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

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival, the flagship event of South Africa’s iconic wine region, stomps its way into a new era this January with an expanded ten-day program designed to showcase in a bigger, better and bolder fashion the delightfully diverse town of Stellenbosch until 3 February 2013.

The Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes moved this annual highlight event from its previous mid-winter schedule to the new dates in order to capitalise on the unique assets and attractions this historic oak-lined town and its more than 150 wineries has to offer during the height of summer.



The new date also celebrates the birth of South African wine, thanks to this entry on 2 February 1659 in the diary of Jan van Riebeeck, official of the Dutch East India Company and First Commander of the Cape: “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.”

“We realised that it makes sense to showcase our world-class wines during a period when everything that Stellenbosch offers - its natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, excellent academic institutions and vibrant agricultural industries - is at its best and brightest. Perfect summer weather, the buzz of a new University year and the bustling start of the harvest season will all add new dimensions to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival experience.

Our member farms are excited, the whole town is mobilised and we are sure that wine lovers and lifestyle tourists from all over South Africa and the world are going to be thrilled with what Stellenbosch is bringing to the table this summer,” says Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

The new-look Stellenbosch Wine Festival delivers a full flight of wine experiences for both casual fans and connoisseurs, including an inaugural charity gala, a ten-day promotion at many of the area’s award-winning restaurants, special cultivar evenings, and wine farm tours. Sporting events, art exhibitions and musical concerts throughout the town during the festival will give attendees a colorful taste of the Stellenbosch lifestyle.



A festival highlight will be the Blessing of the Harvest and a Harvest Parade as celebrants from Stellenbosch member farms are expected to march through the streets. Throughout the week, enthusiasts will be able to tailor-make their own festival experience by dining in town and estate restaurants offering special food and wine pairing menus as part of the festival’s “Wine & Dine” sensation or by visiting a myriad of farms offering unique tours and tasting programmes.

 

Culminating in a three-day Wine Expo which will be located in the heart of the vibrant town and feature interactive stands and tasting programmes from over 130 wine and gourmet food producers. The Wine Expo is set to take place from 1 to 3 February on Die Braak and will take full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings with rustic tables, green décor and free-flowing Bedouin tents. A central stage will play host to Sundowner Concertsto keep festival goers entertained as they enjoy the fabulous vintages on offer.

For more information, visit: www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za

Clos Malverne

The Restaurant nestled in the Devon Valley outside Stellenbosch, welcomes winter with a feast of comforting classics, conjured up in an exclusive Winter Warmer Menu which alternates weekly to rekindle the mid-year slumber with a myriad of wholesome tastes, unique to the season. In addition, the restaurant’s signature Food & Wine Pairing Menu also features a new sumptuous lineup of hearty dishes to transform winter from a period of hibernation into a food celebration. 

The new Winter Warmer Menu, which turns up the heat from Tuesdays to Fridays until the end of August, offers enthusiasts a three course lunchtime food and wine indulgence of generous portions at a mere R158 per person. Each dish on this sizzling bill of fare is served with a matching Clos Malverne wine.

Think Spicy Tomato & Bacon Soup, enriched with gorgonzola, fresh farm-style bread and a glass of Clos Malverne’s Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend to spruce up the palate. Followed by a Chicken & Mango Curry matched with the well-rounded Clos Malverne Chardonnay to satisfy any hunger. Or kiss winter blues goodbye with a melt-in-the-mouth Mandarin Malva Pudding served with a dollop of pistachio and butternut ice cream and the estate’s popular coffee-style pinotage, Le Café.

With its idyllic setting amidst the vineyards and stunning views from its wraparound balcony, The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne has developed a loyal following since 2009 for its fresh, seasonal and easy, contemporary cuisine or as chef Nadia Louw Smith describes it “world food with an earthy sophistication, cooked from the heart and presented with perfection”.

Clos Malverne Estate also enjoys recognition as a popular one-stop wine tasting destination. The restaurant’s inviting wine lounge is the perfect spot to unwind with a bottle of Clos Malverne’s flagship Cape Blends or classic whites. 


If you like what you taste, Clos Malverne can deliver the wines straight to your doorstep via their online wine sales facility. The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne is open daily for lunch except on Mondays and bookings are essential. For more information on The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne or the reserve your table, contact the restaurant at Tel: (+27)21 865 2022 or send an email to info@closmalverne.co.za.  

Welmoed a jewel in the Cape Winelands

The Welmoed Farm

Wine lover or not, a visit to the Cape Winelands is an absolute must in African luxury. A region of breathtaking vistas and majestic mountain backdrops steeped in rich culture and history.

Rolling vineyards and quaint Cape Dutch homesteads await you, as well as award-wining wine farms offering some of South Africa's best wines. Divided into distinct regions each with their own 'wine route'. The most popular and well-known are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington, Paarl and the Constantia Valley.

The Stellenbosch Wine Route

Since Welmoed continuously strives for quality, premium value and craftsmanship, each bottle now showcases the endorsement of the winemaker Bernard Claassen. “As a wine producer we are well-known for our award winning wines and we believe our success relies, in large part, on the handcrafted approach we take to our winemaking,” says Chris O’Shea, Executive Director for Sales and Marketing, at The company of wine people™

Located in Stellenbosch the farm of Welmoed™ was first granted to Governor Simon van der Stel in 1690. Celebrating centuries of proud winemaking tradition whilst embracing modern times, sold in over 29 countries and growing, it has built up a solid reputation both in South Africa and selected overseas markets. This proudly South African brand has launched a stunning new packaging that’s as distinctive as their hand-crafted wines.

The fresh, contemporary labels also better showcase the Welmoed range of premium wines, which are already known for delivering great value for just about any occasion– from sundowners and picnics to dinner parties and weddings. “The brand has evolved to portray Welmoed’s unique heritage on one of the Cape’s most historic farms, while at the same time embracing a more modern and elegant look that communicates the sense of quality and craftsmanship that we deliver as a proudly South African brand,”  O’Shea continues, 

“Whether you’re looking for Chardonnay or Shiraz, the new label makes the varietal of the wine easier to see, and an updated tasting note on each front label now describes what’s in the bottle.” Including a more interactive experience the inclusion of QR-codes on the label means consumers have instant access to information about Welmoed wines, promotions or competitions.

The brand is also known for its innovations and will soon unveil a uniquely-styled Viognier. In keeping with the Heritage Range, which has gained a loyal following for its sophisticated yet approachable style, the newest member of the family will deliver a fresh nose and beautiful varietal characters, perfect for casual picnics or more formal affairs – from dinner parties to weddings. the new look will be available on-shelf across the Welmoed’s Heritage Range of wines, which will soon be expanding to include an all-new Viognier option.

About Welmoed™
The name represents the courage of owner Jacobus van der Heyden, an ex-mercenary turned vrijburgher, who famously rebelled against the corrupt government of Willem Adriaan van der Stel and as a result, was imprisoned at the Castle of Good Hope. To pay homage to this colourful character, Welmoed features a blended range called Heyden’s Courage, consisting of both a red and white blend. An expression of Welmoed’s distinctive, handcrafted approach, Heritage Range includes a Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Rosé, Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon – as well as a non-vintage Sparkling Brut that adds a dash of sparkle to any occasion.  For wine tasting or to visit the restaurant on the premises The Duck Pond visit: www.welmoed.co.za