Pieter Ferreira has spent more than four decades chasing the perfect bubble, a pursuit that has not gone unnoticed in the international wine world. In September the 2026 International Wine Challenge (IWC) will in London raise a glass to the man who has done more than almost anyone to put South African Cap Classique on the international wine map. Read more

Stellenbosch estates once again emerged with top honours at the 14^th Shiraz SA Challenge. Eighteen winners were awarded in the three categories with Spier pocketing two awards and Stellenrust receiving recognition for their work in sustainability, excellence, innovation, creativity and social responsibility. Read more

Dirk van Zyl has been appointed as head winemaker at Kanonkop Estate.

Hailing from a wine farm in Bonnievale in the Western Cape, Dirk graduated with a BSc degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Stellenbosch University in 2012, after which he held the position of winemaker at various Stellenbosch wineries, including Kleine Zalze, De Morgenzon, Saxenburg and, most recently, Glenelly.

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2025 Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism Award Winners:

Accommodation

• Winner: Delaire Graff
• Runner-up: Brookdale Estate

Culinary Experiences

• Winner: FABER at Avondale
• Runner-up: Rust en Vrede

Wine Tourism Services

• Winner: Creation Wines
• Runner-up: Ernie Els

Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices

• Winner: Creation Wines
• Runner-up: Jordan Wines

Architecture & Landscape

• Winner: Babylonstoren
• Runner-up: Delaire Graff

Art & Culture

• Winner: Spier Wine Farm
• Runner-up: Delaire Graff

Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences

• Winner: Vergelegen Wine Estate
• Runner-up: Constantia Wine Walk

The Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards recognises wineries that go beyond excellence in winemaking, highlighting their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and offering unique, authentic experiences for visitors.

2025 Wine Tourism Ambassador Award Winners:

The Wine Tourism Diversity Award

• Winner: Van Loveren

The Authentic South African Experience Award

• Winner: A.A. Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein
• Runner-up: Muratie Wine Estate

Conservation Pioneer Award

• Winner: Hartenberg Wine Estate

The judging process involved a panel of expert judges, who conducted ghost site visits to ensure an impartial evaluation of the shortlisted wineries. The criteria for selecting winners included the quality of wine offerings, visitor experiences, sustainability initiatives, and overall excellence in wine tourism.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer said: “The wine industry plays a vital role in our economy, providing employment and showcasing our world-class wine offerings. These awards highlight the creativity and dedication of our wine producers, many of whom are setting the standard for excellence and sustainability in wine tourism.”

The winners of the 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards represent the innovation and commitment that are propelling the wine tourism industry to new heights, further solidifying the Western Cape’s status as a premier wine destination.

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The standout performances of Stellenbosch wineries this year not only highlight their dedication to excellence but also underscore the region’s unique terroir and innovative winemaking practices.

The Trophy Wine Show

The results of the 2024 Trophy Wine Show, sponsored by Investec, are crucial for Cape wine producers. As we are in a market where domestic sales face significant pressure and exports remain uncertain, triumph at the nation’s most prestigious competition can be transformative for wineries. Savvy wine buyers understand that any medal awarded by the Trophy Wine Show judges is a hallmark of exceptional quality.

“We pride ourselves in partnering with our clients and creating experiences for those who never settle for ordinary. As headline sponsor of the 2024 Trophy Wine Show, we are not only proudly supporting South Africa’s exceptional wine industry, but we are giving our clients access to something they can’t get anywhere else, from first access to curated cases of award-winning wines to masterclasses and public tastings,” said Investec’s head of Private Banking, Itumeleng Merafe.

At the Trophy Wine Show, quality alone determines the final outcome. The wines are judged blindly by the three-person judging panels. Leading figures in the world of fine wine, such as Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW from Napa, Fongyee Walker MW from China and Claire Blackler MW from London, bring a wealth of judging expertise and an international vision to the panels. The local panellists, all graduates of the Wine Judging Academy run in conjunction with the University of Cape Town, contribute years of experience in determining quality across often large classes as well as hard-earned insights specific to Cape wines.

