Latest news with #CapClassique
News24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Sparkle, sophistication, and celebration at the Johannesburg Cap Classique Champagne & Bubbles Festival 2025
SPONSORED: J.C. Le Roux is South Africa's original home of sparkling wine and the proud headline sponsor of this year's event – and they did not disappoint Last weekend, on 24 and 25 May, J.C. Le Roux showcased the elegance of their flagship Cap Classique Scintilla at the Inanda Polo Club, where the Johannesburg Cap Classique Champagne & Bubbles Festival took place. It was a fully immersive experience that blended refining toasting traditions with celebratory energy and curated tasting moments. From the moment guests arrived at the J.C. Le Roux stand they were invited to reflect on what they were celebrating, whether it was a win, a shift, or simply showing up. Guests could choose from a series of sentiment-driven ribbons as they entered, each one a nod to one of the million reasons South Africans raise a glass in toast today. Then the celebration unfolded into special moments that captured the spirit of J.C. Le Roux's legacy, one that is proudly rooted in Stellenbosch yet made for every corner of the country. 'J.C. Le Roux champions sparkling wine in every form, from elegant rituals to vibrant experiences. At this year's festival, J.C. Le Roux's fully immersive sparkling wine showcase was designed to turn every moment into both a memory and a celebration,' says Siphokazi Solani, BTL Brand & Events Executive for the Wines Category at Heineken Beverages South Africa. Guests enjoyed personalised sparkling wine tastings led by passionate pourers, each designed to showcase the variety, flavour, and character of J.C. Le Roux's popular range. These tastings were accompanied by fascinating insights into the Cap Classique method, which J.C. Le Roux has made proudly local with its Scintilla variant. Festivalgoers also had the opportunity to be introduced to the art of the pour – from tilting the glass at just the right angle to preserve the bubbles, to holding the stem correctly, ensuring the wine remains perfectly chilled. These small touches transformed every J.C. Le Roux tasting into a celebration of craft and care, reinforcing J.C. Le Roux's belief that every moment deserves to be celebrated. The Sparkle Mirror In addition to its signature flavours, J.C. Le Roux brought its signature flair. The brand's beautifully designed 'Sparkle Mirror' installation offered a chance to capture the celebration in slow motion, with lights and music enhancing every frame. Guests could unwind in the floral-themed photo lounge, an inviting space to sip, snap, and savour with friends. With movements as light and playful as the bubbles in J.C. Le Roux, the dancers added a touch of sparkling fun from 13:00 to 15:00, daily. These pop-up performances reflected the soul of the brand – joyful, expressive, and always ready to celebrate. The theme for this year's festival, Sophisticated Floral Chic, found a natural home in J.C. Le Roux's elegant aesthetic. Every detail, from glassware to décor, had been considered to elevate the guest experience and deliver something both polished and personal. The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival 2025 delivered an unforgettable weekend of elegance, energy, and effervescence and J.C. Le Roux was at the heart of it all. From the personal celebration ribbons to the artful tastings and personalised flutes, every element of the brand's presence brought its core belief to life: that every moment deserves bubbles. As guests toasted under winter skies, danced alongside the J.C. Le Roux queens and captured their sparkle in the Magic Mirror lounge, J.C. Le Roux reaffirmed its place not just as South Africa's leading sparkling wine, but as a curator of joyful, meaningful celebration. Follow J.C. Le Roux for updates and more:
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Captivated by Cap Classique at Weltevreden - take a tour and create your own bottle of bubbly
