The Cape Wine Auction, renowned for its commitment to children’s charities in the Cape Winelands, gears up for its 2024 event, aiming to surpass previous fundraising milestones and redefine generosity.
Scheduled for Saturday, 3 February at the Muratie Estate in Stellenbosch, this year’s auction aspires to exceed the remarkable R125 million raised over the years, particularly targeting an ambitious goal of surpassing the R8 million milestone achieved in the previous year.
Since its inception in 2014, the Cape Wine Auction has garnered international recognition as a premier wine-themed charity auction. With an array of donated lots featuring opulent wine, gastronomic experiences, and lavish hospitality offerings, the event pledges to channel all proceeds toward supporting various charities devoted to enhancing the lives of children and youth in South Africa’s renowned Cape Winelands.
Attendees can anticipate bidding on exclusive lots generously donated by diverse wine estates. Among the offerings are tempting getaways to Benguerra Island in Mozambique and Corfu in Greece.
Local experiences include stays at locations like Ellerman House in Cape Town, followed by a rendezvous with nature at the Silvan Safari Lodge in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Moreover, a Constantia lot promises an immersive exploration into the culture and hospitality of South Africa’s oldest wine region, complete with a showcase of the nation’s finest wines.
Pouring hope: Barrels of generosity at Cape Wine Auction
Paul Clüver, chairman of the Cape Wine Auction trustees, highlighted a novel addition to this year’s auction: unique lots featuring barrels of wine from top South African producers, bottled under an exclusive Cape Wine Auction label.
“These barrels offer attendees the opportunity to bid on 300 specially labelled bottles of wine from leading Cape producers,” explained Clüver. “This creates an exceptional, branded collection of wines unavailable through any other avenue, showcasing the essence of these esteemed producers.”
The barrels up for auction this year boast esteemed labels such as Kanonkop Pinotage 2020, Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Paul Clüver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2022, Rupert&Rothschild Baroness Nadine Chardonnay 2023, and Diemersdal The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2023, among others.
Clüver emphasised that the auction’s genesis stemmed from a heartfelt commitment to uplifting the region’s children and youth in partnership with recognised charities actively involved in education.
“Since its inception, the Cape Wine Auction has evolved into a global beacon for charity wine auctions, directing every cent raised toward identified charities crucial in addressing educational disparities in disadvantaged rural communities,” remarked Clüver.
“These charities not only facilitate education and infrastructure but also provide vital social support, including meals, recognising that a well-fed child is essential for effective learning.”
Clüver highlighted the heightened importance of fundraising amidst challenging economic conditions, especially for disadvantaged communities. “Amidst inflation and shrinking public budgets, the wine industry is steadfast in its commitment to support those in need,” he noted.
“By prioritising education, the auction not only offers immediate aid but serves as a launching pad for youth to forge dignified, productive lives, benefitting not just the Winelands but South Africa as a whole.”
For further details and participation, visit The Cape Wine Auction website.
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