One of the most anticipated events on the social calendar and the opportunity to bid on once-in-a-lifetime auction lots, the Cape Wine Auction has, in only four years of existence, created a benchmark in philanthropy, raising almost R55 million - with all proceeds going to 27 carefully selected beneficiaries who make a profound impact on education and the lives of children in the Cape winelands.
With the 2018 auction set to kick off on Friday, February 9, at the Tokara Deli on the Tokara Wine and Olive Estate with the American Express Barrel Auction, followed by the main event - the Cape Wine Auction - sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth - taking place the following day on Saturday, February 10, at the Rustenberg Estate in Stellenbosch – the anticipation and excitement is building.
Says CWA founder and trustee Mike Ratcliff:"We like to keep things fresh and interesting, and given that we are utterly spoilt with the beautiful wine farms that surround us, we strive to give our guests the chance to explore new and magnificent venues."
The inaugural auction, in 2014, was held at Waterford Estate and Delaire Graff and raised R7 million. The following year it took place on the Boschendal Estate and ascended to new heights when almost R10.6 million was raised. This rose to R15-million in 2016 when the auction was held at Klein Constantia and again it broke its own record by raising a staggering R 22.3 million on February 11, 2017, at the Anthonij Rupert Wyne Estate, sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth.
A bespoke experience in Napa Valley, California, sold for R3 million – the highest ever paid lot in the history of the auction’s existence
So what are some of the lots up for auction next year? How about ...
- A week at Picarroque, near Toulouse, France for 12 people in an 18th century stone house built on the foundations of a ruined monastery as well as lunch with owners Mark Borrie and Simon Olding of Hawksmoor at their nearby chateau.
- A five-day experience for two people to the 2018 Tour de France with Nederburg, as well as a collection of six bottles of The Nederburg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon and a Cervelo bicycle – the official training bike of the Tour de France. The trip includes flights and accommodation.
- A week-long holiday for 12 people at Marovasa Be, a boutique guest house set on a pristine private beach located in a secluded paradise on the northwest coast of Madagascar.
- Tickets for Wimbledon centre-court, Tickets to the 2018 US Open Golf and VIP seats at the British Film Festival.
More lots - generously donated - are rolling in on a daily basis!
The idea for the auction was born four years ago when Ratcliffe (MD of Warwick and Vilafonté) was inspired by a trip to Auction Napa Valley in the US, a wine auction with the mandate of subsidising health costs.
He was joined back in South Africa by a powerhouse group of trustees, which now include Paul Cluver, Wendy Applebaum (MD of DeMorgenzon), Raymond Ndlovu, Ken Kinsey-Quick and Siobhan Thompson, and the dream of making a real difference soon became a reality
The CWA trustees instituted a new model of distribution for the auction proceeds with greater collaboration amongst the 27 organisations who receive assistance to optimise productivity by eliminating duplication and concentrating on key areas of expertise.
Says CWA Trustee Wendy Appelbaum: “We all know that education can change a child’s life but it has to be holistic. It is not one intervention but a combination that is required. A child who is hungry or traumatised cannot reach his or her potential. We don’t have all the answers, we collaborate to see what works best but we are making a difference."
As with previous years, guests to the Cape Wine Auction are expected from across South Africa as well as the US, UK, Germany and Scandinavia where they will be treated to some of the finest food and wines, top class entertainment and, of course, the opportunity to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences, while making a real difference to many underprivileged South African children.
Final word goes to CWA Trustee Ken Kinsey-Quick: "After a record year last year, we are tremendously excited about the 2018 event and how much we can raise for our beneficiaries who make a serious difference in disadvantaged children’s lives. But raising money is the easy part. It is the people on the ground who really have to be commended.”