The annual Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme Auction is officially underway, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to invest in unique wines, while supporting the South African wine industry’s most successful skills development programme. A highlight on this year’s catalogue is a trio of third-year protégé wines with sublime stories to tell.
Having officially kicked off today, 21 August, the Protégé Auction will remain open until 6 pm on Monday, 6 October with bidding taking place virtually on the Strauss & Co website.
A sister event of the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, which will take place at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West on Friday, 3 and Saturday, 4 October, the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Auction is a major fund-raising initiative for the Protégé Programme, as all proceeds are channelled back into supporting the protégés.
Coveted auction lots include unique collections, rare verticals and wine-related experiences with Guild members, as well as wines made by this year’s graduating protégés.
Wines with a story to tell
This year, three graduating protégés will have wines on auction, which will be offered as separate lots in the Protégé Auction.
Adding to their singularity, each of the wines produced by Karabelo Masoleng, Lindelwa Panaso Msomi and Tholakele Tania Bekwayo carries a significant name and story.
- Serendipity Pinot Noir 2024 – Karabelo Masoleng
This 100% Pinot Noir was made by Karabelo under the mentorship of Charles Hopkins whilst she was at De Grendel Wine Estate during her second year as a protégé.
“The name Serendipity holds a very special meaning for me,” explains Karabelo.
“I made a big leap from a career in modelling to winemaking — an unexpected shift where passion and purpose perfectly aligned. This wine is my way of celebrating those surprising moments in life that guide us towards what we’re truly meant to do. It’s a tribute to dreams, storytelling, and the courage to follow your heart.”
“Serendipity invites you to embrace possibility and raise a glass to the joy of becoming.”
- iNtombenhle Pinotage 2024 – Lindelwa Panaso Msomi
iNtombenhle is 100% Pinotage made under the mentorship of JD Pretorius at Warwick Wine Estate during her second year as a protégé.
“The name iNtombenhle comes from the isiZulu word meaning ‘Beautiful girl.’ My goal was to create a feminine, elegant, silky, and light wine — qualities I focused on throughout every step of production,” says Panaso. “Inspired by my mother’s nurturing resilience, this wine honours family, identity, and South Africa’s innovative spirit embodied in Pinotage’s heritage.”
“iNtombenhle invites anyone to explore wine with joy and openness rather than intimidation, making it perfect for both newcomers and seasoned drinkers.”
- Tamara Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature 2024 – Tholakele Tania Bekwayo
This wine was made by Tholakele under the mentorship of Pieter Ferreira whilst she was at Graham Beck during her second year as a protégé.
Comprising 75% Chardonnay and 25% Alvarinho, this vibrant and lively Cap Classique that Tholakele named in honour of her first mentor, a devoted primary school teacher who nurtured her early potential.
“This wine is my tribute passion project — a heartfelt expression of deep passion, opportunity, and the transformative power of mentorship,” says Tholakele. “It celebrates all mentors who ignite excellence within us. As you savour each sip, may it stir your soul and remind you of the profound, lasting impact of guidance.”
“It is a symbol of gratitude and renewal — paying tribute to the village that nurtures every dreamer.”
Other notable lots include:
- Lunch and a private tasting for six people with Duncan Savage at Savage Wines in Salt River
- 2026 Harvest Experience with Hannes Storm at Storm Wines
- The Cellar Table Experience – Lunch for 8 guests with Coenie Snyman at Rock of Eye Wines
- 2 x 3 litre bottles, one bottle of each: Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2018 and Pinot Noir 2020 from Gordon Newton Johnson
- 6 x 750ml bottles, comprising 3 bottles The Sheltering Sky 2020 and 3 bottles Valkyrie Chardonnay 2021 from Samantha O’Keefe – Lismore Estate Vineyards
- An Ataraxia Journey by Kevin Grant – Under the Gavel Chardonnay Vertical comprising 1 bottle of each of the following vintages: 2020, 2021, 2022
- Beaumont Family Wines – New Baby Vertical Collection and Exclusive Wine and Food Experience for Four with Sebastian Beaumont
The Cape Winemakers Guild plays an important role in driving and supporting the transformation of the South African wine industry through the Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust and, particularly, the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme.
Since its inception in 2006, the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme has established itself as the most successful skills development programme in the South African wine industry. During the course of the three-year programme, Protégés are assigned mentors from among the Cape Winemakers Guild members. They spend every year working alongside a different mentor to gain as much experience as possible.
So far, 38 protégés have completed the three-year internship, ten are currently participating in this ongoing programme, and 22 now either hold leading winemaking roles or have their own winemaking projects.
How to Buy on the Protégé Auction:
- To bid on the Protégé Auction, bidders will need to create a bidder’s account here: https://www.straussart.co.za/join
- Once a bidding account has been created, bidders can register to bid on the Protégé Auction, at www.straussart.co.za
