After the first lot attained R1.1million, the rapid bidding continued with Meridian Adventure Sail donating a second lot consolidating further support and garnered a further R1m. Together generating the highest valued lot at the 2020 Cape Wine Auction supporting educational focused charitable causes in the Western Cape that is governed by a prestigious board of trustees that manage the Cape Wine Auction Trust.
The high-value lot consists of a seven-day ocean adventure for 8 people on a 62 foot catamaran. The all-inclusive sailing expedition by Meridian Adventure Sail – an exclusive private members club – takes guests on a voyage through the isles of Raja Ampat, Indonesia – one of the world’s most desirable, remote and pristine ocean destinations. Majestically named the ‘Four Kings’, it boasts crystal-clear waters for diving and snorkelling. Nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, around 75 percent of the world’s coral species are found in Raja Ampat, with more than 3,000 fish species. Each day, dive under the crystal-clear waters to see coral bursting with colour, gleaming shoals of fish and majestic manta-rays as they silently glide. Each day rise to the sun-peeking over the top of a distant isle and see how the day unfolds thanks to a completely customised itinerary that is designed to optimise your every moment while considering the migratory patterns of teeming ocean life, the weather and currents. Enjoy a barefoot walk along a deserted beach or light-up night-time paddleboard adventure gently illuminating the waves below. The diving on offer is unmatched, with expert divemasters, top-of-the-range equipment and custom dive boats.
Meridian Adventure Sail is determined to ensure it leads the course in providing luxury travel experiences that showcase the wonders of our ocean and educate its patrons with the conservation consciousness required by all, to actively be a part of preserving and saving our marine environment while appreciating the beauty of the sea and engaging with it in a fun-filled, caring manner.
“We are very passionate about leaving a positive legacy and ultimately anything that ensures a better future for the next generation is something where we find affinity. The cause of supporting education is worthy, and we are happy to provide a signature lot for the 2020 Cape Wine Auction. For us, due to our Captain, Sean Galleymore, and most of the crew being South African, supporting this felt like a natural fit.” – Askar Alshinbayev, Meridian Capital Limited, the Hong Kong based investment firm that owns Meridian Adventure.
More on the Cape Wine Auction
In 2014 The Cape Wine Auction Trust was established, with Wendy Appelbaum, Michael Jordaan, Ken Kinsey-Quick, Mike Ratcliffe and Siobhan Thompson appointed as Trustees. Their vision – to support education in the wine lands by raising money through the hosting the Cape Wine Auction – a top-drawer two-day glamorous event that celebrates, on a global stage, South Africa’s vinous offering in line with uniting the industry around a common philanthropic goal. The outcome – to channel all of that cash back into the area that needs it most – education.
The first Cape Wine Auction was held at Delaire Graff Wine Estate back in 2014 with over R7 million raised. Four beneficiary organisations were funded.
The Cape Wine Auction 2020 raised more than R17 millin at a spectacular event held at the weekend at the Boschendal Wine Estate. This amount – together with the R88 million that has been raised since the first auction was held in 2014 – means that the wine charity auction has amassed a staggering R105 million since its inception
Managed by the Auction Trust, a Partners Conference has been established where our partners get to know each other, learn from each other and support one another. This collaborative mindset has already resulted in enormous impact and increased efficiencies.
MORE ON #WINEFORGOOD
There are plenty of good news stories about upliftment and transformation in the South African Wine Industry. The #wineforgood website, launched by wine.co.za in June 2016, hosts all the positive stories from the winelands, of which there are plenty. wine.co.za has made April a focus for #wineforgood stories. Share them far and wide and spread the good news about South African wine.