- Tax included.
The Warwick Cape Winemakers Guild Femme Bleue 2001 is a rare gem that reflects the pure elegance of a classic Bordeaux blend, interpreted in South Africa. The wine opens with layers of ripe cassis, black cherry, cedar, and violet, complemented by subtle tobacco notes and warm spices. The texture is silky and beautifully layered, with an aristocratic structure and a refined, endless finish. A remarkably mature and complex wine that is perfect for drinking today.
The grapes for this unique Cape Winemakers Guild bottling from Warwick Estate come from only the finest parcels in the heart of Stellenbosch. This region is characterized by granite and slate soils, which provide precision, depth, and minerality. The proximity to False Bay provides cooling influences that perfectly support the balance between ripeness and freshness, essential for the classic style Warwick always strives for.
Warwick Estate is known within the Cape Winemakers Guild as a pioneer in premium blends. Under the leadership of Norma Ratcliffe, the estate became one of South Africa's icons, with a reputation for precision, finesse, and consistency. Cape Winemakers Guild releases have always been crafted from the most exceptional casks and represent the pinnacle of Warwick's craft. The Femme Bleue 2001 is one of their most coveted creations.
Cape Winemakers Guild
The Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) is one of the world's most prestigious wine collectives. Since its founding in 1982, the Guild has brought together a select group of South Africa's most influential winemakers. Members are admitted by invitation only, and only when they have proven that their work elevates the quality, innovation, and international reputation of the South African wine industry. The CWG is therefore not just an association, but an elite platform where craftsmanship, understanding of terroir, and creative freedom are central.
What makes the CWG truly unique are the special wines created annually exclusively for the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction . These are not regular cuvées: each winemaker develops a limited micro-cuvée available only through the CWG. These wines are often more expressive, bolder, or more experimental in character, showcasing the absolute pinnacle of a producer's capabilities. Thanks to their rarity, quality, and reputation, CWG wines are sought after by international collectors and often reflect the evolution of South African wine.
Besides producing unique wines, the Guild plays a significant role in education, knowledge sharing, and talent development. Through its Protégé Programme, the CWG invests heavily in young winemakers who are shaping the future of the South African wine landscape. Through mentorship programs, practical training, and access to leading wineries, the Guild creates opportunities that would otherwise be virtually inaccessible. This commitment to growth and professionalization has had a significant impact on the growing global appreciation for South African wines.
While the Cape Winemakers Guild is deeply rooted in tradition, innovation remains a key pillar. Members often work with old vineyards, new fermentation techniques, sustainable agriculture, and experimental blends. The Guild's creativity has led to CWG wines regularly receiving international acclaim for their complexity, elegance, and vision. Each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship, terroir, and the winemaker's unique signature.
Today, the Cape Winemakers Guild is both a quality mark and a cultural institution within the South African wine world. Its annual auction attracts buyers from around the world, and CWG wines are known for their investment value, collectibility, and exceptional character. Their limited editions and iconic status make them an essential category for enthusiasts seeking to discover or offer the finest South African wine.