There is quite a big difference between a Wine Auction and a Charity Wine Auction. The Wine Auction can be quite an intimidating place for the average wine lover, just visit of the best known sites: https://www.idealwine.com/, https://www.ackerwines.com/, http://www.sothebys.com/ or http://www.zachys.com/
The Charity Wine Auction can be something totally different. From a fundraiser in the local school hall to a celebrity-clad affair. In this instance, regardless of the venue, format or charity, the intimidation is less. Here it is less about the wine’s maturation potential and investment value and more about supporting the cause.
We often receive requests for wine donations for auctions and we often support these initiatives, but it is our involvement in The Cape Wine Auction that really gets me excited.
“Established in 2014, the Cape Wine Auction Trust was created to raise money for education in the South African winelands. At a time when South African education is in crisis and donor fatigue is on the rise, they went in search of a new giving model, one which focuses on maximum impact and long-term sustainability. The 19 beneficiaries have been strategically selected for the role that each plays within the holistic cycle of education. The Trust looked at education from Cradle to Career.”
And while all charity has a noble cause, this one is really clever about what they do and with a single-minded goal, everyone knows that proceeds from the auction really makes a difference in the local communities.
What I also enjoy about the format of The Cape Wine Auction is that while the big money-spinner event takes place on the Saturday with a catalogue of amazing auction lots, the Friday night offers a barrel auction, staying true to our shared passion. The American Express Barrel Auction offers a rare opportunity to taste, bid and potentially own exclusive yet-to-be-released vintages of some of South Africa’s top winemakers and I love that amidst the fundraising and socialising, there still is an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful wines of the Cape.
I am looking forward to a weekend (10, 11 February 2017) of exclusive wine releases, exceptional Cape Winelands hospitality and most of all, the opportunity to make a difference in the Winelands. (Click here if you don’t want to miss out)