.Cape Winemakers Guild: 2026 Auction Wines

BY NEAL MARTIN | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Given the doom and gloom surrounding the wine industry, let meus shine a light on something positive, uplifting — South Africa’s annual Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) auction. It runs on a similar model to the German VDP auctions in that winemakers select one or two barrels to create a standalone cuvée, with the addition of a charitable component. There are currently 45 members of the Guild, with membership attached to the winemaker rather than the winery. Ergo, should a winemaker depart an estate, then CWG membership leaves with them. For this auction, all cuvées use a CWG label that states the winemaker and name of the cuvée. These wines are not allowed to be sold commercially, and winemakers often keep very few bottles back. So, if you want to get your hands on a particular CWG cuvée, this is your only chance.

Though the CWG was founded in 1982, it was not until 2006 that they introduced the Protégé Programme, an initiative that funds and organises mentorships for those from disadvantaged backgrounds seeking careers in the wine industry. The program offers invaluable experience working alongside some of the country’s finest winemakers, building networks, exchanging information and so on. The aim is to empower protégés so that they stand on their own two feet. So far, 41 protégés have completed a three-year internship, of which 32 are now either employed at wineries or have set up their own brand. Among them are Kiara Scott-Farmer, formerly at Brookdale and now at Hazendal, and Banele Vakele of Tembela Wines. Both have featured in my previous South Africa articles and likewise will be in my forthcoming report.

This year, I reviewed the full complement of 58 cuvées that will go under the hammer on October 2 and 3. I tasted some with winemakers in the Cape, others at a comprehensive tasting in London. These cuvées mirror how South African wines have improved and diversified in recent years. Where they once erred towards full-bodied reds cloaked in new oak, the latest comprise nearly as many whites as reds (plus two sparklers), a diverse range of grape varieties, and both low-intervention and traditional styles. All submitted wines must pass an independent assessment before their inclusion in the auction. Unsurprisingly, the CWG auction is attracting more international interest, especially among collectors who are au fait with the calibre of CWG winemakers and their vineyard sources. Several of these bottlings reach the apex of South African wine.

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