The annual Cape Winemakers Guild Auction showcases rare and unique wines produced in small quantities exclusively for the auction by the members of the Guild. The wines have undergone rigorous screening by an independent laboratory before being tasted blind and selected by specialist panels of Guild members.
2026 Cape Winemakers Guild Auction
VENUE: Strauss & Co, 2nd floor, Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock
Masterclass Tastings
In the run-up to the big event, there will be various opportunities to taste the 2026 Cape Winemakers Guild Auction wines.
Tastings hosted at The Westin in Cape Town and Strauss & Co in Houghton, Johannesburg
Masterclass Tasting Cape Town
Thursday 20 August from 14:30 to 18:00
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Tasting Pretoria Country Club
Tuesday 25 August from 14:30 to 17:30
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Dinner Pretoria Country Club
Tuesday 25 August from 17:30
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Masterclass Tasting Johannesburg
Wednesday 26 August from 13:30
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Past Auctions and Auction Highlights
2025 Key Highlights
- 258 registered bidders from 13 countries
- 1,912 cases sold, at an average of R1,501 per bottle
- 48 wines auctioned – 17 white wines, 30 red wines, and for the first time ever, a pale dry
- Top bidders from South Africa, UK, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Switzerland and Luxembourg
- The bidding room energy was electric — so much so that Auctioneer Dr Alastair Meredith broke his gavel during a particularly fast and furious round!.
The auction was facilitated by Strauss & Co.
2024 Key Highlights
- 40 years of the Auction: First held in 1985.
- 48 wines (28 red, 20 white) went under the hammer.
- 101 bidders successfully secured lots.
- 55% of sales were to South African bidders, with 28% going to the UK.
- Bidders from 13 countries, including Germany, Canada, and Singapore.
- R45,000 per case: The Mullineux Swartland ‘The Gris’ Old Vines Sémillon 2023 set a new record for white wines.
- Total sales: 2,118 cases (6 x 750ml) at an average of R1,309 per bottle.
- Gourmet delights and rare wine tastings enhanced the in-person experience.
- Top-performing wines included Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2021, Savage Wines Auction Syrah 2022, and Boschkloof CWG Epilogue Syrah 2022.
The auction was facilitated by Strauss & Co, achieving a “white glove” sale, with all 545 lots sold.
“This year’s record-breaking auction is a testament to the Cape Winemakers Guild’s dedication to excellence. Our members’ rare and unique wines continue to captivate local and international wine enthusiasts.”
– Samantha O’Keefe, Chair of the Cape Winemakers Guild
