Cape Winemakers Guild Auction 2026 sales figures

The 42nd Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, held on 2 and 3 October, generated R18.22m in sales, up 5.9% on 2025. There were 2,220 cases sold, versus 1,912 last year, an increase of 16%. In other words, more wine shifted and more money raised, but the average price per bottle fell from R1,501 to R1,368.

Hosted by Strauss & Co, the hybrid event (bids accepted in person, online and by telephone) drew 263 registered bidders from 16 countries. 58 wines were offered: 34 reds (1,364 cases), 22 whites (780 cases) and two Cap Classiques (76 cases).

For the first time in the Guild’s 42-year history, white wines, including Cap Classique, achieved a higher average price than reds: R1,416 per bottle versus R1,340, excluding VAT. Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay accounted for 65% of the white wines offered.

The five producers achieving the highest six-bottle-equivalent hammer prices were:

1. Mullineux The Gris Old Vine Sémillon 2025 – R27,500
2. Rall Wines Noa Syrah 2024 – R19,000
3. Leeu Passant Hillside Cabernet Franc 2023 – R17,500
4. Solo Wines by Carl Schultz CWG Auction Merlot 2023 – R15,000
5. Van Loggerenberg Wines CWG Auction Syrah 2025 – R13,000

The 96 successful bidders included two private clients among the top 10 buyers, alongside Grootbos, Singita and UK merchant Bordeaux Index.

South African bidders accounted for 78% of sales, the balance hailing from 10 other countries: the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Guernsey and Australia; UK bidders accounted for 7% of the total.

Trade represented just under 30% of bidders but accounted for 44% of the total value purchased.

Separately, the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Auction raised R655,900 through donated wines and wine-related experiences. The money supports the Guild’s Protégé Programme, which provides placements and training for emerging South African winemakers.