The Trophy Wine Show is a talent scout discovering new producers and identifying where new investments have led to massive improvements in wine quality, all while being a driver of innovation. The show has led the campaign in South Africa to reduce unnecessary packaging weight, which has an impact on the industry’s carbon footprint. Since 2023 every bottle entered for judging is weighed: an astonishing variance of 200% was recorded at this year’s show.

Stellenbosch Winners

Delaire Graff Estate

Banghoek Chardonnay 2022:

• Trophy for Best Chardonnay
• Investec International Judges’ Trophy 
• Vinolok Trophy for Best Premium Wine
• Investec Trophy for Best White Wine Overall

Cape Vintage 2021:

• Tony Mossop Trophy for Best Cape Port

Kleine Zalze

Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021:

• Investec Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage Brut Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cap Classique 2017:

• Gold Medal

JC Le Roux

Méthode Cap Classique Scintilla Vintage Reserve 2015:

• Trophy for Best Museum Class Cap Classique
• Trophy for Best Museum Class Wine Overall

Stark-Condé

Round Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Wooded):

• Sunday Times Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc
• Trophy for Best Organic Wine

Thelema

Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2015 (Unwoonded):

• Trophy for Best Museum Class Sauvignon Blanc

Zevenwacht Wine Estate 

 Z Collection Reserve 2021:

• Riedel Trophy for Best Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Z Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Wooded):

• Gold Medal

Blaauwklippen

Chardonnay 2023:

• Gold Medal

All the Winners

See the full list of this year’s Trophy Wine Show winners here.

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Banele Vakele, winemaker at Tembela Wines, is more than a rising star in the world of winemaking; he represents a new generation of winemakers who are breaking barriers and redefining the South African wine industry.

BORN AND RAISED in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, Banele began a journey to winemaking that is characterised by determination and inspiration drawn from the land that shaped him. After completing his degree in oenology and viticulture at Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch, he entered the wine world via a three-year stint as part of the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Protégé programme, with time spent at Ernie Els, Groot Constantia and Savage Wines. Today he continues to nurture and shape his passion for winemaking, resulting in wines of exceptional quality and character.

Growing up in Khayelitsha, what inspired you to pursue a career in winemaking, considering it might not have been a common choice in your community?

I wasn’t really introduced to anything wine-related until I stepped outside Khayelitsha. So my inspiration for winemaking didn’t come from home. We were never really exposed to any vineyards until I started high school across from Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate – that’s where my love for wine started. It’s all about being curious and interested in something unknown and wanting to find out more and more about it.

What does Tembela Wines mean to you and how do you express your personal style and background in your winemaking? With Tembela Wines, I try to express my personality in the winemaking and also in the label and design. The label shows two women wearing isiXhosa traditional attire, which represents something I’m really passionate about – my heritage and where I come from. That keeps me grounded and humble. The women are carrying wine barrels, and that represents where I am now and my love for wine. So the wine label blends two things that are really important in my life.

What does it mean to you to be a gra­ duate of the CWG Protégé programme?

I really enjoyed it and learnt a lot during the programme. It’s not only about winemaking; you get training in life skills as well, get to travel overseas, get exposed to other winemakers and go to tastings. I always struggled with tasting wines and how to describe them, but listening to more experienced people helped me a lot; just learning from them and absorbing as much as possible. They are always willing to help out whenever they can and are trying to be supportive as much as possible.

Travelling overseas was really big for me. Coming from a previously disadvantaged background, you can’t just afford a plane ticket to France and stay there for two months. So that helps you a lot in terms of international exposure and gives you the opportunity to learn different ways of making wine.

How has the CWG Protégé programme influenced you as a winemaker?

