Historic Morgenhof wine estate sold to European buyer

The renowned Morgenhof wine estate in Stellenbosch has been sold to a European buyer at a bid price of R52.25 million.

The virtual auction took place via a live-streamed event organised by High Street Auctions on Wednesday (August 25). More than 2 500 people around the world gathered to watch the sale of the oldest property ever to be auctioned in South Africa.

“The sale is subject to a 14-day confirmation period,” High Street Auctions director and lead auctioneer Joff van Reenen said.

“Bidding for Morgenhof took place via Zoom, the High Street app, the livestream from the estate in Stellenbosch and telephonically.

“The winning bid was ultimately made by phone.”

Prior to the auction, multiple registrations were received from three continents, Van Reenen added.

Read: Historic Morgenhof wine estate up for grabs

“The reaction to this sale was absolutely unprecedented. We had more than 150 live enquiries from around the world.

“It was also the largest South African auction campaign ever run, with 2.4 million online views. Global marketing was focused across the United States, Europe and Africa with enquiries eventually coming in from 15 countries.”

Morgenhof was auctioned by Anne Cointreau, owner of the wine estate.

“The current owner wants to see [the estate’s] legacy continue for another three centuries, so after three decades of contributing her lineage’s 750 years of viticulture experience to this estate, she is handing over the reins. Anne Cointreau will be returning to France to retire and enjoy life with her extended family, and we wish her well,” said Van Reenen.

The buyer is based in Europe but prefers that no further details be released at this stage, according to Van Reenen.

Palesa Mofokeng is a Moneyweb intern.