Record sales for Cape Winemakers Guild

The Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction in Stellenbosch this weekend defied the recession with record-breaking sales.

Annelie Merwe, Andries Burger and CWG Chairman Louis Strydom

Bidding at a rate of R1 million per hour at the 28^th annual auction helped to clock up total sales of R5,739,000 – the highest turnover on record, with all lots selling.

This year’s sales were up 8.6% on 2011, despite 431 fewer cases of wine, with a total of 2,517 cases sold.

The auction also attracted a record number of new buyers and private collectors.

“With the increased variety and superb quality of our auction selection reflecting the diversity of the South African wine industry, there was more scope for different types of buyers this year,” said Louis Strydom, chairman of the Guild.

“Unusual varieties such as Nebbiolo and Cinsault created a lot of interest,” Strydom added.

The line-up of 52 wines included 38 reds, 10 whites, 2 Méthode Cap Classiques, one dessert wine and one port.

Alan Pick of The Butcher Shop and Grill in Sandton triumphed for the 11^th consecutive year as the biggest spender, splashing out R1,017,400.

While 87% of the wines were bought by local buyers, bidders from Belgium, Denmark, the UK and Namibia also took part in the auction.

A trio of Kanonkop wines – Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2007, Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2009 and Kanonkop Pinotage 2010 were among the top sellers at an average price of over R3,000 a case.

Among the whites, top sellers were Jordan Chardonnay Auction Reserve 2011, Chamonix Chardonnay Auction Reserve 2011 and Cape Point Vineyards Auction Reserve White 2011.

An in-depth analysis of South African fine wine appears in the October issue of the drinks business, out now.