My winemaking philosophy is very close to that of Duncan Savage’s from Savage Wines, who was my mentor during the programme. That gives you an idea of how big an influence the programme has been on me in terms of my winemaking philosophy and how I want to approach making wine. For me, it’s all

about starting in the vineyards and knowing that you can never make great wines if your vineyards are not at their best. I’ve always seen winemaking as studying the vineyards and that quality comes out if you treat your vines well. If you’re able to produce really good, quality grapes, it makes everything easier in the cellar. Lessons have been learnt over the years – you can never make miracles in the cellar if the grapes are bad. You need to start with the basics. If you do the basics right, hopefully everything falls in line.

What advice would you give to young and aspiring winemakers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds who may be looking to break into the industry?

If you work hard, sometimes it will pay off. But working hard does not only mean doing a good job; you have to pay attention to detail. The industry is there and open to everyone. The CWG is like a springboard: you get to be part of a bigger network, a network of really good winemakers. Use that wisely. You have three years there, make sure you grow your network and that your name is known. Don’t shy away; make yourself known. Be open to new things, be willing to learn, give it your all – and be present in the moment.

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Top Winemakers

Bruwer Raats, of Raats Family Wines, picked up Atkin’s Winemaker of the Year.

Etienne Le Riche, of the eponymous Le Riche Wines outside Stellenbosch, is this year’s Winemaking Legend.

Top Scoring Wines

The Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah 2021 scored a full 100 points, followed by Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020 and the Porseleinberg Syrah 2021 scoring 99 points. Alheit Vineyards’ Huilkrans 2022 Chenin Blanc picked up the highest score for a white wine of 99 points.

2023 Winners

• Winemaker of the Year: Bruwer Raats of Raats Family Wines.
• Young Winemaker of the Year: Marelise Niemann of Momento.
• Viticulturist of the Year: Willie Mostert.
• Co-operative of the Year: Daschbosch.
• Winemaking Legend: Etienne Le Riche.
• Best Cellar Door Experience: Blaauwklippen Vineyards.
• Overall White Wine of the Year: 2022 Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans Chenin Blanc, Citrusdal Mountain.
• Overall Red Wine of the Year: 2021 Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah, Stellenbosch.
• Overall Rosé of the Year: 2022 Lievland Liefkoos Rosé, Stellenbosch.
• Overall Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2018 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive, Western Cape.
• Overall Sweet Wine of the Year: 2022 Mullineux Straw Wine, Swartland.
• Overall Fortified Wine of the Year: 2007 Boplaas CWG Auction Reserve Tawny Single Harvest Colheita, Calitzdorp.
• Red Wine Discovery of the Year: 2021 Rall CWG Noa Syrah, Swartland.
• White Wine Discovery of the Year: 2022 Sadie Family Rotsbank, Swartland.
• Sparkling Wine Discovery of the Year: 2009 Graham Beck Artisan Collection Extra Brut 157, Western Cape.
• Best Value White of the Year: 2021 Windmeul Cellar OVP Reserve Chenin Blanc, Paarl.
• Best Value Red of the Year: 2020 Alto Rouge, Stellenbosch.
• Best Value Rosé of the Year: 2022 Noble Hill Mourvèdre Rosé, Simonsberg-Paarl.
• Best Value Sparkling Wine of the Year: NV KWV Laborie Brut, Western Cape.
• Best Value Sweet Wine of the Year: 2023 Van Loveren VRL Special Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Robertson.
• Best Value Fortified Wine of the Year: NV KWV Cape Classic Tawny, Western Cape.

Get The Report

The 2023 South Africa Report is available online.

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From 6pm until 9pm, guests will have the opportunity to meet the winemakers and sample over 60 wines on display. The event will showcase a current vintage and an older interesting vintage for tasting from each Stellenbosch Cabernet member winery. Guests can expect some stellar vintages on offer including the illustrious 2015 and 2017, as well as older examples from the early 2000’s. This comparative tasting format will allow guests the chance to experience first-hand how well Cabernet from Stellenbosch can age and discuss the different vintages with like-minded experts and enthusiasts.

