2024 CWA RESULTS
The Cape Wine Auction 2024, raised close to R10 million for charity at this year’s event, and has now accumulated over R135 million since the first auction took place in 2014.
Surpassing last year’s R8m, this year’s Cape Wine Auction generated a whopping R10m in the course of one day’s bidding at this esteemed philanthropy event committed to raising funds for a number of Cape wineland organisations aimed at bettering the lives of the region’s youth. This brings the total raised by the Cape Wine Auction since its inception in 2014 to over R135m, with every cent of the proceeds going to non-profit institutions and schools identified as worthy beneficiaries who through their work improve the lives of young people through education, skills-development and social projects.
“These beneficiaries and the children benefitting from them are what the Cape Wine Auction (CWA) is all about,” says Paul Clüver, chairman of the CWA’s board of trustees. “Over the years they have shown a tangible ability to better the lives of young people in the Cape winelands on various levels and we believe our association with these have led, and will continue to lead, to a vast improvement in the socio-economic environment in the country’s wine regions.”
Recognised as one of the world’s pre-eminent wine-themed philanthropy auctions, the various lots comprised luxurious wine, food and hospitality experiences as well as single-barrel wines from some of the Cape’s leading wineries.
All auction items were donated by local wine producers, which, together with the amounts paid by the successful bidders, underscored the generous spirit of giving that has been at the heart of the Cape Wine Auction ethos since its inception.
Clüver says that he and his fellow trustees agree that this year’s closing amount surpassed all expectations.
“The status of the Cape Wine Auction as a leading event displaying the spirit of generosity and overall heart-felt concern at improving the lives of the youth residing in the Cape winelands is stronger than ever,” says Clüver. “From the members of the Cape wine industry who generously donated these stunning lots, the bidders who opened their hearts and wallets, and to the various organisers and auctioneer Dan Nicholl who gave their time for free, this year’s Auction exceeded all expectations. On behalf of the board of trustees and all our beneficiaries, I would like to thank everybody who continues to make the Cape Wine Auction such a tremendous success, ensuring that the vision of those who began the initiative 10 years ago remains fulfilled.”
Paul Clüver, Chariman of The Cape Wine Auction
Two lots, a week-long stay on Benguerra Island in Mozambique and a curated experience of South African excellence each raised R2m. For the first time the Cape Wine Auction included 10 barrels (300btls) of wine donated by top Cape wineries, with the total raised by the barrel auction being R2 810 000. The wines from these barrels are bottled with a unique Cape Wine Auction label, making each bottle a true collectors’ item and ensuring that the barrel lots will from now be an integral part of the event.
“Since the first Cape Wine Auction in 2014 this has grown into one of the world’s leading wine auctions of this kind, and this year’s total shows this event is growing in stature,” says Clüver. “Our beneficiary partners not only assist in providing education and educational facilities, but also offer social support to the children and youth benefitting from them. This includes providing meals to children and young people, as socio-economic factors in these communities result in disturbing levels of malnutrition. And we all know that a hungry child cannot be taught.”
Clüver says the current economic conditions faced by South Africans, especially poorer communities, make the work of fund-raising institutions such as the Cape Wine Auction more important than ever.
“As recent industry reports have shown, the wine industry itself is facing various economic challenges along with the dire socio-economic circumstances experienced by the poorer winelands communities,” he says. “Despite the challenging conditions in the industry itself, wine producers and open-hearted wine people continue their generous offering of spectacular lots, with Auction attendees equalling this spirit of magnanimity with their bidding, which allowed us to achieve this year’s record amount.
“The best feeling, however, is going to our beneficiaries with the funds raised and being a part of this genuine ambience of goodwill. It truly shows the Cape winelands’ spirit of caring along with the realisation that all of our futures are intertwined. This is, I believe, one of the many factors making the South African wine industry one of the most special on earth.”
THE TOP 3 BEST PERFORMING BARREL LOTS OF 2024
PAUL CLÜVER SEVEN FLAGS CHARDONNAY 2022
Pioneering Elgin Excellence, Paul Clüver Family Wines planted their first vineyards on the family’s De Rust Farm in 1987, in the cool-climate Elgin region. The Seven Flags Chardonnay, a barrel of which comprises Paul Clüver’s Auction Lot, is made from the very first Chardonnay vines planted by Dr Paul Clüver in that year, also making this one of the few South African Chardonnays bearing Old Vine Heritage Status.
Final Bid: R410 000
DEMORGENZON RESERVE SYRAH 2022
This unique wine is produced from one of the highest altitude (375m above sea level) Syrah blocks in Stellenbosch. This single barrel (A new, blonde toast, extra tight grain French oak) was selected by Wendy Appelbaum and cellarmaster Alastair Rimmer as it showed an alluring bouquet followed by intense wild fruit and pepper on the palate.
Final Bid: R350 000
ANTHONIJ RUPERT SYRAH 2019
This unique wine is produced from one of the highest altitude (375m above sea level) Syrah blocks in Stellenbosch. This single barrel (A new, blonde toast, extra tight grain French oak) was selected by Wendy Appelbaum and cellarmaster Alastair Rimmer as it showed an alluring bouquet followed by intense wild fruit and pepper on the palate.
Final Bid: R350 000
THE TOP 4 BEST PERFORMING EXPERIENCE LOTS OF 2024
AN IDYLLIC, LUXURY ISLAND GETAWAY FOR EIGHT GUESTS AT THE ACCLAIMED &BEYOND BENGUERRA ISLAND
Step onto your private charter for a quick flight to Mozambique. On landing in Vilanculos, guests will be whisked away by helicopter to the spectacular paradise of &Beyond Benguerra Island for a three-night stay in a luxurious casinha. Benguerra Island is a luxury beach holiday destination where time stands still.
Final Bid: R2 000 000Find out more
A CELEBRATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN EXCELLENCE
This once-in-a-lifetime lot celebrates the pinnacle of South African hospitality. Taking you from Cape Town to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, this bespoke itinerary offers exclusivity, privacy and a level of luxury unmatched anywhere else in the world. You’ll start in Cape Town, spending three nights (for six people) at one of Ellerman House’s exclusive use Villas. From here, you’ll board a flight to SA’s Big 5 country, with a stay at the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge, Silvan Safari.
Final Bid: R2 000 000Find out more
THE GIFT OF GIVING
Support a cause that’s close to your heart that focuses on Technology, Mathematics, Literacy & Numeracy, Psycho-social support, and Nutrition!
Final Bid: R1 145 000Find out more
EXPERIENCE THE EPITOME OF LUXURY WITH MULLINEUX & LEEU FAMILY WINES AND LEEU ESTATES
Prepare for a remarkable experience at Leeu Estates, the sophisticated and elegant premium five-star flagship property in the Leeu Collection, where luxury, fine dining, and fine wine converge to offer an unforgettable retreat.