Explore Weltevrede wine estate in the Robertson Valley, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Cap Classique. In the heart of the Robertson Valley lies a wine estate where heritage, innovation and indulgence blend seamlessly - Weltevrede. While many vineyards promise scenic tastings and fine vintages, Weltevrede invites visitors to do something a little more extraordinary: step into the world of Cap Classique, South Africa's version of Champagne. Here, amid underground cellars and a century-old legacy, guests can not only learn about the magic behind the bubbles but roll up their sleeves and craft their very own bottle of bubbly. Take a journey into the world of bubbly This underground experience is more than just tasting sparkling wine; it's a journey through time, a celebration of craftsmanship, and an experience of pure indulgence. Whether you are looking for a casual or luxurious experience, the "Captivated by Cap Classique" experience promises to leave you in awe During this one-hour experience, you will gain insights into the stages of bubbly making and the difference between Cap Classique and Champagne. You will be guided through the process of Cap Classique and learn the subtle influences of grape varietals, maturation time, and the magic of second fermentation. Visitors will then be taken on a tour in the historical, underground cellars where they will learn about the history of Cap Classique, why Weltevrede never conforms to the norm, and the secret of the 600 missing bottles.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Black winemakers set to sparkle at Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival
Partnered Content | Published 5 hours ago Several black-owned wine brands – including Amari, House of Azari, Khulu Fine Wines, Nanola Wines and Siwela Wines – will be in attendance at the upcoming Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne and Bubbles Festival, which takes place on May 24 and 25 at the Inanda Polo Club in Sandton from 11am to 4pm. This year, the hugely popular annual event will feature some of South Africa's finest Cap Classiques including several from black producers which it is hoped will continue to unlock greater opportunity for their economic participation in South Africa's wine industry . Says Sazi Ngcobo, co-founder of Amari: 'We will be pouring and selling our Amari Lush at the festival, and we'd love attendees to visit our stand, say hello and have a taste. It's a lush Cap Classique embodying a balance of structure and a resounding elegance from Chardonnay, with a hint of honey to round it off.' In the long term Ngcobo sees Amari as an international brand. 'Our plans are to launch a Brut, followed by a Rosé (Amari Blush) and then we plan to take on Africa, with our focus markets being Nigeria, Angola and Ghana. Our ultimate goal is to be a globally recognised brand that is proudly South African.' Three years ago, Pretoria-based Siphiwe Katjene's lifetime dream came true when she launched her very own Cap Classique brand called House of Azari. The name, she says, is rooted in Arabic and signifies 'divine assistance, power, strength, fire, a pioneering spirit and a spiritual idealist.' Katjene will be showcasing her three Cap Classiques at the festival including her Nectar Rosé, a Pinot Noir Cap Classique with an aroma of strawberries and raspberries , layered with subtle spices and floral notes; her Brut Blanc De Blancs 2020, awarded a score of 90 in the Tim Atkin 2023 SA Wine Report, that embraces the true essence of Chardonnay grapes, with a vivacious dance of crisp acidity, green apple notes and a hint of toasted brioche; and her Brut Rosé, an elegant Pinot Noir/Chardonnay bubbly, light pink in colour with aromas of red berries, cherries and subtle hints of grapefruit. 'I'm proud to say that this wine was a warded a Gold medal at the Intercontinental Wine Challenge 2024,' she says. Also at the festival will be Kwanele Nyawo, CEO and co-founder of Khulu Fine Wines with Niël van Staden. Nyawo spent almost 14 years working for an insurance company before embarking on an entrepreneurship journey. Together with Van Staden, she started Mzansi Craft Wine and Khulu shortly thereafter. 'Khulu means 'great' or 'extravagant' in isiZulu. Niël and I wanted to create a luxury wine brand those words would apply to, as we both love the good things in life.