All guests will receive a complimentary glass of Waterford wine on arrival whilst enjoying the sunset at the stunning Waterford Estate, listen to live music, taste Cabernet Sauvignon from over 25 wineries and enjoy paired canapés.

Limited tickets are priced at R295 per person. To purchase yours, visit www.plankton.mobi. For more information on this exclusive event, as well as participating producers, visit the Stellenbosch Cabernet Facebook or Instagram pages, @stellenboschcabernet or visit www.stellenboschcabernet.co.za.

This is a rare opportunity to taste older Stellenbosch Cabernet vintages that are seldom offered to the public, making it a must-attend event for all Cabernet enthusiasts. Get your tickets now to avoid disappointment. Click here to book.

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A remarkable auction of fine wines takes place on July 10 with some of South Africa’s greatest heritage specimens going on sale to help fund the preservation of local wine history.

The dominant component of the sale, which includes selected international classics, comprises wines from the most comprehensive collections of South African wines. Among the treasures contained behind the thick, reinforced door to Distell’s underground Tabernacle wine library in Stellenbosch is a bottle of 1821 Grand Constance, of which same vintage a bottle sold for close to R1m last year.

While the Tabernacle is occasionally a supplier to prominent auctions of fine wine, the upcoming event under the auspices of long-established auctioneers Strauss & Co, stands out for the cause it will support.

“All the funds raised through the auction will be used for a wine history preservation initiative in honour of Duimpie Bayly,” says Tabernacle curator Michael van Deventer, who is also manager of Distell’s Vinotèque.

A luminary of the South African wine and brandy industry, Francis ‘Duimpie’ Bayly passed away last year. He is credited for enormous technical leadership and mentorship as well as visionary initiatives that included the founding of the Tabernacle under what was then Stellenbosch Farmers Winery (SFW), in 1979.

The library is situated at the sprawling Adam Tas production facility where many of Distell’s well-known wine brands are made. At the time of its opening, the idea had been to retain vintages of SFW wines as an internal company reference. The emergence of fine wine as a category in South Africa had been fuelled just five years prior with the historic establishment of the Wine of Origin scheme.

But as time went on, its acclaim went beyond that of mere filing cabinet. Rather, it ascended to widespread recognition as a vital, living record of South African wine legacy. A tabernacle is a temple or sanctuary; and so the space at Adam Tas has become.

Gradually, the collection began taking in wines from the wider industry too.

As can be imagined, storage needs quickly outstripped the available space originally set apart for the Tabernacle. Although this original location only has capacity for some 12 000 bottles, the rest of the collection is held at various of Distell’s other locations.

Details of the preservation initiative are still being finalised and are likely to include a visitor centre, says Michael. The first steps however include the recent revamp of Tabernacle facilities, mainly with improved lighting and air reticulation in the private tasting lounge.

“Nothing was done in the cellar itself,” says Michael. “We didn’t want the bottles to be moved around.”

The auction on July 10 will offer a total of 99 lots with 64 comprising up to three bottles and dedicated to South African wines from the Tabernacle. It will be presented by Strauss & Co, which partnered with sommelier, wine entrepreneur and former Nederburg Auction co-ordinator Higgo Jacobs to add fine wine to its portfolio in 2019.

“For me, the importance of preserving and sharing these wines is the inspiration they give local winemakers, but also the credibility they provide to the ageability of South African wines,” he says.

Higgo further highlighted the involvement of Amorim Cork, which has been major role-player in not only preserving South African wine heritage, but also giving classic old wines a new lease on life via its re-corking programme.

“All the South African wines on auction have been re-corked, which gives the buyer greater convenience in opening the wine as well as guaranteeing the condition contained within,” he says.

Among the wines included in the sale are a trio of 1940 Chateau Libertas (starting prices R20 000 each); the 1966 GS Cabernet Sauvignon (starting at R25 000), which scored 100 points from influential UK wine writer Jancis Robinson.

