The Cape Wine Auction (CWA) is pleased to announce the appointment of two highly respected leaders in the wine industry, Rico Basson and Christiane von Arnim, as new trustees to the Cape Wine Auction Trust.
These appointments further strengthen the Trust’s governance and strategic capability as it continues its mission to raise funds for education and upliftment initiatives for children in the Cape Winelands.
Rico Basson, currently the executive director of South Africa Wine, brings a wealth of experience in industry leadership and advocacy. Having previously served as Managing Director of Vinpro and with a background in commercial banking focused on agriculture and wine, Basson has played an important role in aligning the South African wine industry, advancing sustainability, and supporting producer resilience in a competitive global environment. His deep understanding of the sector, combined with his love for people development and leadership, will add significant value to the Trust’s work.
Christiane von Arnim, CEO of Warwick Wine Estate, is a dynamic and accomplished industry professional with extensive experience across leading South African wine businesses. Originally from Germany, she has been based in South Africa since 1996 and has held senior roles at Boekenhoutskloof, Haute Cabrière, Meridian Wine Merchants, and Asara. Christiane holds an MBA (cum laude) from the University of Stellenbosch Business School and a B. Business Science (Hons) in Marketing from the University of Cape Town. Her strong commercial acumen, strategic insight, and passion for wine, people, and storytelling make her a valuable addition to the Trust.
Commenting on the appointments, Paul Clüver, chair of the Cape Wine Auction Trust, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Rico and Christiane to the board of trustees. Both bring exceptional experience, credibility, and energy to the organisation, and I have no doubt they will play an important role in helping us continue to evolve and grow the Cape Wine Auction.
The Cape Wine Auction exists for the South African wine industry as a whole. Its success is built on the incredible support of producers, partners, and participants across the industry. It is this collective effort that enables us to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the people who make up our industry – particularly the next generation. Rico and Christiane embody this spirit of collaboration and purpose, and we are thrilled to have them join us on this journey.”
The Cape Wine Auction has, over the past decade, established itself as one of the most significant fundraising platforms in South African wine, supporting carefully selected beneficiaries focused on education and community development. The addition of Basson and von Arnim reflects the Trust’s continued commitment to strong leadership and meaningful impact.
About the Cape Wine Auction
The Cape Wine Auction is an annual event that brings together leading wine producers, collectors, and philanthropists to raise funds for charitable causes. Since its inception, the Auction has raised over 150 million rands in support of education and social upliftment initiatives, helping to create lasting change in communities across the Western Cape.