Cape Town, South Africa — The Cape Wine Auction (CWA) has announced the appointment of two distinguished figures in the South African wine industry, Rico Basson and Christiane von Arnim, to its Board of Trustees.
Their appointment further strengthens the Trust’s leadership and governance as it continues to drive meaningful change through education and upliftment initiatives that benefit children and communities across the Cape Winelands.
Rico Basson, Executive Director of South Africa Wine, brings extensive experience in industry leadership, advocacy, and strategic development. Having previously served as Managing Director of Vinpro and with a professional background in agricultural and wine-focused commercial banking, Basson has played a pivotal role in advancing sustainability, strengthening producer resilience, and fostering greater alignment across the South African wine sector.
His deep understanding of the industry, coupled with a longstanding commitment to leadership development and people empowerment, will be a valuable asset to the Cape Wine Auction Trust.
Joining him is Christiane von Arnim, Chief Executive Officer of Warwick Wine Estate, whose career spans some of South Africa’s most respected wine businesses. Originally from Germany and based in South Africa since 1996, von Arnim has held senior leadership positions at Boekenhoutskloof, Haute Cabrière, Meridian Wine Merchants, and Asara.
She holds an MBA (cum laude) from Stellenbosch Business School and a B Business Science (Honours) degree in Marketing from the University of Cape Town. Recognised for her strategic insight, commercial expertise, and passion for wine, people, and storytelling, von Arnim brings a dynamic perspective to the Trust’s future initiatives.
Commenting on the appointments, Paul Clüver, Chair of the Cape Wine Auction Trust, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Rico and Christiane to the Board of Trustees. Both bring exceptional experience, credibility, and energy to the organisation, and I have no doubt they will play an important role in helping us continue to grow and evolve the Cape Wine Auction.”
“The Cape Wine Auction exists to serve the South African wine industry as a whole. Its success is made possible through the remarkable support of producers, partners, donors, and participants across the sector. This collective commitment enables us to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who form part of our industry, particularly the next generation. Rico and Christiane embody this spirit of collaboration and purpose, and we are thrilled to welcome them on this journey.”
Over the past decade, the Cape Wine Auction has established itself as one of South Africa’s most influential wine fundraising platforms, supporting carefully selected beneficiaries focused on education, youth development, and community upliftment. The appointment of Basson and von Arnim reflects the Trust’s ongoing commitment to strong leadership, good governance, and meaningful social impact.
About the Cape Wine Auction
The Cape Wine Auction is an annual fundraising event that brings together leading wine producers, collectors, philanthropists, and industry supporters to raise funds for charitable causes. Since its inception, the Auction has raised more than R150 million in support of education and social upliftment initiatives, helping to create sustainable opportunities and lasting change in communities throughout the Western Cape.