Also on offer will be the 1974 Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Auction Reserve, described by Michael Fridjohn at a tasting in the Tabernacle this week as “the classic of the decade with ’74 certainly being one of the greats of Cape vintages”.

The tasting also featured the 1974 SFW Stellenbosch Cinsaut, 1963 Lanzerac Pinotage, 1961 Zonnebloem Cabernet Sauvignon, 1968 GS Cabernet Sauvignon and 1974 Overgaauw Cabernet Sauvignon – all wines that will be available on July 10.

Why sell them at all? Michael van Deventer says sales of these special wines are important because amongst others, space must be managed to allow the collection to take in new wines. “For it to survive, the Tabernacle must be a ‘living’ collection,” he says. “Wine lovers should be able to access them to understand and appreciate our history and capability,” he says.

Starting prices at the Straus & Co Virtual Live Auction vary. Tabernacle wine reserve prices begin at R1 500, for bottles of 1970 Chateau Libertas.

The Strauss & Co Tabernacle Virtual Live Auction starts at 11am. Bids will be taken online, telephonically and in person at Strauss & Co premises in Johannesburg, at 89 Central Street, Houghton. The auction will also be streamed.

Registration for prospective bidders has opened and pre-sale bids are being received. Lots and further details may be viewed at Strauss & Co.

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In partnership with international auction house Christie’s and one of the house’s most spirited auctioneers, Charlie Foley, the auction will yet again see a sophisticated celebration of South Africa’s rarest and finest vinous treasures for wine enthusiasts, investors and collectors alike.

Stellenbosch Visio chats with Charlie about wine auctions in a time of global change and some of his favourites to go under the hammer at this year’s auction.

The global wine industry has gone through a massive change since you last auctioneered at the CFRWA in 2019. How has the pandemic affected wine auctions?

There are more bidders and active buyers than ever before. The need to separate the day from the evening with a glass of wine has fuelled buying habits. Folk want tasty bottles, crafted with passion and delivered to their door. From my side, I have saved £2.50 from bus journeys every day – that’s an extra bottle at the weekend!

What are the positive developments you’ve seen due to this new reality?

Everyone wants to learn more. It’s brilliant. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) course subscriptions are up, people are more inquisitive and looking to turn a passive hobby into a serious habit. How fantastic to be able to speak to buyers who want to know the whys and hows of wine. Also, the trade has upped its game. The internet was previously this big grey tool, but now it is like a limb: IGTV, e-commerce, reels, webinars, drone videos… It puts the people who make and sell wine right in your hands and helps you learn more every day.

How can bidders benefit from the 2021 hybrid format?

It’s fantastic that the Cape Fine & Rare Auction is online. This means we can take the buzz of the room and spread it around the world. You can tune in from a Scottish bolthole, a Malibu beach house, a Hong Kong skyscraper or Cape Point. Bidders and buyers can take part, try and get their hands on some fab-u-lous wines and experience the thrum and theatre of this very special auction.

What is the sentiment among UK-based wine collectors when it comes to South Africa’s fine wines?

South Africa has a special place in the hearts of the British. I often think of it as just below Gibraltar, like a sunnier and infinitely more beautiful shire of the UK. Our hearts bleed for the wine industry with its various restrictions. A shout-out to some fab initiatives from the UK merchants – Waitrose, in particular, has led a charge to help. South African wine can be equal parts gorgeous, golden, glittering and glorious, and who doesn’t want a big chunk of that in their lives right now.

You’ve always been a huge proponent of South Africa’s wines. Why?

In 2012, I stepped off a plane at Cape Town International Airport, looked over at a cloud-shrouded Table Mountain and that’s what did it. From sipping MCC with oysters at The Old Biscuit Mill to enjoying Chenin Blanc at a spot overlooking Clifton, to a chewy red over a braai in Robertson and a lazy afternoon on a Stellies stoep with Shiraz. You can sign me up for life!

You’ve seen the lots on offer this year. Your thoughts?

