Friday 3rd September will see the Nederburg Auction mark its 36th anniversary, a significant milestone that looks back on its humble beginnings in 1975.  This week-end’s event celebrates the theme of Then and Now, tracing the evolution of the time when there were just 15 wines on offer from five participants, compared with this year’s 161 speciality wines from 81 producers that are intended to provide a selection with appeal to a broad spectrum of niched and multiple retailers and on-consumption customers.

The 2010 streamlined, “back to business” format this year is also more reminiscent of the Nederburg Auction in its earlier years, and is a deliberate signal to bidders, says Carina Gous, Distell’s newly appointed wine segment director, of the intention to deliver real value to buyers.

Ray Edwards of retail giant Spar, last year’s biggest buyer on the auction adds: “From a buyer perspective, despite a tough current trading environment, we can look forward to a variety of lot sizes, affording buyers the flexibility to purchase in line with specific volume requirements. This year we’re keen to target the Nederburg reds, in particular the Private Bins as they offer good value for money for our wine consumers”.

That said, the auction values its guests and is keen to ensure that everyone attending this year has a great experience, which is why Saturday’s programme on September 4 pays tribute to the heady disco days of the 70s and the first auction when bellbottoms, maxi dresses, platforms and kaftans were the highlight of the fashion culture. Shades of orange and brown, then the most popular combination, have been incorporated throughout the look and feel for this year’s event.

Vintage cars and tractors displayed next to the vineyards add a touch of authenticity to the day, while beautiful solid decks on either side of the main marquee offer views of Nederburg’s manor house and vineyards.  The seated areas in the main marquee work together to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for guests to relax, fill up on the variety of delicious alfresco-style eats on offer, and re-charge their bidding batteries.

On the entertainment side, guests will be treated to the velvety-textured voices of Cape-based singing trio Three Tons of Fun. Sthe Mfuphi (alto and mezzo soprano), Michelle Thomas (alto) and Bulelwa Cosa (mezzo soprano) will add a thrilling edge of modernity to classical favourites from 13:45 on Saturday afternoon, and will be followed by the fresh, vibrant and contemporary music of all-male a’capello group D-seven.

For the ladies, international mineral make-up brand jane iredale The Skin Care Makeup will be on hand in the Nederburg Manor House throughout the day to do touch-ups and offer consultations. Known as The Skin Care Makeup, the jane iredale range of cosmetics, distributed in South Africa by ex-Miss South Africa Michelle Mountain (then Bruce), consists of a blend of natural minerals and pigments that form a protective filter on the skin, allowing it to breathe naturally while shielding it from harmful pollutants. Michelle, a self-proclaimed Eco-Warrior, is a firm believer that the best makeup you can wear is a healthy skin.

The Nederburg Auction officially kicks off on Friday, September 3, at 08:00 with a pre-tasting of this year’s wine selection. Bidding commences at 10:00.