Black winemakers will pop their corks at the Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival
Several black-owned wine brands – including Amari Wines, Khulu Fine Wines, iMvula and Nanola Wines – will be in attendance at the upcoming Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival, which takes place on May 17 and 18 at the Inanda Polo Club in Sandton.
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 economic participation of Black people in South Africa’s wine industry. A number of French Champagnes will also be available for festivalgoers to taste and buy.
Says Sazi Ngcobo, co-founder of Amari Wines:
“Last year we launched our Amari Lush, and this will be available to taste at the festival. It’s a lush Methode 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 immediate plans are to launch our Brut this year, followed by our 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.”
Also at the festival will be Kwanele Nyawo, CEO and Co-Founder of Khulu Fine Wines, who says:
“We currently have a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Shiraz and a Cabernet blend but it is our Cap Classique, which is called Izigidi (meaning ‘millions’ in isiZulu) that we will sampling and selling at the festival.
“It’s a beautiful Blanc de Blanc Cap Classique made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, and is complex and indulgent with secondary aromas of orange blossom and lemon zest on the nose. It really pairs well with seafood, salads and cheese,” she adds.
Owned by Chwepheshe and Thandolwethu, a 100% black owned company located at Ogade Location in Bergville, KwaZulu Natal, iMvula Wines founder Siyabonga Mvula says he will be showcasing two sparkling wines at the festival.
“We’ll be pouring our iMvula Sparkling Wine Brut NV which has classic Sauvignon Blanc aromas and palate, with whiffs of scrunched up fynbos herbs and refreshing sweet tropical limes repeated on the palate which is soft and deliciously dry.”
“Also available to taste will be our iMvula Sparkling Wine NV, Gently Sweet which is made up of 80% red Muscadel and 20% Colombard. In the glass it’s an enchanting coral pink in colour and has lovely traditional Muscat flavours and aromas which are enhanced by the fine stream of bubbles continuously rising to the surface and forming a little crown round the edges.”
Last, but certainly not least, is Nanola Wines, a 100% black woman owned brand that carries elements of a personal story, family, culture and origin, given birth to by its founder Silindile Zuma as a way of paying homage to her late father. The name itself comes from a mashup of the terms of endearment that Zuma’s father used to call her with an underlying meaning of ‘feminine strength’.
At the festival, Nanola Wines will be presenting its Nanola Crown Brut, a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend with white citrus blossom notes and whisps of white roses leading up to an intense fresh crisp taste of apple and a slight minerality which balances into a lingering finish that is perfectly suited to celebrating life. Also its Nanola Crown Brut Rosé which has a lovely floral bouquet expressing a mixture of berry-fruit flavours and a hint of Muscat, which carries through nicely to the palate, leaving a long-lasting aftertaste.
“It’s a gorgeous fresh fruity pink sparkling wine for everyday enjoyment and the perfect partner for salads, seafood and light meals,” says Zuma.
Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival Event Details:
An Exclusive Evening:
- Date: Friday 17 May 2024
- Time: 18h00 – 22h00
- Venue: Inanda Polo Club
- Dress code: Sophisticated chic.
- Tickets: Available from Webtickets
Your ticket includes:
- Welcome glass of Cap Classique: As you step into our elegant venue, be greeted with a sparkling toast to the evening ahead.
- Bubbly Tastings: Immerse yourself in a sensory journey, sampling the full spectrum of bubbles on display. From delicate prosecco to bold Cap Classique & elegant Champagnes, your palate will dance.
- Harvest table & bowl food: Our culinary artisans from By Word of Mouth have curated a feast for the senses.
- Meet the winemaker: For Cap Classique enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity. Engage with the master behind the magic, learning about the artistry & passion that goes into each bottle.
- Live music by Veronique Lalouette: Her soulful melodies will serenade you as the sun dips below the horizon. A soundtrack for your memories.
- DJ & Saxophonist: As the night unfolds, our live DJ and talented Saxophonist will keep the rhythm alive. Dance, sway, and lose yourself in the music.
- Opulent décor: Every detail has been meticulously crafted. From crystal chandeliers to velvet drapes, our ambiance whispers elegance.
- Limited guest list: We believe in intimacy. Only 350 guests will share this magical evening. And as a token of our appreciation, each guest will receive a thank-you gift: a two-bottle pack of award-winning Cap Classique.
Secure your Exclusive spot now. Tickets for Friday 17 May 2024 at R2250 per person are available from Webtickets. This is more than an event; it’s a celebration of life’s effervescence.
A Saturday of Bubbles:
- Date: Saturday 18 May 2024
- Time: 11h00 – 16h00
- Venue: Inanda Polo Club
- Dress code: Sophisticated floral chic.
- Tickets: Available from Webtickets
If you prefer a daytime soiree, then book tickets for Saturday, May 18, and enjoy a superb afternoon surrounded by all things bubbly as you immerse yourself in a sensory journey, sampling delicate Italian Proseccos, bold South African Cap Classiques and elegant champagnes from France.
Immerse yourself in a sensory journey, sampling the bubbles on display. Tickets include: a crystal glass and 15 tasting coupons, and
- Live music by Veronique Lalouette: Her soulful melodies will serenade you.
- DJ & Saxophonist: Live DJ and talented Saxophonist will keep the rhythm alive.
- Limited guest list: Only 850 guests.
Tickets for The Johannesburg Cap Classique & Champagne Festival on Saturday 18 May 2024 cost R450pp, and include entry to the venue, a souvenir branded glass and 10 tasting coupons, and are available from Webtickets. More bubbly will be available to purchase at the event. Hospitality areas for 40 pax available on request.
Bubbly producers that will have stands at the festival include: Amari, Anthonij Rupert Wyne (L’Ormarins), Bon Courage Estate, Boschendal, Graham Beck, Imvula Wines, JC le Roux, Khulu Fine Wine, Kleine Zalze Wines, Nanola Wines, Perdeberg Wines, Pongracz, Taittinger, Ultimate Provence, Veuve de Vernay, Villiera Wines and WCellar, with more brands to be announced over the coming weeks.