TimesLIVE
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
7 essentials every Sparkling Wine and Bubbles Festival should save
What's more joyful than a festival that prioritises bubbles and sparkling wine? The sound of the popping cork, the sparkle of glassware in the sun — the sense of celebration that comes with gourmet drinks and cuisine is nothing less than perfection. But what makes a sparkling weekend, well, sparkle? Here's what every fizz-focused festival should include — inspired by the upcoming Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival and elevated with sparkling wine insights from JC Le Roux. A welcome that feels like a toast Whether it's a floral archway, a ribbon walkway or simply being asked, 'What are you celebrating today?', the entrance sets the tone. A thoughtful arrival moment reminds guests that this isn't just about sipping, it's about savouring. At this year's Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival (May 24—25, Inanda Polo Club), expect just that: a celebration that starts the moment you arrive. Personalised glassware Because the shape of your glass really does change experience. Flutes keep bubbles longer. Coupes (despite their Gatsby glamour) let them fizzle fast. The real connoisseurs know that tulip-shaped glasses are best for capturing aroma. A festival that lets you choose, or better yet, engrave, your own glass, is doing it right. After all, you want a glass that captures the significance of the drink — JC Le Roux pioneered the dedicated sparkling wine cellar concept in South Africa and uses the traditional French Cap Classique method for some of its sparkling wines and you want this flavour to come through with every sip. Serving JC Le Roux in a flute glass is recommended to preserve bubbles and enhance the celebratory experience, as the shape helps maintain the effervescence and visual appeal. Tastings that tell a story Cap Classique — South Africa's own bottle-fermented sparkling wine method — is a category worth celebrating. JC Le Roux, South Africa's first dedicated sparkling wine cellar, crafts varietals that highlight the style's versatility and richness. Whether it's a crisp or a vibrant La Chanson, a great tasting should educate as much as it excites. At the festival, guests can sample a selection of JC Le Roux's Cap Classique and sparkling wines, often paired with nougat and led by knowledgeable pourers. Toasts are about something or someone. Whether you're celebrating freedom, growth, friendship or making it through the week, a good festival should honour that. Photo ops that go beyond a backdrop Sparkling moments deserve their close-up. Forget the step-and-repeat. The most memorable events offer dynamic, interactive photography — like mirrored booths with slow-motion sparkle effects, ribbon walls and lounges designed for lounging and snapping. Look out for the 'Magic Mirror' experience at this year's event. JC Le Roux is the leading home of sparkling wine in South Africa which means celebrations, experiences and capturing the moment. This is the perfect time to snap a pic that will remind you of your beautiful celebration for years to come. Live performers who move with the bubbles There are roughly 49-million bubbles in every bottle of sparkling wine. Which is 49-million reasons to dance. The best festivals pair their pours with rhythm. Dancers, roaming performers and curated soundtracks turn sipping into a multisensory experience. From 1pm-3pm daily at the festival, JC Le Roux will be amplifying the atmosphere with roaming dancers and musical moments that spark joy. Spaces to sit, sip and socialise Because bubbles can go flat — and so can you. Not every festival moment needs fanfare. In fact, some of the most memorable experiences happen in quiet corners with a well-poured glass, great conversation and nowhere else to be. Comfortable, shaded seating and communal lounges offer guests the chance to pause, breathe and simply enjoy the moment. And then there's the pour itself. The act of serving JC Le Roux sparkling wine is an elegant ritual in its own right, from tilting the glass at a 45-degree angle to preserve the bubbles, to holding the stem to avoid warming the wine. These small touches not only enhance the taste but elevate the entire experience, adding a sense of occasion to every toast. Slow moments like these are what transform a festival from a blur of activity into something truly memorable. A moment that makes it personal Toasts are about something or someone. Whether you're celebrating freedom, growth, friendship or making it through the week, a good festival should honour that. You want little things that make the day feel less commercial and more meaningful, so seek out the spaces where sparkling wine and bubbles are flavour, experiences and special moments. JC Le Roux believes every moment is worth celebrating, from big wins to everyday joys. The brand is rooted in creating accessible, proudly South African sparkling wine that makes celebrations feel both special and inclusive. At the festival, guests can take part in interactive storytelling moments that honour this, from engraved flutes to 'What Are You Celebrating Today?' ribbons. The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival brings the sparkle and the meaningful moments with JC Le Roux as the headline partner, creating everything from memory lounges to delicious pours. They're even giving away tickets to the event. To stand a chance to win one of five double tickets post your most recent JC Le Roux celebration, tag them and use the official hashtags.
