Nederburg, the venue for South Africa’s first industry fine wine auction in 1975, has come full circle. Fifty years after hosting the country’s first auction to unveil its debut noble late harvest wine Edelkeur, the famous Paarl winery has confirmed it is to become the home of the exclusive annual charity, The Cape Wine Auction (TCWA).
In terms of the partnership inked between HEINEKEN Beverages (owner of Nederburg) and The Cape Wine Auction Trust, the historic Nederburg winery is to be the new location for the glittering one-day philanthropic celebratory gala occasion that raises funds for education, skills development and social wellbeing initiatives benefitting a range of winelands communities.
“Through this partnership, and the introduction of The Celebration, we’re broadening our reach and welcoming more people into the magic of what this event is all about: changing lives,” explains Paul Clüver, chairman of The Cape Wine Auction Trust.
The first iteration of the collaborative auction will take place on Saturday, 7 February 2026. Nederburg will be transformed into a vibrant, open-air venue with live music and entertainment, gourmet food stations and pre-booked picnic options, curated wine stands, craft cocktails, interactive lounges and more. These new elements will be in addition to the now well-established morning barrel auction followed by the luncheon and experience auction of ultra-exclusive encounters donated by wineries and luxury venues.
“So, whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie fanatic, a music enthusiast, or a passionate philanthropist, the celebration offers a ticket to do good while having an incredible time,” adds Clüver.
Says Nederburg general manager, Kate Jackson: “Historically, the Nederburg Auction was the pre-eminent showcase for outstanding wines in this country. It all began when the authorities of the day would not permit a wine in the style of Edelkeur to be sold on the open market. Legislation changed and with it, the raison d’ȇtre for the auction, but for decades it remained the nexus of excellence in Cape wine. To have your wines selected for the Nederburg Auction was a great honour.
“As a trade-facing event, the Nederburg Auction was never open to the public. Today, we live in different times that call for different strategies. We consider it a privilege to support South African wine’s rising international reputation via The Cape Wine Auction that is open to the public. In this way we hope to help provide a fun, festive and inspiring forum for winegrowers, winemakers and other members of the industry.
“Thanks to our agreement, The Cape Wine Auction now has the space and the back-end support to expand its reach to a broader wine-interested public and thus a greater number of potential bidders, to raise much-needed funds for Winelands communities.”
Beneficiaries are mostly early childhood development organisations, harnessing the potential of tomorrow’s adults and leaders.
Jackson confirms that Nederburg will be one of the 16 select producers participating in next year’s barrel auction. “In addition to wines, we shall also be donating an exclusive experience, with details to be unveiled closer to the time. Attendees will soon also learn more about the exciting line-up of artists for the day.”
There are two ticket options on offer. The Wine Auction Brunch & The Celebration, starting at 10h00, will include access to the exclusive Morning Barrel Auction, followed by brunch and The Celebration. The ticket price of R3 150 per person, includes a commemorative wine glass, two glasses of wine, access to food stalls or pre-booked picnic experiences.
The second option, The Celebration Ticket, at R650 per person, includes entry to The Celebration beginning at 14h00, a commemorative wine glass, two glasses of wine, and access to food stalls or pre-booked picnic experiences.
Tickets are now available from Webtickets.
Limited corporate hospitality areas are also available. Email Darielle Robertson at darielle@capewineauction.com for more information.