The 2019 Cape Wine Auction has raised R14 625 million and has now amassed nearly R88 million since the first auction was held in 2014.

At a glamorous event held at Buitenverwachting in Constantia, it was announced that Raymond Ndlovu has been appointed chairperson to the Cape Wine Auction Trust, replacing Wendy Appelbaum who remains a trustee.

Says Ndlovu: “I stand on the shoulders of a giant and we all owe a debt of gratitude to auction founder Mike Ratcliffe and the founding trustees. We have made, and will continue to make, a huge impact. We are currently facing tough economic times but we continue to change outcomes for our future.”

The day’s highest bid of R3 million went to three bidders for the Marovasa Be Experience in Madagascar. The Man & Soil Lot (The Ashbourne Emul Ross and Eben Sadie Pinotage Project) went for R1-million.

Other highly-contested lots included the Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons; The Anton Smit Lot; The Monaco Grand Prix Lot; The Nederburg & Tour de France Lot; the Croatia Blue Water Sailing Lot and the Oregon US winemaker experience.

The Cape Wine Auction – sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth – is regarded as one of the most significant international wine charity auctions ever conceived in South Africa, uniting the industry around a single goal of raising money for education.

The auction has created a benchmark in philanthropy, raising over R88 million, with 100% of proceeds going to 22 beneficiaries, all of whom have had a profound impact on education and the lives of children in the Cape winelands.

 “At a time when South African education is in crisis and donor fatigue is on the rise, the Cape Wine Auction Trust is now more important than ever,” says Darielle Robertson, director of The Cape Wine Auction. “We are delighted with this year’s results, and it means we can continue with our programmes and see a tangible difference. To our sponsors and those who bid so generously, a big thank you.”

The 2019 auction kicked off with the American Express Cape Wine Barrel Auction on Friday, March 1, at Norval Foundation situated on the slopes of the Constantiaberg Mountain, followed by the main event, the Cape Wine Auction, taking place on Saturday, March 2, at Buitenverwachting.

The idea for the auction was conceived six years ago when Ratcliffe was inspired by a trip to Auction Napa Valley in the US, a wine auction with the mandate of subsidising health costs.

Back in South Africa he was joined by a powerhouse group of trustees – which now include Ndlovu, Appelbaum, Paul Cluver, Ken Kinsey-Quick and Iain Banner – and the dream of making a real difference soon became a reality. The CWA trustees instituted a unique model of distribution for the auction proceeds, with greater collaboration amongst the 22 organisations who receive assistance, to optimise productivity by eliminating duplication and concentrating on key areas of expertise.

 “After five short years we can already feel and see a significant shift in education in the winelands.” says Appelbaum.

“Once again bidding was a hotly contested affair as wine lovers challenged each other for a rare opportunity to own a masterpiece of South African winemaking. But it was all for a good cause and the biggest winners ultimately were the 22 trusts that benefit from all the monies raised.”

Says Nedbank Private Wealth Head: Coastal Region, Richard Mulholland: “We are thrilled to have had the privilege of sponsoring The Cape Wine Auction for the past three years. As a business, we are committed to supporting the philanthropic sector in South Africa, and this sponsorship is just one of the ways in which we help enable sustainable giving that has a long-term impact. As part of our specialist wealth management advisory services we also provide our clients with expert advice on how to leave a lasting legacy; in fact, we have received international recognition for our philanthropic advice. Being part of an event like The Cape Wine Auction, that harnesses the power of doing good to transform education, is therefore a great honour.”