At the Anthonij Rupert Wine Estate, sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth, bids of travel, accommodation and limited-edition wines went under the hammer with a bespoke experience in Napa Valley, California, reaching a height of R3 million – the highest ever paid lot in the history of the auction’s existence since 2014.
The Lionel and Anton Smit collaborative sculpture, created especially for the auction and standing at 3 metres, reached an R1.2 million and included a wine and dining experience at Idiom Fine Dining Restaurant and Wine Estate.
Guests from across South Africa, the US, Germany and Sweden were treated with cuisine prepared by some of South Africa’s leading chefs, limited edition wines and performances by Zolani Mahola , Watershed’s Craig Hinds and George Town.
Cape Wine Auction director, Darielle Robertson says they are overwhelmed by the generosity of the bidders. “We set out to raise R15 million this year but the final amount has left everyone speechless. The commitment to giving back, changing lives and sharing good fortune was certainly testament in the overwhelming bids raised. With this money we can expand our programmes and reach even greater heights with the progress we have achieved so far.”
