A Night of Conservation and Community
N/a’an ku sê Wine Auction 2024
The N/a’an ku sê Wine Auction returned on 11 October 2024 at Rooster & Co., marking its fifth year of success, bringing together supporters from around the globe for an evening dedicated to conservation and community.This event held both in-person and online, highlighted N/a’an ku sê’s mission to protect Namibia’s wildlife and ecosystems while celebrating their achievement.
The auction featured 20 exclusive limited-edition bottles of wine produced at the renowned Neuras Wine and Wildlife Estate. Each bottle was a masterpiece, adorned with laser-engraved images of Namibia's iconic wildlife – a symbolic reminder of N/a’an ku sê’s commitment to the animals and landscapes they work to protect.
“We started writing this story in August 2003, and the people in this room became our first co-authors. As the years passed, more people joined in,” said Dr Rudie van Vuuren, co-founder and managing director of N/a’an ku sê, reflecting on the organisation’s journey.
The Neuras Ruby Dessert Wine, recently awarded Double Gold at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2024, was the star of the evening. This wine, known for its rich complexity and elegant finish, represents the harmony between winemaking and conservation, a philosophy embraced by Neuras Wine and Wildlife Estate.
Lead winemaker Braam Gericke shared his passion for the craft: “Working in Namibia in a desert vineyard made me fall in love with wine all over again”.
More than ecotourism
While N/a’an ku sê is known for its ecotourism experiences, its core mission extends beyond hospitality. With every guest visit, funds are funnelled directly into conservation efforts, from rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife to empowering local communities through sustainable development.
“Our focus is on being change makers for sustainable good,” Van Vuuren said. “The funds raised during this auction will ensure that Namibia’s wildlife and its people thrive, preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems.”
Inviting Marlice van Vuuren to the stage, sales and marketing director Gerhard Fourie, said “that as the co-founder and executive director of the N/a’an ku sê Foundation, Marlice has dedicated her life to conserving Namibia’s landscapes, protecting its wildlife, and uplifting the lives of local communities. Her tireless efforts have earned her global recognition, including a prestigious nomination at the WorldVets Awards, a testament to her commitment to animal welfare and conservation.”
Over the years, Marlice not only spearheaded groundbreaking conservation projects with her husband but also made it her mission to ensure that humans and wildlife can coexist in harmony. Her leadership has seen N/a’an ku sê grow into a sanctuary for wildlife, a haven for research and education, and a beacon of hope for future generations.
As attendees raised their glasses to toast the evening’s success, it became clear that the event was not just about fine wine, but about creating a legacy. The auction’s exclusive limited edition bottles and collector’s edition wine sets served as a reminder that every bid, every contribution, helps to protect the country’s natural heritage.
A total of N$265 000 was raised during the event.