South African wine is at the forefront of our minds here at JancisRobinson.com, following Jancis's long overdue trip to the Cape last week. Among the many exciting new developments emanating from that beautiful country is the 2015 AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction.
This event premiered last year, raising 7.045 million rand for charity – equivalent to approximately £412,000, $616,500 and €550,000 – from bidders vying for an enviable array of wine-related lots. The 2015 catalogue boasts 34 similarly impressive temptations, ranging from exclusive wines in all imaginable formats, to dinners and tastings, to holidays and works of art. Particular highlights include:
- a private tasting and dinner for six at Kanonkop Estate
- an all-inclusive holiday for two at Sir Richard Branson's new Franschhoek vineyard Mont Rochelle
- a collection of unique balthazars from the trendiest names in the Swartland, including Porseleinberg, Sadie, Mullineux and Badenhorst
- a summer party for 100(!) friends at Warwick Estate in Stellenbosch
- a super-luxury experience for eight people in the Seychelles, including business-class flights, private beach and yacht cruises.
Eye-watering – and mouth-watering – rarities such as these are designed to appeal to the most philanthropic (and well-heeled!) wine lovers among us, and bidding is open now at their live auction site. Further details are available at the official website, and the auction itself takes place on Saturday 14 February.
In a world such as ours, wine is an indulgent and luxurious thing, so all efforts to direct some of that passion towards charitable causes must be applauded – and supported in any way we can.