Expert judges for the CFRWA, Michael Fridjhon, Cathy van Zyl MW, François Rautenbach and Joseph Dhafana, are lucky souls to have tasted all these wines. Kudos to them for choosing such a fantastic line-up. It’s truly a who’s who of elegance, herbal complexity, cavernous depth and long-lived tannins. I think this is a real treat for bidders. Some of these vintages are never seen at retail anywhere in the world, and if they are, they are meltingly expensive. This is your chance to get your mitts on some incredibly rare vintages of exquisite wines at exciting prices, that nobody, but nobody, else has.

If you could pick one lot to go after – and win no matter what – which one will get your paddle waving?

One lot? How cruel! I am a hedonist and can’t count, so here are my faves. David & Nadia’s Hoë-Steen 2015 has sent shivers up my spine – I might ferret the lot behind the rostrum and forget to sell it! I also live on an IV drip of Chardonnay, so The Single Tree 2015 from Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards can be funnelled into my life support machine. And just to show a bit of butch, I want some Cab, and Le Riche’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 is my choice. It is aflame, full of flickering life and luminosity. Sock it to me in magnums!

There is also an incredibly exciting lot going under the hammer this year – the Grand Constance 1821…

This is glorious news. As Napoleon breathed his last on St Helena in 1821, the grapes for his favourite wine were just ripening on the vine. The chance to acquire and drink a bottle of wine 200 years after its birth, is sensational. I can only imagine the honeyed, spun sugar and hazelnut depths of this wine. Very few bottles of this wine still exist and for the CFRWA to have one up for auction… A true unicorn wine. I presume unicorns in South Africa have zebra stripes, by the way.

Which styles or varieties do you expect to do particularly well this year?

Do you know, in 2019 I was knocked off my feet by Chenin Blanc? The versatility of the variety knows no bounds, from bone dry to super sweet, and our South African friends are nailing it every single time in every single style. You could pair Chenin from South Africa to every dish in an eight-course banquet. In fact, let’s do this! Last week I was lucky to taste a rarer Cape red, Cabernet Franc, in a pure, crunchy, graphite-chiselled style. I expect Chenin will soar, Cabernet will climb the board and glorious ripe rarities will set paddles aflutter.

In 2019, your auction attire had tongues wagging – for all the right reasons, of course. Have you picked your outfit for this year’s auction yet?

You’re too kind! I never give too much away, but yes, my tailor has been busy with his threads and my only clue is that this year’s ensemble is truly p-u-u-u-r-fect.

Register as bidder and private buyer

Founded with the single goal to showcase South Africa’s finest and rarest wines, the Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction catalogue will be a reminder of the strength and quality of South Africa’s wines. Wine collectors who would like to bid and participate as buyers at the Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction, can register here.

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Dreaming of owning a wine farm and producing vinous stunners? A brand-new wine estate investment opportunity might just be your ticket… The Newton Johnson family has recently confirmed their co-founding of Hemelzicht Vineyards situated in the world-renowned Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. In a first for South Africa, this groundbreaking opportunity allows the public to own shares in a luxury wine business with a unique unitised investment model.

The Hemelzicht Vineyards investment model allows for ownership starting at R1 million and the opportunity to craft wines under the guidance of an experienced winemaking team and professional management. The investment further offers potential capital growth, no servicing costs, as well as liquidity. Dividends are paid out to owners in top-quality wine, luxury accommodation amongst the vines on the estate, and annual cash dividends.

Director of winecellar.co.za, and co-founder and CEO of Hemelzicht Vineyards, Roland Peens, brings almost two decades of fine wine business experience to the venture. “Hemelzicht Vineyards presents a rare opportunity to buy into a wine business in the heart of the Hemel-en-Aarde amongst top Pinot Noir producers such as Newton Johnson, Hamilton Russell, Storm and Crystallum. No other wine category sells out as fast as Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir. There is low supply globally, and this farm is in a prime position to produce world-class wine. With 50% of the shares already spoken for, we are also assured of the demand for this type of unitised investment.”

