The 2015 AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction opened on the evening of Friday 13 February with the American Express Cape Wine Auction 'Barrel Tasting & Preview' hosted at The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Stellenbosch. Guests embarked on a journey through wine, food, opera and magnificent sculpture amidst a fynbos paradise while the sun was setting over Table Mountain. Eight chefs flown in by sponsor, Relais & Châteaux, produced a memorable evening of culinary excellence.
Supreme auctioneer Iain Banner in action
The official Auction, which took place on Saturday, 14 February, climbed to new heights raising R10,565,000 for education in the Cape Winelands, a significant 50% increase on the R7,045,000 raised at the inaugural 2014 auction. The entire proceeds of the auction, without offset or deduction, will go to its beneficiaries, charities actively involved with education, from infancy to adulthood, across the Western Cape.
The line-up of 37 lots, which came under the hammer of auctioneer, Iain Banner, included 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.
Top lot bids
The pinnacle bid was R800,000 paid for The Vrede en Lust Lot. This 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; a three-day cruise on a new Powercat, hosted by a private skipper and chef and a collection of 60 bottles of Vrede en Lust wines.
Other lots fetching high prices were:
- R600,000 for the Port2Port & Saxenburg Lot. A week-long stay at the exclusive Villa Aiola for four guests including transfers from Rome; a private wine tasting at the award-winning Tenuta del Trinora; two signed magnums from both Tenuta del Trioro and Saxenburg Estates; a R10 000 voucher from Port2Port, online purveyors of fine wine; and a private cellar tour, tasting and lunch at Saxenburg.
- R550,000 for 'The Godfather' Lot by Paul Cluver: a stellar collection of 60 bottles of Paul Cluver Pinot Noir blended by Andries Burger and a week-long stay at an 18th century Château in the Loire Valley for eight people
- R500,000 for the Môreson & Le Quarter Français Lot. A barrel of Môreson's Mercator Premium Chardonnay; a weekend of private partying at Le Quartier Français and Môreson, comprising accommodation for 21 couples at Le Quartier Français for two exclusive nights, a private dining experience designed by Chef Margot Janse and a private party at Môreson's Bread and Wine with food from Chef Neil Jewell.
- R500,000 for a personal commission by internationally acclaimed South African artist, Lionel Smit, a surprise lot and one of the highlights of the day.
- The Ultimate Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Collection and The Ellerman House Lot, both of which raised R450,000.
- The De Toren Lot raised R400,000
- The Hemel en Aarde & Young Guns Lot and The Rickety Bridge Lot, each of which raised R340,000
- The Glenelly Lot, The Vilafonté lot, The Swartland Revolution Lot and The Warwick Estate 'Trilogy' Lot, each of which raised in the region of R300,000.
Auction trustee and supporter, Wendy Appelbaum, closed the day's proceedings, commenting on the success of the day and thanking everyone who contributed, thereby demonstrating their commitment to this cause.
For more information, go to www.thecapewineauction.com.
