This year marks the first time that auction goers will be able to bid on multiple charity lots and pay it forward for the development of young winemakers and viticulturists; and the transformation of the South African wine industry. Each charity lot comprises 12 bottles - two bottles each of six different Cape Winemakers Guild wines from previous auctions meticulously selected from the Guild’s temperature controlled vinoteque and presented in beautiful wooden boxes. These rare, individually crafted collectors’ items give wine connoisseurs the opportunity to get their hands on otherwise unobtainable wines.
Every year the Guild members contribute towards noteworthy charity items to be auctioned off in aid of the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust, sponsors of the highly successful Protégé Programme, a mentorship scheme for talented winemakers and viticulturists.
Final year Protégés have the opportunity to plough back into the programme with their own protégé wines sold at gala dinners in Johannesburg and Cape Town. At this year’s Johannesburg gala dinner, Protégé Banele Vakele’s ‘Tembela’ 2017 red blend raised an astonishing R50 000 for two bottles. Fellow third year Protégé, Sydney Mello’s The Custodian Chardonnay 2017 Méthode Cap Classique brought in R27 000, while Maryna Huysamen’s Longshot Semillon 2017 was sold for R25 000.
In addition to the Guild’s own fundraising initiatives, Nedbank, a longstanding partner, donated a substantial R750 000 through the Nedbank Eyethu Community Trust to the Protégé Programme in 2018. Other organisations which support the programme include Amorim Cork, the Cape Cooperage Group, African Cellar Suppliers, Vinpro, Consol Glass, and Hofmeyr Mills Auctioneers.
Established in 2006 under the auspices of the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust, the CWG Protégé Programme gives aspirant winemakers and viticulturists the rare opportunity of working side by side with members of the Guild. By cultivating, nurturing and empowering promising individuals to become winemakers and viticulturists of excellence, the Protégé Programme plays an active role in the long term health and sustainability of the industry. To date 17 winemakers and viticulturists have come through the ranks of the programme, holding successful careers in the wine industry while another seven are currently completing their internships.
The one-of-a-kind charity lots will be sold amongst the fine-tuned 2018 auction line-up of 48 uniquely crafted wines comprising 31 reds, 14 whites, two Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) wines and one port-style wine at the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction.
Since its inception in 1985, this annual South African wine industry showcase has become the archetype of winemaking prowess. Innovative winemaking, craftsmanship and consistency of quality is the hallmark of the auction that is open to the public and enjoys a loyal following of wine buyers and private collectors.