At 60-hectares, Hemelzicht Vineyards is spearheaded by winemaking duo Nadia and Gordon Newton Johnson and is set to produce 110,000 bottles annually. The prime terroir will be organically and sustainably farmed to produce a majority of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

For more information, visit Hemelzicht Vineyards.

All pictures courtesy of Hemelzicht Vineyards.

ALSO READ: Newton Johnson Vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

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The Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction alone raised R4.1 million by way of 564 cases (6 x 750ml) comprising of 17 red wines, one fortified wine (a Cape Vintage); and 11 white wines that included two Méthode Cap Classique wines. New record average case prices were reached for both white wine (R5 887 per case) and red wine (R8 225 per case). A record R5 450 was paid for the Cape Vintage fortified.

The Vinotheque Auction had a two-week run-up to Auction day and concluded with a total of R816 100 being raised to support wine industry jobs. All the wines for this Auction comprised previous CWG Auction greats donated from members’ personal cellars.

In support of fellow Guild member Samantha O’Keefe who lost her home, winery, and vineyards in a devastating fire earlier this year, the Guild members donated the income from the first case of each of their wines on Auction to her. This gesture raised an amount of R223 300.

CWG Chair Andrea Mullineux said that that this could only have been possible with the team spirit so evident amongst those involved in the Guild.

“It is vital to work toward a common goal together and to support each other, especially through these unprecedented times, for the greater good of our beautiful South African wine industry.”

Mullineux added that the exceptional quality of South African wines is highlighted by the Guild members’ pursuit of excellence.

“The increase in positive international recognition and desirability with regard to this year’s CWG Auction selection has set a new standard for high-end wines from our corner of the world.”

The top-performing red wines were indicative of South Africa’s success with red varietals across different regions. The Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2017, a classic Bordeaux-style blend was the top achiever with an average price of R13 667 per case. Tight on its heels were the Cederberg Teen Die Hoog Shiraz 2018 with an average case price of R12 190 and the Rust en Vrede CWG Auction Estate 2017 at an average of R10 952. Both the latter two figures were record average prices for these wines.

White wines did not lag behind in price and Chardonnay, especially, has become a revered contender on the international wine stage. The Leeu Passant Radicales Libres 2015 with grapes hailing from the Little Karoo earned an average of R9 905 per case. The Paul Cluver The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2018 with wine of origin Elgin, reached an average per case of R6 833. Also joining them was the Ataraxia Under The Gavel Chardonnay 2019 from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge that sold for an average case price of R6 405.

The Auction started with an enthusiastic Giles Peppiatt, Bonhams Director of Modern and Contemporary African Art, taking up the gavel just after noon London-time. This was the first time that oenophiles could attend this Auction in London, while other bidders stayed glued to their computer screens across the globe.

Peppiatt said: “It was a great privilege to take part in this year’s sale. I am delighted that the auction was so successful, and it was good to see such a substantial sum raised for the Guild’s Fund for Samantha O’Keefe – some heart-warming news in difficult times.”

The interest in South African wines was widespread this year. 65% of sales went to South African bidders with the balance of the wine going to bidders in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Hong Kong, USA, Germany, The Netherlands, Singapore and Belgium. A record number of 163 bidders registered this year, with 82 from South Africa and 81 buyers from across the globe.

According to Bonhams Global Director of Wine and Master of Wine, Richard Harvey, an important aim of the annual Nedbank CWG Auction is to raise international awareness of the outstanding quality of Cape wines. “I’m very pleased to say that by attracting a host of new bidders from around the world, we’ve been able to extend the auction’s international reach even further this year,” Harvey said.

This success highlights the heart of South African wine buyers and wine appreciators from around the world who have been supportive of the dedication and commitment of Guild members.

The results achieved are a good indication of the world class quality of wines produced by the Guild members, the immense diversity of South African wines and the continued commitment towards producing classic, characterful and innovative wines.

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