Record sales at Cape Wine Makers Guild auction

Showing its prowess as South Africa’s premier wine auction, this year’s record sales totalling R8 401 400 were 46% up on the 2012 turnover of R5,7 million. The auction, which attracted 163 buyers this year, the biggest contingent ever, also set a new record for the highest price per case of R6 200 achieved by the Hartenberg Auction Reserve Shiraz 2010.

“The overall growth and increase in the average price per bottle by 14,5% is testimony to the high quality standards of our auction wines, as endorsed by the excellent reviews by both local and international wine commentators prior to the auction,” said an elated Jeff Grier, Chairman of the Cape Winemaker Guild.

“The Guild has become a reputable brand in the South African wine industry and our contribution to the industry as a whole through our social responsibility programmes and the development of future winemakers and industry leaders, is tangible and contributes to our high standing and credibility,” he added.

The auction, conducted by Henré Hablutzel of Hofmeyr Mills Auctioneers for the 16th consecutive year, attracted 145 local and 18 foreign buyers. In total 3 218 cases were sold at an average price of R2 609 per case and an average price per bottle of R435. The lineup of 58 wines included 35 red wines, 18 white wines, 2 Méthode Cap Classiques, one dessert wine, a port and a potstill brandy.

Alan Pick of The Butcher Shop and Grill in Sandton triumphed for the 12th consecutive year as the biggest spender at R1 357 600 with the bulk of the wines, 82%, bought by local buyers. Amongst the foreign buyers, the biggest sales went to the United Kingdom with R474 200, Denmark on R297 200, and Belgium with R225 200.

The 10 top selling wines based on an average price per case equivalent of 6 x 750ml were the Etienne le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Auction Reserve 2010 with R5 255, Teddy Hall Eva (Krotoa) Chenin Blanc Noble Late Harvest 2012 with R5 210, Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Auction Reserve 2011 with R5 126, Neil Ellis Auction Reserve Pinotage 2011 with R4 910, Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2010 with R4 780, Beyerskloof Traildust Pinotage 2011 with R4 540, Ernie Els CWG 2011 with R4 128, Hartenberg Auction Reserve Shiraz 2010 with R4 015, Cederberg Teen die Hoog Shiraz 2011 with R3 953 and the Boplaas Ox Wagon 1880 Auction Reserve Potstill Brandy 8 Year with R3 708.

Over and above the main auction, a record amount of R199 100 was raised on the day in aid of the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé Programme, a mentorship initiative for young, upcoming winemakers. This year’s special item auctioned off at the Charity Auction, a one-of-a-kind 18-litre 2011 Members’ Reserve comprising a blend of top wines from all 45 members of the Guild, was purchased by Colin Patterson of Spar Western Cape for a record price of R60 000.

This article first appeared on winewizard.co.za