A rare bottle of KWV 1930 Muscadel fetched a remarkable R 17 000 at the second KWV Auction, held on 7 May in the winery’s Cathedral Cellar. This marquee lot – bottled before the Second World War and stored in KWV’s cellars since – was among 116 standout wine and brandy lots drawn from the producer’s private cellar and proved a fitting finale to an evening characterised by spirited bidding.
The auction concluded with a total hammer price of R 427 300 (pending audit) – a notable result that reaffirms KWV’s reputation as one of South Africa’s most respected producers of collectible fine wines and spirits. This year’s auction portfolio once again underscored KWV’s rich legacy and distinguished pedigree, sparking enthusiastic bidding and robust participation. As with the inaugural 2024 Auction, profits from the auction will benefit Nation Builder in support of sustainable community development across South Africa.
Commenting on the evening’s result, KWV CEO John Loomes said: “It is a privilege to witness another milestone in KWV’s 107-year journey — and to honour a legacy built on crafting wines and brandies that people choose to include in their most cherished memories. It is even more meaningful that this vision culminated in such a remarkable result tonight, one that will resonate far beyond our cellar walls and make a lasting impact in communities.”
A showcase of provenance and prestige
The evening, expertly conducted by Strauss & Co, showcased bottles with flawless provenance, remarkable stories, and prestigious accolades. These included wines from its premium ranges – The Mentors, Roodeberg, and Cathedral Cellar – including matured vertical collections and special Pinotage tribute lots, honouring South Africa’s signature grape. Notably, lots featuring aged white wines — such as the vertical collection of The Mentors Chardonnay (2011, 2013, and 2015 vintages) — attracted fervent bidding, highlighting the rarity of white wines matured under ideal cellar conditions. Equally compelling was the response to The Mentors Limited Edition Malbec and Nebbiolo collection, which also commanded strong interest from bidders, as well as Pinotage lots and KWV’s XO Pinotage Single Varietal Brandy.
Commenting on the standout Pinotage lots, Cape Wine Master and Master of Ceremonies Bennie Howard said: “The Pinotage items were the stars of the evening – a shining example of how KWV continues to showcase the exceptional quality and diversity of South African wine and brandy, which we are so proud to celebrate.”
Other lots of interest included a rare and historic selection of Cape fortified wines dating from the 1940s to the 1970s – among them vintage Ports, Muscadel, White Port, and Hanepoot Jerepigo.
Raising a glass to community upliftment
All profits from the KWV Auction 2025 will be donated to Nation Builder, supporting its mission to strengthen nonprofit organisations across South Africa. The inaugural auction helped capacitate more than 100 registered NPOs — a legacy this year’s event proudly seeks to expand.
“We are incredibly grateful to KWV and its team for their generosity and for taking the call to make a real, lasting impact so seriously,” said Nation Builder CEO Ivan Swartz at the close of the evening. “It’s a privilege to partner with a pioneering company of such stature.”
Full results from the evening can be viewed on www.straussart.co.za.
