Cape Winemakers Guild Auction 2022: Surprises and Trends

Impressive Records from South African Women Winemakers

This year's Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction saw remarkable contributions from prominent female winemakers Samantha O’Keefe of Lismore Estate Vineyards and Andrea Mullineux. Their exceptional wines stole the show, with the Lismore Valkyrie Chardonnay 2021 fetching an impressive average of R1,743 per bottle and the Mullineux Trifecta Chenin Blanc 2020 selling for R1,633. Notably, the Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2019 achieved the highest average of R2,457 per bottle, while the Cederberg Teen die Hoog Shiraz 2020 reached R1,861. In a striking turn, Strauss & Co auctioned a total of 513 lots, totaling R13,985,500 and averaging R1,227 per bottle, marking a 30% increase compared to 2021—interestingly, 30% of the lots went to international buyers. Prices reflect a trend toward higher value, excluding VAT.

The Rising Significance of South African Wines

The directors of Strauss & Co, alongside seasoned auctioneers Susie Goodman and Bina Genovese, and Roland Peens, a fine wine expert, facilitated the auction. Most lots were sold well over the high estimate, with 230 online bidders engaged across 14 countries. "The world is clearly recognizing the incredible value of our white wines, which notably compete with esteemed red wines." Lismore The Sheltering Sky Syrah 2020 and Mullineux The Gris Sémillon 2021 were also among the top ten highest-priced wines, with newcomers Duncan Savage and David & Nadia also performing extraordinarily well with their respective Savage Wines Auction Syrah 2020 and David & Nadia Veiling Grenache 2021.

Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auctions is a collaboration with retailer Wine Cellar and sommelier Higgo Jacobs, who expressed pride in the successful auction. "This modern platform enabled a seamless bidding experience, maintaining high energy throughout," he remarked.

The auction also hosted the White-Glove Protégé Auction, spotlighting the importance of mentorship for next-generation winemakers and the empowerment growing within the CWG.

Other notable wines were Hartenberg CWG Amphora Merlot 2020 (R1,323 per bottle) and Neil Ellis Wines Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (R1,242), both crafted without oak aging, representing a pivotal shift from traditional oak-aged practices.

“Guild members and bidders were taken aback by the extraordinary prices of the white wines, which historically sold at a significant discount compared to reds,” commented Samantha O’Keefe, vice-chairwoman of the Cape Winemakers Guild. Gordon Newton Johnson, chair of the Guild, added, “The renewed enthusiasm and substantial revenues illustrate the swift evolution of the CWG portfolio.”

This year, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve emerged as a key buyer, benefiting from the new two-day format that attractively blended private and professional buyers, providing an engaging weekend filled with fine wines and gourmet cuisine.