In a spectacular show of generosity bidders at the Cape Wine Auction, sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth, helped the event’s organisers to raise a staggering R22.3 million. The event took place at Antonij Rupert Wyne Estate on Saturday, 11 February.
All proceeds from the auction, with no deduction, will be allocated to 22 beneficiary organisations, all of whom make a profound impact on education and the lives of children in the Cape Winelands.
Lots comprising exciting travel, luxury accommodation and limited edition wines went under the hammer. A bespoke experience in the Napa Valley, California, reached a bid of 3 million – the highest bid achieved since the auction’s inception in 2014.
The Lionel and Anton Smit collaborative sculpture, created especially for the auction and standing three meters tall reached an incredible R1.2 million. This lot included a wine and dine experience at Idiom Fine Dining Restaurant and Wine Estate.
Guests from across South Africa and as far as the USA, Germany and Sweden were treated with cuisine prepared by some of South Africa’s leading chefs, limited edition wines and performances by Zolani Mahola, Watershed’s Craig Hinds and George Town.
Cape Wine Auction Director, Darielle Robertson, says they are overwhelmed by the generosity of the bidders.
“We were aiming to raise R15 million this year but the final tally has left everyone speechless. The commitment to giving back, changing lives and sharing good fortune was certainly testament in the bids raised. With this money we can expand our programmes and assist beneficiaries to reach even greater heights than they’ve achieved so far.”
