But the guests parting generously with their wealth are universal in their giving - to make a profound impact on education and the lives of children in the Cape Winelands.
Established in 2014 the next Cape Wine Auction will be held on 10 and 11 February 2017, and Auction Director Darielle Robertson believes that the success in raising R33 million in the short space of three auctions is certainly in part due to the model that they have created for giving back.
“The proceeds, without offset or deduction, go to the 22 beneficiaries actively involved in the Winelands offering education, meals, after care, counseling services, career placements and training. Our model is such that all our beneficiaries are collaborating, sharing expertise and working together and not in isolation as one often finds with some charitable organisations. We track progress, instill accountability, streamline services to reduce overlapping and manage spending the money raised wisely.
“And we believe that our guests come back ever year not only for the auction experience but because they know that they are supporting an initiative that is making a real difference in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering children with education and the chance towards a bright future.”
Guests pay for the privilege to attend and tickets cost R1 850 per person for access to the Friday evening Barrel Auction, and R5 000 per person for both the Friday and Saturday events. Sponsored by American Express the Barrel Auction lures wine collectors to bid on and taste directly from the barrels and in the company of the winemakers - once off, specially curated and limited release wines.
The Nedbank Private Wealth Auction on the Saturday is a grandiose luncheon with flamboyant local and international personalities bidding to take ownership of one of the 35 bespoke lots up for auction.
“The lots in themselves bring a lot of excitement to the day. We source diverse experiences and rare opportunities to ensure that the novelty of the collections brings guests back each year, and offers something worthwhile for guests to contribute to the bidding which reaches in excess of R1 million per lot.”
One lot includes an all-inclusive seven-night stay on the Azur Benguerra Island, just off Mozambique, for four people to explore the undiscovered stretches of beach whilst being doted on by Mozambican Butler-hosts and indulge in seafood fresh from the ocean. The stay includes helicopter transfers as well as 15 cases of wine from Château Pas de Loup situated in France’s Loire Valley.
Then there is the opportunity for six guests to spend a two night, all-inclusive stay in the company of businessman Christo Wiese at his exclusive and private game lodge in the Kalahari. Included in the lot is a private tasting at his Lourensford Wine Estate and 24 bottles of wine.
Rare wines are also incorporated in some of the lots with the first and only Melchior (an 18 litre bottle) Morgenster Reserve 2010 included in a four day stay at Morgenster, inclusive of airfares and transfers; dinner with owner Giulio Bertrand in the Manor House; tutored olive and olive oil tastings as well as private cellar tours.
“What people are willing to pay for an experience or exclusive wine largely depends on the day, but last year a record was broken when the first bottle of Touch Warwick Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 together with a luxury golf tour with TBo ‘Touch” Molefe and Mike Ratcliffe of Warwick Estate, was sold for R1.3 million.”
The beneficiary partners of the Cape Wine Auction are The Pebbles Project, MAD Leadership Foundation, The Click Foundation, Community Keepers, Maranatha Trust, Pinotage Youth Development, Wine Training SA, The Kusasa Project, Hope through Action, Aitsa After Care Centre, Eduvate, Hemel & Aarde Community Project, Cape Winemakers Guild, International Wine Education Centre, Love2Give Skills Academy, The Lunch Box Fund, Sparks School International and the Anna Foundation.
The auction will take place on Friday, 10 February at La Motte Wine Estate, with the Anthonij Rupert Wyne estate will play host to the Saturday, 11 February event. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.thecapewineauction.com