The 2015 AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction, which took place on Saturday 14th February, ascended to new heights when an astounding R10.565 million was raised for education in the Cape Winelands, achieving a significant 50% increase on the R7.045 million raised at the inaugural 2014 Auction.

The entire proceeds of the 2015 Auction, without offset or deduction, will go to the Auction beneficiaries, charities actively involved with education, from infancy to adulthood, across the Western Cape.

The glamorous two-day affair launched on the evening of Friday 13th February with The American Express Cape Wine Auction ‘Barrel Tasting & Preview’ hosted at The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Stellenbosch. Guests embarked on a magical journey through wine, food, opera and magnificent sculpture amidst a fynbos paradise while the sun set over Table Mountain. Eight chefs flown in by sponsor Relais & Châteaux produced a memorable evening of culinary excitement.

The excitement culminated with the grand lunch-time Live Auction on Saturday 14th February at The Olive Press, Boschendal Estate’s resplendent new function venue. In an extraordinary day of generosity and glamour, exquisite food and the finest wines, 370 prominent wine aficionados and philanthropists from around the globe were gathered to make a serious difference.

The astonishing line-up of 37 once-in-a-lifetime Auction lots, which came under the enthusiastic hammer of supreme auctioneer, Iain Banner, included: extremely rare local and international wine collections; gourmet dinners with world renowned chefs; unique art pieces; international travel to exotic locations; exclusive private weekend parties and access to the inner sanctum of the South African wine industry. The lots flew off the hammer and the captivating energy raised goose bumps. In an incredible spirit of generosity, the Auction raised a staggering R10.565 million. Generous donations are still coming in from those not lucky enough to get their hands on one of the auction lots!

The pinnacle bid of the day was a whopping R800 000 paid for The Vrede en Lust Lot, which included: eight return Air Seychelles business class tickets from Johannesburg to the Seychelles; a stay in a luxury villa with a private beach on the exclusive Eden Island; with a three-day cruise on a brand new Powercat, hosted by a private skipper and chef; and a sterling collection of 60 bottles of Vrede en Lust wines.

Click here to see the other highest performing lots

All Auction proceedings were professionally overseen by Strauss & Co, South Africa’s leading auction house of fine and decorative arts. The funds are governed by a board of Trustees – including Michael Jordaan, Ken Kinsey-Quick, Wendy Appelbaum, Siobhan Thompson and Michael Ratcliffe – and audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, The AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction maintains complete transparency and ensures the sustainability of the projects it supports.

With international bidders – hailing from the UK, USA, France, Germany, Holland, Finland, Dubai, Mauritius and Russia – The Cape Wine Auction is playing a significant role in boosting South Africa’s fine wine image abroad. This event is now firmly established on the South African social and fund-raising calendar attracting global interest and attention.

This global showcase of South African wines was hosted by the accomplished Dan Nicholl, as Master of Ceremonies, together with the Auction Partners and Ambassadors, headed up by Honorary Chairs for 2015, John and Erica Platter, the founders of the iconic Platter’s wine guide.

On arrival, gentlemen in stylish summer suits and ladies in flowing summer dresses mingled on the lawns, sipping on Boschendal vintage Cap Classique, served from Jeroboams (three-litre bottles) by members of the South African Sommelier Association, while soaking up the warm sunshine and the sweeping mountain views.

Guests were welcomed by the sounds of Queen’s ‘We will rock you’ when the Auction kicked off with an impelling video production that set the tone for the day, inspiring bidders to open their hearts and wallets. A delectable farm-to-fork feast – prepared by Relais & Châteaux Grands Chef, Peter Tempelhoff, and Boschendal Estate Executive Chef Christiaan Campbell, – was accompanied by some of the greatest hand-selected South African wines, poured only from large format bottles and served in Riedel glassware.

An elated Mike Ratcliffe commented on behalf of his fellow Trustees and Ambassadors: “We are once again humbled and overwhelmed by the immense generosity shown at this event. Today we have witnessed another outstanding demonstration of the unity of the South African wine industry and the philanthropic capacity of humankind.”

James Benoit, CEO of AfrAsia Bank, the Auction’s headline sponsor for the second consecutive year, continued: “We are incredibly proud to be partnered with the Cape Wine Auction team, who share our commitment to making a real difference in the lives of many South African children, by upholding Nelson Mandela’s belief that, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’”.

Auction Trustee and ardent supporter, Wendy Appelbaum, closed the day’s proceedings, commenting on the enormous success of a spectacular day; and thanking everyone who contributed so selflessly, thereby demonstrating their passionate commitment to this noble cause.