The Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Tasting 2026

On Wednesday 16th September, we hosted our Cape Winemakers Guild 2026 Auction Tasting at Mentzendorff's offices in London, hosted by Director of Fine Wine, David Thomas, alongside winemakers JD Pretorius and David Sadie.

The Cape Winemakers Guild Auction is rapidly approaching, taking place over the 2nd & 3rd October at Brickfield Canvas in Cape Town, conducted by Strauss & Co. As in previous years, Bordeaux Index will once again be bidding on selected lots.

Now in its 42nd year, this year's sale comprises 58 lots, the majority from the 2023–25 vintage. After tasting through the line-up in London, our excitement for South African fine wine has only grown.

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For those less familiar: established in 1982, the Guild represents the very best winemakers in South Africa. Membership is by invitation only, extended to those who have consistently produced wines of excellence for at least five years. Each year, members submit their most exceptional, often tiny-production wines for a rigorous blind tasting. Only those that pass are accepted for the auction, ensuring that what's offered truly reflects the best of South Africa. With volumes often averaging fewer than 40 cases per wine, these are rare treasures.

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Beyond the wines, the Guild also invests in the future through the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust and the Protégé Programme, nurturing the next generation of South African winemakers. Supporting the auction is not only a chance to secure some of the country's rarest and most compelling bottles, but also to play a role in shaping its dynamic future.

Get Involved

South Africa remains one of the most exciting and dynamic wine-producing countries in the world. We firmly believe every great cellar should have a South African section, and the Cape Winemaker's Guild Auction is the place to secure its rarest treasures.

As in previous years, we are asking for pledges of £1,000, £2,000, £5,000+ and will bid on your behalf. We aim to secure the best wines at fair levels, and if pricing runs away, we'll only fulfil pledges to the extent that it makes sense for you.

Interested in making a pledge, or want to find out more? Register your interest via the link below.

Register interest