingdom and the USA.
Those attending in-person were treated to gourmet delicacies by top local chefs, rare wines available for tasting and an all-around thrilling atmosphere.
Says Samantha O’Keefe, Cape Winemakers Guild Chair: “As members of the Cape Winemakers Guild, we proudly strive for excellence in the art of wine – both as individuals and as a collective. It’s gratifying to see this ethos recognised and rewarded in the culmination of the annual Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. We are thrilled with the record-breaking results of this year’s auction, fetching almost R2m more than last year. Furthermore, our members’ rare and unique wines, created exclusively for the auction, drew bidders from 13 countries and continue to garner loyal support among local wine-lovers.”
The auction was facilitated by Strauss & Co. “Considering the increase in volume at this year’s auction, prices were robust and similar to last year. Along with an increase in the number of buyers, it shows the strength of the Cape Winemakers Guild brand. It’s a real honour to sell the very best wines from South Africa’s finest producers.”says Roland Peens, wine specialist and auctioneer at Strauss & Co.
“Once again we are particularly pleased with all 545 lots being sold, making this a rare white glove sale within the auction industry!” says Susie Goodman, director and auctioneer at Strauss & Co.
Apart from these excellent results of the 40th Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, Cape Winemakers Guild members and member properties have also raised a record amount of R2 320 850 for the Protégé Programme this year through the auctioning of their wine donations and wine-related experiences.
More about the Cape Winemakers Guild: Established in 1982, the Cape Winemakers Guild is an association of leading South African winemakers. Membership is by invitation and requires a commitment to advancing winemaking excellence and fostering transformation within the local wine industry. The annual Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction showcases the apex of South African winemaking, embodying the members’ collective life-long dedication to honing their craft.
More about the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme: The Cape Winemakers Guild plays an important role in driving and supporting the transformation of the South African wine industry through the Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust and, particularly, the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme. Since its inception in 2006, the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme has established itself as the most successful skills development programme in the South African wine industry. So far, 36 protégés have completed the three-year internship and nine are currently participating in this ongoing programme. Eighteen past Protégés now either hold leading winemaking roles or have their own winemaking projects. Of these eighteen, ten are women.
The internship is a targeted three-year programme aimed at ensuring skills transfer, practical experience, knowledge sharing, mentorship and the nurturing of young talent in the wine industry. The Protégé Programme is funded by the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme Auction and various charity events held throughout the year, as well as donations from sponsor Nedbank and other organisations.
