Cape Town, South Africa – March 28, 2024 – The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) celebrates the extraordinary success of its recent Fundraiser Auction, held on March 20th at the esteemed Grub & Vine Norval. Garnering remarkable support from the wine community, the event successfully raised over R300,000, with the online auction component alone contributing over R190,000.
The auction was highlighted by the sale of a prized vertical collection of Sadie Columella, which fetched an impressive R135,000. Moreover, the silent auction witnessed a fervent bidding war over a three-pack of Peter Barlow Magnums from Rustenberg, culminating in a winning bid of R5,750 after 13 bids.
Generous donations from key industry figures and organizations, including Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Cap Classique Association, Mike Ratcliffe of Villafonte, Higgo Jacobs (previous SASA chairperson) and Roland Peens from Strauss & Co, the Old Vine Project, among others, were instrumental to the auction’s triumph. These contributions underscore the collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence within the South African wine community.
SASA Chairperson Spencer Fondaumiere expressed his gratitude, stating, “The success of this event is a testament to the collective will of our industry to support and elevate the profession of sommeliers in South Africa. The generosity shown tonight will greatly assist in our mission to provide world-class certification for sommeliers, enhancing their recognition and professionalism within the global wine industry.”
General Manager Erica Taylor added, “We are immensely thankful for the support and enthusiasm from all corners of the wine community, which made this auction a monumental success. A special thank you to Katy Rose and Stuart Buttle from Rose Digital for their exceptional management of the online auction, which was a key factor in our fundraising efforts. These funds will be invaluable in advancing our certification programs, benefiting sommeliers and the broader wine industry.”
SASA extends its heartfelt thanks to Chef Matt Manning, the auctioneer of the night, all donors, participants, and the Grub & Vine Norval team for their hospitality. Additional gratitude is extended to Katy Rose and Stuart Buttle of Rose Digital for their pivotal role in the online auction's success. The association remains dedicated to elevating the sommelier profession through its certification programs, contributing to the global appreciation of South African wines.
For more information about SASA and its certification programs, please visit www.sommeliers.org.za.
A huge thank you to all who donated lots!
Aubergine- Chef Harald Bresselschmidt
Bertus Basson, Chef and Restaurateur
Blind Ambition- Tinashe Nyamudoka, Marlvin Gwese and Joseph Dafana
Brookdale
Cap Classique Association- Pieter Ferreira/Elunda Basson
Chef Matt Manning- Grub & Vine, Culture Wine Bar, Chef's Studio
Chenin Blanc Association
Constantia Wine Route
Da Trafford
De Grendel- Melissa Gundry
De Wetshof- Bennie Stipp
Delaie Graff
Domine de Deux
Ëlgr Restaurant
Ex Animo Wine Co.- David Clarke
Glennely
Iona
Jordan- Gary Jordan and Thea van der Merwe
Journey's End
Judd’s Local- Sadie Lot
Kaapzicht
Ken Forrester
Klein Constantia- Jacqueline Harris
Morevino
Mullineux Wines
Newmark Hotels- Marlvin Gwese
Norval Foundation
Old Vine Project
Oldenburg Wines
Paul Cluver
Pinotage Association
Raats- Bruwer Raats and Gavin Bruwer
Siris Vintners
SA Brandy Foundation- Shane Mumba
Southern Sun Hotels
Stellenbosch Wine Routes
Stellenzicht- Janine Lategan
Strauss & Co. - Higgo Jacobs and Roland Peens
Vilafonte- Mike Ratcliffe
Vriesenhof
WineLab- Andrew Shelly (DipWSET)
About the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA):
The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) aims to certify sommeliers, promoting a high standard of wine knowledge and service. Through its certification programs, SASA fosters professionalism among sommeliers, enhancing the wine experience for consumers and elevating the stature of South African wines worldwide. Learn more at www.sommeliers.org.za