Latest news with #JohannesburgCapClassique
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 Star
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
The Johannesburg cap classique, champagne bubbles festival
Pop, fizz, clink! The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival returns, bigger, better, and bubblier than ever! The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival is back and bigger, better and bubblier than before. This year's event takes place on the weekend of May 24 & 25 at the Inanda Polo Club, Sandton, with tastings running from 11h00 to 14h30 and sales and live music taking over from 14h30 until doors close at 16h00. Some of the confirmed producers in attendance include Amari Lush, Anthonij Rupert Wyne (L'Ormarins), Black Elephant Vintners, Boschendal, Carrol Boyes Wines, Graham Beck, Haute Cabrière (home of Pierre Jourdan), House of Azari, J.C. Le Roux, Khulu Fine Wine, Laborie Cap Classique, Nanola Wines, Quoin Rock, Siwela Wines, Steenburg Vineyards, The House of BNG, Villiera Wines and WCellar. Some of the food stalls include Taco Burger, King Arabic, DimSumFest, Icon Sushi, Sumting Fresh, Tumi's Charcuterie Cart, Chateau Gateaux, Christine's Biltong and Holly's Nougat, while live music will come courtesy of saxophonist extraordinaire Lobelo and Cape Town DJ phenomenon Shen FM. This year's theme is Sophisticated Floral Chic, with fabulous prizes awarded for the best dressed. Tickets are available from Webtickets and include two options: Hospitality tickets* (R850pp), with private entrance access to the venue, a dedicated area with a host and security guard, a welcome glass of Taittinger Champagne, a branded crystal tasting glass, 20 tasting coupons and a complimentary bottle of bubbly to take home. General admission tickets (R450pp) include a crystal tasting glass and ten tasting coupons. * Hospitality tickets for Saturday are sold out, but there are still some available for Sunday. The Star
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The Johannesburg cap classique, champagne bubbles festival
Pop, fizz, clink! The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival returns, bigger, better, and bubblier than ever! The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival is back and bigger, better and bubblier than before. This year's event takes place on the weekend of May 24 & 25 at the Inanda Polo Club, Sandton, with tastings running from 11h00 to 14h30 and sales and live music taking over from 14h30 until doors close at 16h00. Some of the confirmed producers in attendance include Amari Lush, Anthonij Rupert Wyne (L'Ormarins), Black Elephant Vintners, Boschendal, Carrol Boyes Wines, Graham Beck, Haute Cabrière (home of Pierre Jourdan), House of Azari, J.C. Le Roux, Khulu Fine Wine, Laborie Cap Classique, Nanola Wines, Quoin Rock, Siwela Wines, Steenburg Vineyards, The House of BNG, Villiera Wines and WCellar. Some of the food stalls include Taco Burger, King Arabic, DimSumFest, Icon Sushi, Sumting Fresh, Tumi's Charcuterie Cart, Chateau Gateaux, Christine's Biltong and Holly's Nougat, while live music will come courtesy of saxophonist extraordinaire Lobelo and Cape Town DJ phenomenon Shen FM. This year's theme is Sophisticated Floral Chic, with fabulous prizes awarded for the best dressed. Tickets are available from Webtickets and include two options: Hospitality tickets* (R850pp), with private entrance access to the venue, a dedicated area with a host and security guard, a welcome glass of Taittinger Champagne, a branded crystal tasting glass, 20 tasting coupons and a complimentary bottle of bubbly to take home. General admission tickets (R450pp) include a crystal tasting glass and ten tasting coupons. * Hospitality tickets for Saturday are sold out, but there are still some available for Sunday. The Star
