E Cape big spenders at top wine auction

EASTERN Cape buyers made their presence felt among wine enthusiasts from around the world at the 43rd Nederburg Auction in Paarl this weekend.

Peter Pitsiladi of Prestons Liquor Stores estimated that, although prices were high, he spent between R100 000 and R150 000 on rare and premium wines at the exclusive annual event.

“The prices versus three years ago are about double. Then you were paying R300 or R400 per bottle; now it’s [more like] R1 000 a bottle,” Pitsiladi said.

Owner of TOPS at SPAR Village Square in St Francis Bay Richard Moolman spent R120 000 but was also buying on behalf of several TOPS outlets in the province.

Susan Lottering of Lombardini Game Farm outside Jeffreys Bay shelled out about R30 000, while Ernie Blignault of De Viswijf Restaurant in Jeffreys Bay also wielded his paddle with gusto, landing exceptional wines.

Pitsiladi and his wife, Candice, achieved additional success at Saturday’s charity auction, securing a magnificent winelandsthemed artwork by former East London artist Michael Chandler for a cool R40 000.

This year’s auction saw a change in format, with Friday’s programme devoted to a longerthan-usual tasting session of all but the very rarest of the 129 wines from 65 producers.

Bidding, previously held over two days, was condensed into one day on Saturday, followed by a gourmet lunch by celebrity chef Liam Tomlin.

Just under 8 800 litres went under renowned UK auctioneer David Elswood’s hammer, totaling R6-million in sales. Elswood kept bidding going for six straight hours, sustaining the energy in the hall with his trademark efficiency and wit.

The Meerlust Bordeaux Blend 1978 set an auction record for price per litre at R21 300, auction manager Dalene Steyn said. The last three bottles in existence, selling for an incredible R16 000 each, are now off to Angola after being snapped up by a buyer from that country. — DDC