A record breaking R22.3 million was raised by the Cape Wine Auction (sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth) on 11 February at Anthonij Rupert Wyne.

The full amount will go to 22 beneficiaries who are committed to improving the lives of children in the Cape Winelands.

Items that went under the hammer were exotic travel opportunities, luxury accommodation and limited edition wines. A bespoke experience in Napa Valley, California, fetched R3 million – this was the highest paid lot in the auction’s history, which started in 2014. A collaborative sculpture of three meters tall was created for the auction (by Lionel and Anton Smit) and reached R1.2 million. This lot included a wine and dining experience at Idiom Fine Dining Restaurant and Wine Estate. Local and international guests were treated to local cuisine, fine wines and performances by Zolani Mahola, Craig Hinds (Watershed) and George Town.

Darielle Robertson (Cape Wine Auction Director) says they set out to raise R15 million, but the final amount left them speechless. The generosity seen at the auction bears testimony to the commitment to giving back to those in need, changing lives for the better and sharing good fortune. The money will be used to expand programs and to reach even greater heights.