A slice of Cape heritage with 300 years of history seeks new owner
A piece of South African history—steeped in colonial heritage, fine wine, and liberation politics—is set to change hands. Bloemendal Wine Estate, a 238-hectare property in the heart of the Cape Winelands, will go to auction on 25 March with a reserve price of R180 million.
Located in a region often likened to California’s Napa Valley, the estate is being marketed as a fully operational and profitable business. According to the bid conditions set out by Rawson Auctions, the property includes a working winery, multiple restaurants, a tasting room, a manor house, stables, and conference facilities.
But beyond its commercial appeal, Bloemendal carries deep historical weight. The farm traces its origins to the early 18th century, when it supplied fresh produce to ships of the Dutch East India Company rounding the Cape of Good Hope. In the centuries since, it has evolved into one of the region’s celebrated wine producers, known for award-winning varietals such as chenin blanc, pinotage, and cabernet sauvignon.
Its modern-day significance, however, is tied to one of its former owners: Tokyo Sexwale. A firebrand anti-apartheid activist, Sexwale was imprisoned on Robben Island during the 1970s for his efforts to overthrow the white-minority regime. There, he spent years alongside Nelson Mandela and other liberation icons.
Following his release and the advent of democracy in 1994, Sexwale became the first premier of Gauteng, South Africa’s economic powerhouse province. He left politics in 1998 to build a business empire, with interests spanning mining and investments. At one point, a company linked to Sexwale held ownership of Bloemendal. Current ownership details remain unclear.
Failed sale in 2024 prompts stricter bidding rules as price tag remains at R180m
The upcoming auction follows a failed attempt to sell the property in 2024. This time, auctioneers have tightened the process. Prospective buyers must submit proof of funds totalling no less than R200 million before bidding, along with verified identity documents and tax registration papers. Should an offer be accepted, a non-refundable deposit of 5% of the purchase price is required immediately, with the balance due within two weeks.
Sexwale’s political legacy adds a layer of intrigue to the sale. In the late 1990s, he was briefly mentioned—alongside current President Cyril Ramaphosa—as a possible successor to Mandela. Ultimately, Thabo Mbeki assumed the role in 1999. Now, as another chapter closes for Bloemendal, the estate once again finds itself in the spotlight—not just for its wines, but for the stories its soil holds.
