In what promises to be a high profile auction event of the year, Auction Alliance will bring the Quoin Rock Winery and Manor Estate under their gavel on 10 December.
The estate has seen no expense spared and includes a spectacular homestead, state of the art Italian-imported wine cellar, a helipad and underground cave which housed functions for leading Stellenbosch business people and luminaries.
The sale of the landmark estate, which belonged to businessman Dave King, is the highest value liquidation auction to have ever been held in the Western Cape, according to the auctioneers.
Rael Levitt Auction Alliance CEO says they have received instructions from joint liquidators Cloete Murray, Norman Klein and Elizabeth Edward. “Quoin Rock will be sold as a going concern and will include all its equipment, furnishings, artwork, movable assets, wine stock, licenses and trademark rights.”
The estate has seen no expense spared and includes a spectacular homestead, state of the art Italian-imported wine cellar, a helipad and underground cave which housed functions for leading Stellenbosch business people and luminaries.
Levitt says the sale has already been attracting massive interest from leading South African businessmen as well as several foreign buyers.
“We are not only selling one of the country’s most valuable farms, but Quoin Rock wines is a brand known internationally.”
The liquidators have verified the value of the stock and moveable assets of the farm at an estimated R30 million while the property itself is estimated to be worth R120 million.
Situated in the country’s most valuable agricultural real estate on the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain, the 194 hectare property is part of the original Cape wine growing region within the world-renowned Stellenbosch area.
The liquidators have verified the value of the stock and moveable assets of the farm at an estimated R30 million while the property itself is estimated to be worth R120 million.
The sale includes antique pieces and artwork with pieces by Irma Stern, Otto Klar and David Botha. There is an extensive collection of late 18th Century antique furniture and French Provencal style Zigler carpets.
After being purchased in 1998, a vigorous replanting programme was implemented by King in 2000 and 39.94 hectares of registered virus-free vineyards, specifically matched to the terrior of the Estate, replaced the older vineyards.
In addition, the farm has 17.6 ha of fallow land, 4.4 ha of fruit orchards, an olive grove extending over 1.92 ha and 120 ha of natural fynbos
The state-of-the-art wine cellar facility was designed from the ground up with top quality wine production in mind. For instance, a 6000 litre tank is able to be hoisted to service all 4 levels of the cellar, thus ensuring that wine can be moved about via gravity instead of being exposed to the mechanical harshness of high pressure pumps, says Levitt.
He adds that the winery is fully equipped with imported machinery and has produced the highly acclaimed Quoin Rock, Glenhurst and Gary Player range of wines.
Kingflattened the highest point on the farm and developed a Cape Dutch style masterpiece, where no expense has been spared in building an exact replica of a home typical of the Stellenbosch Valley.
The homestead, with views which stretch all the way to Table Mountain, is built in a U shape, and features 5 suites arranged around a large central courtyard and pool.
Classic features such as chandeliers, sash windows and Victorian baths are fused with modern amenities and custom fittings to create a sense of timeless luxury.
Near the helipad, additional luxury accommodation is provided by 4 spacious private guest cottages, which enjoy spectacular views over the vineyard to Table Mountain in the distance.
Kinginvested heavily in infrastructure on the farm which now boasts a secure perimeter, separate houses for the General Manager and Winemaker, and ample water provision via an irrigation scheme, 3 boreholes and 2 catchment dams.
Dave King was reported to have earned over R1 billion in profits by quietly selling his shares of his now defunct company, Specialised Outsourcing. The price quickly plummeted once it became public knowledge that he had sold off most of his shares.
The auction will take place at the Quoin Rock Winery, Knorhoek Road, on 10 December at 11h00.
Ismail Hendricks from Auction Alliance says no expense was spared and significant investment has gone into the design, infrastructure and buildings.
He says the setting will “take your breath away” and this is set to be an “exhilarating auction.”
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