Record wine prices at CWG Auction despite overall dip

Biggest spender, Alan Pick of The Butcher Shop & Grill.

Marc Kent's Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Auction Reserve 2005 fetched the highest price of R5400 for a case of six bottles, while a case of John Loubser's Steenberg The White Savage 2008 sold for R3300.

“Within the context of the ruling global economic conditions and the past two weeks of political uncertainty in South Africa, the Guild can be proud of the splendid results at this year's auction. The results are a re-affirmation of the wine buyers' faith in the Guild offering. The Guild has once again risen to the occasion,” said CWG Chairman Philip Costandius.

Overall results

While the total sales of R4,935,100 were down slightly by 3% on last year's phenomenal record of R5,085,200, many of the wines from well-known winemakers fetched exceptional prices this year. Lesser known wines generally sold at more pocket-friendly prices, thereby providing buyers with a wide range of price options.

The total number of cases sold this year was 2520. The average price per case was R1958.37 - just marginally less than last year - with local buyers spending R3,927,600 making up 80% of the total value. Alan Pick of The Butcher Shop & Grill was the biggest spender for the 7th consecutive year with his tally of R1,327,300. The spend by overseas buyers increased to 20% at just over R1 million rand this year. Regular foreign buyer, Willy Rouseu of Rouseu Wijnen in Belgium, who was unable to attend but participated via telephonic bidding, was the biggest overseas spender at R217,000.

Still positive

“The Cape Winemakers Guild has become a strong brand and even with the downturn in the economy, this year's auction has endorsed this, there can be no argument about that. It is all about consistency and that the public believes these are the best wines from the country's top 38 winemakers,” said Alan Pick, who bought more white wines than usual this year for his new licensed restaurant that opens in Dubai in June 2009.

International interest

UK private buyers Roy Wingrove, Keith Innes and Paul Plant.

In total, 100 buyers participated in the auction led by Henré Hablutzel of Hofmeyr-Mills Auctioneers, 22 of whom came from overseas. The United Kingdom was well represented with purchases predominantly from private wine buyers. Canada was represented at the auction for the first time this year by private buyer, Rick Bonner, who bought wines totalling R63,400. Other countries represented at the auction were Denmark, Hong Kong, Sweden, USA, Russia, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Namibia and Nigeria.

Other notable vintages

Besides the top selling red and white wines, the following also fetched exceptional prices per 6-bottle case:

• Engelbrecht Els CWG 2006: R5200
  
• Thelema Auction Reserve 2006: R4600
  
• Beyerskloof Pinotage 2006: R3400
  
• Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon 2005: R3400
  
• Vriesenhof Pinot Noir 2005: R3300
  
• Rudera Chenin Blanc Noble Late Harvest Auction Reserve: R3200
  
• Ataraxia Chardonnay 2007: R3000

Auction regulars, Damien Le Roy and Mutle Mogase, buyers of the Charity Auction collection.

Digging deeper into their pockets, bidders also showed their generosity by raising R109,500 at the Silent Auction and the Charity Auction in aid of the Nedbank CWG Development Trust. Limited edition collections of 1,5 litre bottles of special Guild blended wines raised R28,200 at the Charity Auction.

Nedbank who have sponsored the CWG for the past 13 years announced the extension of the sponsorship for a further three years at the auction.

“Nedbank's sponsorship of the Guild is an integral part of our overall commitment to the wine industry. By partnering with these winemakers we are able to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the wine industry. The success of the CWG Development Trust, which was established for the benefit of disadvantaged communities, demonstrates our desire to make a meaningful contribution to the communities in which we operate,” said Rico Basson, Divisional Manager Agriculture, Nedbank Corporate.