A discussion around the last 187 years of history would make for some lively dinner conversation, and would probably only be eclipsed by drinking a dessert wine that is as old as the stories going round the table. What would such a vintage taste like that has survived arguably the most dynamic period in mankind’s history?

“Expect a heady aroma of toffee and walnuts and a long, complex finish”, says Anthony Barne MW of the bottle of 1825 Lomelino Boal Solera that he has generously donated for the 2012 Nederburg Charity Auction. “Production of such Madeiras was tiny, so it goes without saying that every bottle of this age opened makes a rare wine even rarer.”

This incredible wine is one of 17 unique, special items that organisers are hoping will help to raise in excess of R300 000 in proceeds for the three community-based non-profit organisations that look after the needs of ruralchildren – the Goedgedacht Trust, the Pebbles Project Trust and the Anna Foundation.

Spokesperson for the Nederburg Charity Auction Sonja Morkel, says; “The Nederburg Charity Auction has always sought to make a difference in the community through raising funds for organisations such as these. Judging by the compelling line-up of items on offer for charity auction supporters, this year will be no different.”

Alongside the Lomelino Boal Solera and proudly holding up the local historical timeline is another silky, rich dessert wine. Former legendary Nederburg cellarmaster Günter Brözel has donated a single bottle of 1964 Nederburg Port from his personal collection – the same vintage that grabbed the spotlight at the 2010 Nederburg Auction when it fetched a record R62 000 for a single case (R10 333 per bottle). This bottle, personally signed by Günter and sealed with a wax coat, is the first and only Port he made under the Nederburg label – just over 3 000 bottles were produced and this bottle bears the number 968.

Other no-less impressive items to be sold include 12 bottles of Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon from the 1970 to 1981 vintages, donated by current Nederburg cellarmaster Razvan Macici, two 1962 Premier cru (first growth) wines from Chateau Margaux and Château d’Yquem, a limited edition double magnum of Vega Sicilia – Pintia 2005, Toro, a collection of six bottles from the original participants at the inaugural Nederburg Auction from 1975, and even a food and wine dinner experience that will see Nederburg cellarmaster Razvan Macici and celebrity chef Pete Goffe-Wood team up for a memorable evening.

This year’s charity auction also benefits from items donated by Zonnebloem, Anandale, Boplaas, Kanonkop, Groot Constantia and La Motte. The charity auction takes place at the close of the main auction on Saturday September 29th at Nederburg in Paarl and is open to all guests.

For more information about the charity auction beneficiaries and to view the complete list of charity items click here.