Online bidding was introduced successfully on a trial basis at the 2012 auction in partnership with UK auction giant, ATG, and with internet auction purchases trending globally, online sales are expected to increase this year. Through the www.the-saleroom.com portal, wine collectors and dealers can now bid online from anywhere in the world as if they were on the auction floor.
Prospective buyers who are unable to attend the auction, can either register in advance and take advantage of the Guild's telephonic and proxy bidding facilities, or register free of charge with www.the-saleroom.com to bid online on the day. Online registration opens two weeks prior to the auction once the catalogue has been posted on the site.
The CWG Auction is open to the wine trade and the general public, with local buyers making up 87% of the sales at the 2012 event. The 2013 auction lineup features small volumes of unique wines all crafted exclusively for the auction by members of the Guild.
Variety, great diversity of styles and unusual cultivars are the signature of this year's auction featuring no less than 59 singularly crafted wines. With its biggest white wine selection ever and 667 more cases on offer than the previous year, the 2013 auction promises more variety and unusual wine styles.
This year's auction wines, all poised to become rare collector's pieces, include 36 red wines, 18 white wines, two Méthode Cap Classiques, one dessert wine, a Port and a potstill brandy making up the tally of 3,184 cases (6 x 750ml case equivalent).
The 29th Nedbank CWG Auction, conducted by Henré Hablutzel of Hofmeyr Mills Auctioneers for the 16th consecutive year.
The final pre-auction tasting for prospective auction buyers will be held on the eve of the auction at Spier at 6pm on Friday, 4 October 2013. Tickets cost R350 and can be booked via www.webtickets.co.za.
For further details visit www.capewinemakersguild.com or contact the Guild office on +27 (0)21 852 0408 or moc.dliugsrekameniwepac@ofni.
