New record raised at wine auction

FAR EXCEEDS EXPECTATION OF R15 MILLION Custom-made experience in Napa Valley, California, nets a staggering R3 million.

In a “spectacular show of generosity and opulence”, the Cape Wine Auction broke its own record by raising R22.3 million on Saturday at the Antonij Rupert Wine Estate .

All proceeds raised at the auction, with no deduction, will be allocated to 22 beneficiaries who make a profound impact on education and the lives of children in the Cape Winelands, the Cape Wine Auction (CWA) said in a statement yesterday.

“Exciting travel packages, luxury 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 specially for the auction and standing three metres tall, reached R1.2 million and included a wine and dining experience at Idiom fine dining restaurant and wine estate.

Guests from across South Africa and as far as the US, Germany and Sweden were treated with cuisine prepared by some of South Africa’s leading chefs and limited edition wines. There were also live performances by Zolani Mahola, Watershed’s Craig Hinds, and George Town.

CWA director Darielle Robertson said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of the bidders.

“We set out aiming to raise R15 million this year but the final amount has literally 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 programmess and reach greater heights than what we have achieved so far,” she said. – ANA

The final amount left everyone speechless