- Tax included.
The Waterford Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Reserve 2004 is an elegant and luxurious wine that combines the best of Stellenbosch in a rich, deeply concentrated style. It presents aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, graphite, cedar, and dark chocolate. On the palate, it is velvety yet powerful, with a refined tannic structure and impressive length. This magnificent vintage displays the rare harmony where ripeness and elegance perfectly blend.
The terroir of the Helderberg, where Waterford is located, is among the most prestigious in South Africa. The vineyards benefit from a maritime microclimate with cool evening breezes and abundant daylight, which leads to optimal ripening of Bordeaux varietals. The combination of loam, stone, and weathered granite gives the wine mineral tension and aromatic precision.
Waterford is known for its refined, luxurious style and dedication to terroir expression. Within the Cape Winemakers Guild, Waterford's Auction Reserve was considered one of the most exclusive bottlings, made from the finest casks and produced in extremely limited quantities. This 2004 edition is a true collector's item, attracting international attention.
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.