An exciting precursor to The Cape Wine Auction itself (which will happen on Saturday, February 10, at the Rustenberg Estate, Stellenbosch), the American Express Barrel Auction allows local and international guests the opportunity to bid on once off, specially curated or limited wines, tasted directly from the barrel and presented by the winemaker. In addition, guests will get to sample delicious eats courtesy of Tokara’s acclaimed Chef Richard Carstens.
Says Catherine Malec, Vice President Business Development, American Express: “American Express is proud to be associated with the Cape Wine Auction, which makes a significant contribution to education in the Cape region.
"We’re delighted to be returning in 2018 as sponsor of the Friday night Barrel Auction for the fourth year running. We hope that this year even more children will benefit from the generosity of those bidding and the education initiatives supported by the Cape Wine Auction Trust."
Adds Cape Wine Auction trustee and winemaker Paul Cluver: "We must continue investing in our youth as the future of this amazing country. The American Express Barrel Auction is a wonderful way to start the Cape Wine Auction weekend where the generosity of the donors and sponsors are truly making a different. May the 2018 auction be the best auction yet."
Just some of the eagerly anticipated wines that will be at this year's American Express Barrel Auction includes:
- Cape Point Vineyards has donated 10 branded wooden boxes each with a six bottle Isliedh vertical - ranging from 2012 to 2017. The Isliedh is a multiple award-winning Sauvignon Blanc. Over the last 10 years, Cape Point Vineyards' Isliedh has received various 90+ ratings from Wine Spectator, Robert Parker and Tim Atkin; six Decanter World Wine Award Trophies and a Gold Medal, three Old Mutual Trophies, a Veritas Gold Medal and a DWWA Gold Medal.
- From De Trafford: a three litre bottle of Chenin Blanc 2017 in a wooden box together with the original hand-printed, unique silk scarf by acclaimed designer Rita Trafford, on which the label is based.
- A vertical lot of the Seven Springs Art series, Syrah, featuring vintages 2012, 2013 and 2015. A unique selection of 'one off' barrel and exceptional vintages in magnums adorned with unique artwork by UK artist Mark Kaiser.
- From Oneiric: Five magnums of their First Quantum 2011. There are only 138 bottles of this superlative wine in existence and they start at R3 500 per bottle!
Many more exclusive lots from some of South Africa's top estates will be on offer for those wine enthusiasts wanting to add something special to their cellars or private collections.
In only four years of its existence, the American Express Barrel Auction and the Cape Wine Auction - sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth - has created a benchmark in philanthropy, raising almost R55 million - with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to 27 carefully selected beneficiaries who make a profound impact on education and the lives of children in the Cape winelands.
Tickets for the American Express Barrel Auction and the Cape Wine Auction are sold out!