Lots money cannot buy
Organisers are hoping to surpass the R17.5 million raised last year.
It’s one of the premier charity wine events on the South African social calendar, and the directors of the much-lauded Cape Wine Auction (CWA), which is once again sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth, have revealed some of the magnificent lots – with experiences that money-cannot-buy – that will be going under the hammer when the auction takes place at the beautiful Buitenverwachting Wine Farm in Constantia on Saturday, March 2.
Every year it seems an impossible task for the organisers to better the lots that were generously donated the year before.
But they are already on track to top 2018’s “once-in-a-lifetime experiences” and lots that will be on offer this year include:
From Vilafonté, a bespoke five day California wine, food and luxury encounter for four people that starts with accommodation at Steckter House, a beautifully restored homestead at Staglin Family Vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley, four days of fun and fine dining and the most exclusive wines and attendance as a VIP guest at the Napa Valley Live Auction Celebration at the Relais & Chateaux and Three Star Michelin Meadowood Napa Valley Resort.
The Ultimate Naples lot is a seven-day VIP tour of the best of the Naples Winter Wine Festival in Florida in the US, which includes luxury accommodation, a round of golf at Naples’ premier Old Collier Golf Club, an awe-inspiring airboat tour of the Everglades, lunches and dinners at some of Florida’s top restaurants and, of course, the sampling of some of the best award-winning wines including those of the Staglin family vineyard.
A four-night Washington and Oregon winemaker experience where two lucky couples will spend two nights hosted by the Betz Family Winery in Woodinville Washington state, followed by two nights at the beautiful Stoller Family Estate in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The trip will include a multi-course winemaker dinner paired with library wines in the homes of the owners of each winery.
The Villa di Buona and De Morgenzon lot which includes seven nights for 10 people at the beautiful Villa di Buona Speranza near Pisa in Italy, as well as a four-course lunch for 10 guests at DeMorgenzon prepared by chef Harald Bresselschmidt of the award-winning Aubergine Restaurant.
A seven-night stay for four at Azura Retreats in Mozambique, in two villas that boast private infinity plunge pools, helicopter transfers to the island, guided marine walks, fishing, kayaking through the mangroves of nearby Sencar Island, sunset dhow cruises spa treatments and fine-dining under ancient baobabs or at the water’s edge.
An idyllic holiday exploring Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast for eight people on board a luxury catamaran for seven days on the Adriatic while exploring the numerous islands. All eight guests then get to spend a further five nights in a luxury apartment in spectacular Split, overlooking the marina with views to the islands and within walking distance to the Old City.
Says auction director Darielle Robertson: “I am constantly amazed at the generosity of our partners and sponsors who give so willingly and so kindly for this wonderful charitable event. Many of these lots offer unique experiences that money simply cannot buy, so we hope our guests will dig deep and that we will exceed the R17.5 million that was raised at last year’s auction.”
The Cape Wine Auction is regarded as one of the most significant international wine charity auctions ever conceived in South Africa, uniting the industry around a single goal of raising money for education in the Cape winelands.
The first auction was held at Delaire Graff Wine Estate back in 2014 with more than R7 million raised and four beneficiary organisations were funded. For more on the Cape Wine Auction, go to http://www.thecapewineauction.com/