Nederburg Auction evolves into Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction

Oude Libertas

The historic Nederburg Auction launched in 1975, has entered an exciting new chapter by evolving into the Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction which will be held in October this year. 

The strategic move is in line with Distell’s new premium and fine wine company, Libertas Vineyards and Estates, whose purpose is to support and drive the upselling and premiumisation of South African wine on the global stage. 

CEO of Libertas Vineyards and Estates, Kay Nash, says the collective vision is to build an industry platform widening world wide access to South African fine wines and by doing so escalate the desirability and collectability of these wines. 

“In order to achieve this, we believe that the auction can be a catalyst for change. By growing an industry platform for fine wine producers and leveraging our 44 years of experience and investment we will collectively raise interest in South African fine and rare wines and attract existing, and new local and global buyers.” 

Kay Nash CEO of Libertas Vineyards and Estates

“Collectors and investors are increasingly seeking out wines that have a story and a strong connection to a particular place or vineyard. They seek rarity, quality and provenance which the line-up of fine and rare wines will certainly deliver on.” 

The Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction will introduce exciting changes, including moving from Nederburg to the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch and a new selection process and format. The final wine selection will be curated by a panel of expert judges with strict criteria focussing on quality, rarity and collectability as the main drivers. Philanthropy will remain a key element of the auctions DNA and focus for all the stakeholders. 

The Auction will also collaborate with British Auction House Christie’s, by introducing a Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction Superlot at their Fine and Rare Wine Auction held in London later this year. 

“This platform will provide participating South African producers significant exposure to new buyers and by partnering with Christie’s, we will benefit from their expertise and gravitas in the category and plan to build our presence at global events in a phased approach.” 

The amphitheatre at Oude Libertas

To ensure the auction delivers a platform that is inclusive and transparent, significant input has been sought from industry influencers, leaders and buyers. Nash says “the response has been inspiring.” 

“In April we hosted a group of individuals, some who have and some who have never participated in the Nederburg Auction before, to provide input for the new format. The feedback has been constructive and extremely positive.” 

“The change is all about collaboration and inclusivity. We will continue to work together with the producers, industry and buyers to deliver success for all stakeholders.” 

“We anticipate that the producers represented at the new format auction will be diverse and the changed selection criteria and reinvented fundamental ethos of the auction will encourage participation by South Africa’s finest producers.” 

Libertas Vineyards and Estates is physically housed at the historic Oude Libertas.

The Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction will take place on 18 and 19 October at the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch. Tickets will be by invitation and we encourage potential buyers to contact Dalene Steyn on DSteyn@libertasvineyards.co.za to register their interest.
More fine wines 

Slow Market at Oude Libertas

Vilafonte and Epicurean Impress at Burgundy

Chateau de Mercurey

Twelve pre-phylloxera Domaine Romanée-Conti wines tasted at exclusive The White Club event in Burgundy, France.

A very small and exclusive group of luxurious wine lovers were hosted last month for a unique weekend extravaganza in Burgundy, France. The White Club, an international wine club for private members, partnered with Parmigiani for a 'once in a lifetime' event with Domaine Romanée-Conti and the legendary Aubert de Villaine. DRC is known as the world's most important wine producer.

Aubert de Villaine

 Domaine Romanée-Conti, also the world's most expensive wines were served alongside Henri Jayer – another legendary wine producer from Burgundy. Henri Jayer treasures were served blind, four times, as Jokers for the privileged crowd and the guests were astounded by the impressive selection of twelve pre-phylloxera Domaine Romanée-Conti wines served during the weekend which totaled a mind-blowing 9727 Euros on average per bottle.

Domaine Romanée-Conti

 Guests were accommodated at the exquisite 19th Century “Haussman” style chateau 'Chateau de Mercurey' situated amongst the Vineyards in Burgundy, and experienced the most ambitious eight decade tasting of Domaine Romanée-Conti. The White Club served these exceptional wines in 'lead free' Zalto glasses and 100 point Lalique Glasses designed in partnership with James Suckling for guests to experience the ultimate tasting. A one-of-a kind luxury water was also chosen to accompany the exceptional tasting and menu, 'Gize', a unique goldfiltered water from Canada.

Within the line up, there were two wines presented from South Africa, namely Vilafonte and Epicurean, which impressed the group immensely. The Chateau owner commented that Vilafonte M was a revelation for South African wines, stating “I only drank Burgundy until now”. 

Malene Meisner, CEO of The White Club commented “In 62 hours we experienced 112 World Class Wines – what a Weekend!” 

Favourites for Malene Meisner were Romanee Conti 23, Romanee Conti 56, Romanee Conti 89, La Tache 47, Romanee Conti St Viviant 21, Petrus 47 and Margaux 29 and commented “The weekend was exceptional and will probably never again be repeated in my lifetime”
For more Information and upcoming events visit : The White Club

Aubert de Villaine and Malene Meisner

Malene Meisner, CEO of The White Club