Rare KWV 1930 muscadel sells for R17,000 at South African auction

A RARE bottle of KWV 1930 muscadel, bottled before World War II and preserved in pristine condition, was sold for R17,000 at the second annual KWV Auction, held on May 7 in the Cathedral Cellar in Paarl. 

The historic bottle was the evening’s headline lot among 116 exclusive wines and brandies released from the producer’s private cellar, reaffirming KWV’s status as one of South Africa’s most collectable wine and spirit producers.

The auction concluded with a total hammer price of R427 300 (pending audit).

The event once again pledged its profits to Nation Builder, an organisation supporting sustainable community development across South Africa.

“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,” said KWV CEO John Loomes.

“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.”

Conducted by auctioneers, Strauss & Co, highlights included aged whites such as a vertical collection of The Mentors Chardonnay (2011, 2013, and 2015), which attracted enthusiastic bidding.

Also in high demand were The Mentors Limited Edition Malbec and Nebbiolo collection, the acclaimed XO Pinotage Single Varietal Brandy, and various tribute Pinotage lots.

“The Pinotage items were the stars of the evening,” said Cape Wine Master and Master of Ceremonies Bennie Howard. “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.”

In addition to flagship ranges like The Mentors, Roodeberg, and Cathedral Cellar, the auction also featured a distinguished collection of Cape fortified wines, with vintage Ports, White Port, Hanepoot Jerepigo, and Muscadel dating from the 1940s to the 1970s, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire pieces of South African wine history.

The inaugural 2024 auction helped build capacity for more than 100 NPOs, a legacy this year’s event aims to grow.

“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. “It’s a privilege to partner with a pioneering company of such stature.”