THE LOT INFO

Enjoy a day of immersive, sensory, luxury experiences on one of the Cape’s oldest farms, in the company of De Grendel cellarmaster Charles Hopkins. The one-of-a-kind Rubaiyat Vertical Selection – a 12-bottle case containing every vintage to date of the De Grendel flagship wine, from 2006 to 2017 – will ensure lasting memories of a remarkable day. 

Historic De Grendel commands panoramic views of Table Mountain, across Table Bay to False Bay and beyond, from its elevated location on the fynbos-covered Tygerberg slopes.  

Charles Hopkins is De Grendel’s founding winemaker, invited by Sir David Graaff in 2005 to design and build his dream wine cellar. From the modern cellar, located to maximise the breathtaking views and designed to optimise both the process of winemaking and the experience of wine tasting, Hopkins has guided De Grendel to becoming one of South Africa’s premier wine brands.  

The flagship Rubaiyat, a luxurious Bordeaux-style blend of four components, was made in tribute to Sir David and his wish for De Grendel to develop an iconic wine. Each successive vintage features a different quatrain from the 10th century Persian poems, the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, a collection treasured by Sir David, and hence the four-way poetic blend. Thus making the Rubaiyat Vertical a collection of poetry in both wine and words. 

Guests will explore the art and science of winemaking with the knowledgeable and passionate Hopkins, in his trademark informative and entertaining style, in a tour through De Grendel’s state-of-the-art winery, followed by a personal tasting of De Grendel’s premium and rare vintages, selected for maturing in our Vinothèque and not readily available to the public. 

The De Grendel cellar journey culminates in the glass-walled De Grendel Restaurant, where the spectacular vistas over the working farm and game conservancy open up to the picture-postcard vistas of Table Mountain. Here Chef Ian Bergh will craft a sumptuous private luncheon accompanied by De Grendel wines, enjoyed in the luxurious comfort of the heritage farmhouse-inspired surroundings. 

Bergh’s menu showcases his interpretations of the diverse culinary heritage of the Cape with an inventive modern edge, inspired by the seasons and local produce. 

De Grendel is proud to donate this unique lot to the Cape Wine Auction in support of education in the winelands. This is an extension of our social responsibility investment in education for our farmworkers, their children and youth in De Grendel’s surrounding communities. 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• 1 x 12-bottle case of wine can either be collected at De Grendel Wines, or delivered in South Africa.
• Cellar tour and private luncheon subject to availability of De Grendel Restaurant and cellarmaster.
• Lot includes cellar tour and tasting, plus private lunch, for 10 guests.