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Education in the Cape set to soar with proceeds from AfrAsia Wine AuctionThe 2015 AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction opened on the evening of Friday 13 February with the American Express Cape Wine Auction 'Barrel Tasting & Preview' hosted at The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Stellenbosch. Guests embarked on a journey through wine, food, opera and magnificent sculpture amidst a fynbos paradise while the sun was setting over Table Mountain. Eight chefs flown in by sponsor, Relais & Châteaux, produced a memorable evening of culinary excellence. ![]() Supreme auctioneer Iain Banner in action The official Auction, which took place on Saturday, 14 February, climbed to new heights raising R10,565,000 for education in the Cape Winelands, a significant 50% increase on the R7,045,000 raised at the inaugural 2014 auction. The entire proceeds of the auction, without offset or deduction, will go to its beneficiaries, charities actively involved with education, from infancy to adulthood, across the Western Cape. The line-up of 37 lots, which came under the hammer of auctioneer, Iain Banner, included rare local and international wine collections; gourmet dinners with world-renowned chefs; unique art pieces; international travel to exotic locations; exclusive private weekend parties and access to the inner sanctum of the South African wine industry. Top lot bidsThe pinnacle bid was R800,000 paid for The Vrede en Lust Lot. This included eight return Air Seychelles business class tickets from Johannesburg to the Seychelles; a stay in a luxury villa with a private beach on the exclusive Eden Island; a three-day cruise on a new Powercat, hosted by a private skipper and chef and a collection of 60 bottles of Vrede en Lust wines. Other lots fetching high prices were:
Auction trustee and supporter, Wendy Appelbaum, closed the day's proceedings, commenting on the success of the day and thanking everyone who contributed, thereby demonstrating their commitment to this cause. For more information, go to www.thecapewineauction.com. |