The South African
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival to take place THIS weekend
Raise your glass and savour the flavours of South Africa at this year's Cape Town Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival, taking place in Constantia at the Claremont Cricket Club on 26 and 27 April. The annual celebration of the Cape's finest wines, delicious food, and vibrant live music is always a weekend to remember. Wine lovers are in for a treat with over 50 of the country's top wine estates showcasing their wines, marking the highest number of wine tasting stands to date. 'Whether you're a fan of bold reds, crisp whites, dry rosé, or prefer the sparkle of Cap Classique and sparkling wine, there is something for every palate,' said Pick n Pay Head of Liquor, Gavin Levers. The Pick n Pay Wine Shop will stock all participating wines at the festival, making it easy for visitors to stock up on their favourites of the day, or place an order via Pick n Pay asap! for a hassle-free delivery to their door. New to this year's festival is the Pick n Pay Liquor Mixology Theatre, presented by Diageo. This exclusive R130 upgrade ticket offers a 30-minute, hands-on, interactive lesson in cocktail creation. Under the guidance of expert mixologists, participants will shake, stir, and sip two custom cocktails made with Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray No 10 or Don Julio as well as a selected wine to tie back to the festival. With sessions limited to 40 guests, it's the perfect experience for cocktail enthusiasts looking to up their game. A fan favourite, the Pick n Pay Tasting Room sessions, will return, offering an opportunity to explore the synergy between wine and food. The five 30-minute sessions each day will feature a different wine producer, from Graham Beck, Oak Valley, Durbanville Hills, Beyerskloof, Boekenhoutskloof, Arniston Bay, Pongracz, Hartenberg and Raka, and take guests on a journey of expertly paired wine and canapé tastings. Booking is essential because it is limited to just 40 guests per session at R130 per head. The Pick n Pay Fresh Food Market will tantalise taste buds with various fresh, delicious options, including fish and chips, seasonal salads, sushi, and cheese and charcuterie platters. The popular Pick n Pay Burger & Pizza Trucks will be present, alongside indulgent food tasting experiences for enquiring palates looking to discover new products. For those seeking a stress-free day of leisure, the all-new Pick n Pay Picnic Bag, for R325, is the perfect add-on. 'Designed for two, our revamped picnic bag features a fresh new look and is loaded with delectable treats – a charcuterie and cheese box, dips, olive and rosemary focaccia, chocolate brownies and bottled water – ideal for sharing while relaxing on the lawns.' Pick n Pay Wine Club members will enjoy a special perk: Early Access tickets granting entry from noon, an hour before gates open to the public at 13:00. They can also purchase a discounted add-on Tasting Room ticket for the 12:30 slot on both Saturday and Sunday. This exclusive access offers the perfect chance to explore the festival at your own pace. No under-18s will be granted entry to the event. General access tickets are R300, which includes access, one wine tasting glass and 20 wine tasting tokens. For more information and to book your tickets, click HERE Date: Saturday, 26 April and Sunday, 27 April 2025. Venue: Claremont Cricket Club, Constantia Sports Complex, Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town – From 12:00 for Pick n Pay Wine Club Member Early Access ticket holders – From 13:00 for General Access ticket holders – Tastings end at 16:30 – General Access: R300 (includes access, 1 wine tasting glass & 20 wine tasting vouchers. Please note the event has a Tasting Token System to honour the various price points of the wines available. Tokens are required for tasting, based on the price point of the wine. – Under R100 – 1 Token – R101 – R200 – 2 Tokens – R201 – R400 – 3 Tokens – Over R400 – 4 Tokens ADD-ONS (A General or Early Access ticket must still be purchased) Tasting Room Session: R130 per person per session Pick n Pay Liquor Mixology Theatre, presented by Diageo: R130 per person per session
