The strategic move is in line with Distell’s new premium and fine wine company, Libertas Vineyards and Estates, whose purpose is to support and drive the upselling and premiumisation of South African wine on the global stage.
CEO of Libertas Vineyards and Estates, Kay Nash, says the collective vision is to build an industry platform widening world wide access to South African fine wines and by doing so escalate the desirability and collectability of these wines.
“In order to achieve this, we believe that the auction can be a catalyst for change. By growing an industry platform for fine wine producers and leveraging our 44 years of experience and investment we will collectively raise interest in South African fine and rare wines and attract existing, and new local and global buyers.”
“Collectors and investors are increasingly seeking out wines that have a story and a strong connection to a particular place or vineyard. They seek rarity, quality and provenance which the line-up of fine and rare wines will certainly deliver on.”
The Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction will introduce exciting changes, including moving from Nederburg to the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch and a new selection process and format. The final wine selection will be curated by a panel of expert judges with strict criteria focussing on quality, rarity and collectability as the main drivers. Philanthropy will remain a key element of the auctions DNA and focus for all the stakeholders.
The Auction will also collaborate with British Auction House Christie’s, by introducing a Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction Superlot at their Fine and Rare Wine Auction held in London later this year.
“This platform will provide participating South African producers significant exposure to new buyers and by partnering with Christie’s, we will benefit from their expertise and gravitas in the category and plan to build our presence at global events in a phased approach.”
To ensure the auction delivers a platform that is inclusive and transparent, significant input has been sought from industry influencers, leaders and buyers. Nash says “the response has been inspiring.”
“In April we hosted a group of individuals, some who have and some who have never participated in the Nederburg Auction before, to provide input for the new format. The feedback has been constructive and extremely positive.”
“The change is all about collaboration and inclusivity. We will continue to work together with the producers, industry and buyers to deliver success for all stakeholders.”
“We anticipate that the producers represented at the new format auction will be diverse and the changed selection criteria and reinvented fundamental ethos of the auction will encourage participation by South Africa’s finest producers.”
The Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction will take place on 18 and 19 October at the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch. Tickets will be by invitation and we encourage potential buyers to contact Dalene Steyn on DSteyn@libertasvineyards.co.za to register their interest.
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