Celebrating 11 years of The Cape Wine Auction
The Cape Wine Auction (CWA) – since its inception in 2014 – has garnered international recognition as a premier wine-themed charity auction with more than R135 million raised to date to support education in the South African winelands.
Paul Clüver, who has been chairman of the Cape Wine Auction Trust since 2022, is keenly aware that those in charge cannot only rely on its impressive past achievements but need to adapt to changing markets and raise the auction bar each year.
“We’re always exploring ways to elevate the Cape Wine Auction (CWA) – from curating exceptional lots and enhancing the guest experience, to ultimately raising more funds for the children we serve. Partnering with Nederburg for the first time in 2026 marks an exciting evolution and we’re optimistic that it will help broaden the appeal and reach of the event in the event’s special 11th year,” he says.
“Nederburg brings with it a rich legacy in hosting wine auctions and has been a flag bearer for South African wine over the past 50 years. Their experience, network and brand presence – supported by Heineken Beverages – will undoubtedly help elevate the guest experience and amplify our reach to new audiences which we are pleased about.”
The 2026 Cape Wine Auction will be hosted at the historic Nederburg Estate on Saturday, February 7, 2026, offering guests a day of elegance, generosity and unforgettable experiences.
Cluver is delighted with the opportunities presented by next year’s venue, which will accommodate a larger audience.
“In partnership with Heineken, we look forward to engaging with new bidders and expanding our reach. The addition to the line-up of the Celebration Event – which adds a vibrant evening dimension to the auction with a music lineup headlined by MiCasa and Loyiso – further elevates the occasion, ensuring the day is marked by exceptional and memorable experiences.”
The CWA format remains true to tradition with the morning devoted to the highly anticipated Barrel Auction, showcasing exclusive wines from South Africa’s top producers, followed at midday by the Experience Auction & Luncheon, where guests can bid on once-in-a-lifetime lots while enjoying an epicurean spread. This will be curated by some of the biggest names on the South African culinary stage including Reuben Riffel, Peter Tempelhoff, Pete Goffe‑Wood and more, ensuring a feast that is as memorable as it is diverse.
The idea for the auction was conceived in 2013 when Mike Ratcliffe (owner of Vilafonté Wine Estates and former chairman of the CWA Trust) 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 the Cape Wine Auction was born and he was soon joined by a powerhouse group of trustees – which now include Paul Clüver, Raymond Ndlovu (deputy chairman), Wendy Appelbaum, Niclas Kjellström‑Matseke, Sir De Villiers Graaff, Ken Forrester and Johan van Zyl as well as auction director Darielle Robertson and trust facilitator Andi Norton.
The CWA trustees instituted a new model of distribution for the auction proceeds, with greater collaboration amongst the 28 organisations – each doing vital work in education and youth development across the winelands – who receive assistance, to optimise productivity by eliminating duplication and concentrating on key areas of expertise.
“We all know that education can change a child’s life but it has to be holistic. Since its inception, the CWA has directed every cent raised toward identified charities crucial in addressing educational disparities in disadvantaged rural communities. These charities not only facilitate education and infrastructure but also provide vital social support, including meals, recognising that a well-fed child is essential for effective learning.
“My hope is that the Cape Wine Auction continues to be embraced even more widely by the wine industry and our philanthropic community – allowing us to grow the event’s scale and impact significantly over the next five years,” he says.
Clüver took over as chairman of in 2022 and admits that, due to COVID, it was a challenging time for everyone involved.
“It wasn’t easy but I’m proud that we managed to keep our momentum and evolve our offerings. I’m incredibly grateful to the dedicated wine producers and the buyers who continue to support the Trust. One standout at that time was the introduction of the Wine Barrel Lots, which brought the auction closer to the heart of the industry – that has been a particularly exciting shift.”
Some of the one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-repeated lots for guests to bid on in 2026 include:
- AdVini France – The Domaine Laroche Experience offers a rare immersion into one of France’s most storied wine regions.
- Serve, Sip, and Celebrate: Journey’s End Wines & LTA Queen’s Tennis Experience. A spectacular combination of world-class wine and elite sport.
- A Seven-Night Stay in a Classic Collection Villa by The Hideaways Club. Imagine a week in a beautiful villa in one of the world’s most desirable destinations, from the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean to serene Asian hideaways and dramatic African landscapes.
- In Moment II – a Life-Size Bronze by Anton Smit.
Cluver is delighted with the offerings to date:
“There are a few incredible ones but I must say the Seven-Night Stay in a Classic Collection Villa by The Hideaways Club caught my eye – although I suspect (and hope) that it will go well beyond my budget and boost our fund-raising tally!”
For those wanting to attend the Cape Wine Auction and the other events that will run alongside it, there are a range of ticket options:
Morning Barrel Auction Ticket (R3150pp) includes:
- Access to the exclusive Morning Barrel Auction
- Brunch
- Entry to The Celebration (from 14h00)
- Commemorative wine glass
- Two glasses of wine and two cocktails
- Access to food stalls or pre-booked picnics
The Celebration Ticket (R650pp) includes:
- Entry to The Celebration
- Commemorative wine glass
- Two glasses of wine and two cocktails
- Access to food stalls or pre-booked picnics
darielle@thecapewineauction.com.There is also an all-inclusive Experience Ticket – the ultimate Cape Wine Auction journey, from the first barrel tasting to the final toast with VIP access to a private hospitality area offering food and drinks. Tickets by invite only. To request your invite, email Darielle Robertson at
Tickets are available through Webtickets here.
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