In a showcase of South African winemaking excellence, the 42nd Cape Winemakers Guild Auction achieved a record-breaking total of R18 223 000 this past weekend. A highlight on the calendars of wine enthusiasts locally and abroad, the Auction took place at Strauss & Co, Brickfield Canvas in Woodstock, Cape Town on Friday, 2 and Saturday, 3 October 2026.
Hosted by Strauss & Co, the Auction welcomed bids in person, online via the auctioneer’s website, and telephonically. The hybrid event drew 263 registered bidders from 16 countries, highlighting the continued appeal of rare and exclusive South African wines.
This year, 58 wines went under the hammer, comprising 34 red wines (1 364 cases), 22 white wines (780 cases) and two Cap Classique wines (76 cases). All wines were exclusively produced for the auction by members of the Cape Winemakers Guild and underwent a rigorous selection process.
A total of 2,220 cases (6 x 750ml) were sold, with an average price of R1 368 per bottle, excluding South African VAT. The white glove sale (all lots sold) sold at just under mid estimate (98%), the estimate values set by the auctioneer, and 12% of the lots sold above high estimate.
Reflecting international trends, and for the first time in the 42 years of the Cape Winemakers Guild, white wines (including Cap Classique) were more expensive than red wines, averaging R1 416 per bottle, vs R1 340 per bottle, excluding VAT. This bodes well for the strength of South African Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, as these two categories made up the majority (65%) of the white wines on offer.
Having said that, the overall highest price achieved by a wine on this year’s auction was for the Mullineux ‘The Gris’ Old Vine Sémillon 2025, while the highest price over auctioneer’s estimates went to the Lismore Estate Vineyards Child of Venus Viognier 2025.
Other top performers this year include the Rall Wines Noa Syrah 2024, Beaumont Family Wines GG’s Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2025 and Leeu Passant Hillside Cabernet Franc 2023.
96 out of 263 bidders successfully purchased wines at the Auction. The top ten auction buyers included two private clients, Grootbos, Singita and Bordeaux Index in the United Kingdom.
In total, 78% of sales went to South African bidders, with the balance hailing from 10 other countries: the UK (strongly represented with 7% of the total bidders), Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland, Guernsey and Australia.
Trade represented just under 30% of the total bidders this year but accounted for a healthy 44% of the total value purchased.
The venue move to Strauss & Co’s Cape Town HQ at Brickfield Canvas in Woodstock also marked a fresh chapter for the Auction. Reflecting Cape Town’s dynamic art scene, this vibrant, creative space provided an atmospheric new setting for the Auction, with ample walk-around space and more opportunities for guests to engage with the wines and the winemakers behind them.
“Strauss & Co takes immense pride in hosting this important annual wine industry event here within our gallery walls in Cape Town. The CWG auction is well established as South Africa’s most significant fine wine auction and we are proud to handle the sale and to be associated. With so many live bidders in the room, along with many following from all over the world online, and active bids on the telephone, the energy was fantastic,” says Susie Goodman, senior auctioneer and Managing Executive of Strauss & Co.
Says JD Pretorius, chair of the Cape Winemakers Guild: “This year, we had one of the most diverse selections of wine ever to go under the hammer at the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. We are absolutely thrilled with the record-breaking results and, as always, exceedingly proud of our members’ dedication to hand-crafting rare and unique wines exclusively for the Auction. It is humbling to see how this pursuit of excellence continues to shape the South African winemaking landscape, while also driving international interest and demand.”
Strong support for the next generation of South African winemakers
Apart from the excellent results of the 42nd Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, Cape Winemakers Guild members and member properties also raised R655 900 for the Protégé Programme this year through the auctioning of their wine donations and wine-related experiences in the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Auction, which took place virtually on the Strauss & Co website between 21 August and 5 October 2025.
With every bid contributing directly to the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme, the annual Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Auction offers an excellent opportunity to acquire unique collections, rare verticals, experiences with Guild members and wines made by graduating protégés, while supporting the development of the next generation of South African winemakers.
