Written by: Maryke Roberts
The delicate dance of ice-cold bubbles on your tongue, makes any occasion a celebration. South African sparkling wine – made in the traditional method (Méthode Champenoise) where second fermentation happens in the bottle – is known as Cap Classique. It has gained international recognition since Frans Malan of Simonsig Family Vineyards made the first bottle in 1971. It was called Kaapse Vonkel (Cape Sparkle).
Today, nearly 55 years later, this category is the sparkling diamond in the SA wine industry’s crown as it is one of the fastest growing wine categories nationally and in exported wines.
The name Cap Classique is a proud testament to the innovative skills of local winemakers. Although they produce wine in the Champenoise style, this term is not for use by producers outside Champagne in France and a different name for the time-honoured sparkling wines in the traditional method had to be chosen. This name is used since 1992.
The difference between Cap Classique and sparkling wine is that the latter is created by a quick process which uses artificial carbonation. The difference can easily be spotted in the size of the bubbles – sparkling wine has a larger, coarser fizz, while Cap Classique has finer bubbles. Sparkling wine is thus cheaper to produce as it is quicker.
Although Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes are still the most popular grapes used, winemakers are experimenting with other varieties with huge success.
Grapes are selected from diverse terroirs in the Cape winelands, resulting in highly individual styles. Whole bunch pressing is at the heart of the winemaking process, with only the first pressing – cuveé – used to make the base wine destined to become Cap Classique.
Once bottled, the bottles ferment and mature horizontally in cool, dark cellars for a minimum of 12 months. It is turned periodically a quarter of a turn while simultaneously tilting it upside down to ensure that sediment inside the bottle slides down into the neck. This process is called riddling. After this maturation process, the sediment is removed by disgorging and then Cap Classique wines are left to mature on the cork for some time, to ensure integration and balance.
Some winemakers are leaving the bottles for much longer and the results of up to 124 months on the lees, is a much softer, more flavour-pronounced wine. Cap Classique can be made in different categories: blends, Rosé, Blanc de blancs or Nectar. Blends are two or more cultivars; Blanc de blancs is a blend of white grapes (it can also be blended from one cultivar) and Rosé – usually from red grape cultivars. Nectar is sweeter.
If the label states “Classic”, it refers to wines blended from various years. “Vintage” refers to the harvest of a single year.
As Cap Classique continues to gain even more popularity, wineries are offering a variety of experiences to visitors, including wine safaris; the opportunity to bottle your own sparkling wine or even sabrage, where a bottle is opened with a saber or large knife.
20 Must Visit Cap Classique Houses in the Cape to include on your next road trip:
1. Simonsig Family Vineyards, Stellenbosch Wine Routes
Simonsig is known as the pioneers in bottle fermented sparkling wines in South Africa and their Kaapse Vonkel remains a classic. The cellar offers six different sparkling wines varying from the dry Brut to the sweeter Satin Nectar. The flagship is the Cuvée Royale 2018 – a prestige Cuveé Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique Brut. Visitors can also experience the art of sabrage when visiting the farm.
Must do: Visitors can enjoy a cellar tour and Cap Classique tasting.
Cost: From R110 per person for five Cap Classique wines.
2. Graham Beck, Robertson Wine Valley
Graham Beck is often referred to as the “King of Cap Classique,” and is renowned for producing some of the finest Cap Classiques in South Africa. With a slogan “Celebrate what matters”, the estate offers four ranges: the Classic, Vintage, Artisan and Icon. These ranges include a wide selection of dry and sweeter options and South Africa’s first 100% Pinot Meunier fermented under cork.
The estate’s Cuvée Clive is their ultra-premium Cap Classique – the very zenith of the winemaker’s skills.
Must do: Enjoy a Cap Classique tasting with special glass ware or an olive oil or popcorn pairing in the iconic tasting room outside Robertson where the walls are adorned with art and nature becomes part of the experience.
Cost: From R90 to R220 per person.
3. Laborie, Paarl Wine Route
Laborie is a historic estate in the heart of Paarl, granted to a French Huguenot in 1691. It was barely seven years later, in 1698, that a French visitor stated: “the wines are the best in the colony and similar to our small wines of Champagne”. The estate produces five Cap Classiques including a Blanc de Blanc, and two sweeter versions. Their Laborie Brut is a classic choice.
Must do: Let a wine ambassador guide you through a tasting. The Cap Classique tasting on the stoep overlooking the vineyards, Paarl Rock and the Afrikaans Taal Monument, includes three of the estate’s award-winning sparkling wines. Linger longer with a cheese or charcuterie platter. In summer, the picnics are the best way to enjoy winelands living.
Cost: From R80 per person.
4. Villiera, Stellenbosch Wine Routes
Villiera has nine Cap Classique wines in their range including dry and sweeter options. The estate is known for their commitment to sustainability and is famous for their highly acclaimed Villiera Tradition Brut – where their coveted bubbles journey started in 1984.
In 2015 the Grier family created something special for release in 2024 to celebrate 40 years of producing Cap Classique. Pithos was the result – made from their best block of Chardonnay. It was fermented in a large locally made clay container, called a “Pithos”. It was bottled in an iconic bottle and matured on the lees after the second fermentation for an extended period.
Must do: A Cap Classique tasting in the Wine Sanctuary; or the “wines of the week” that includes two Cap Classiques; or a Cap Classique and Nougat Pairing. Enjoy a game drive before or after the tasting.
Cost: From R100 to R175 per person.
5. Steenberg, Constantia Wine Route
The farm is a destination to linger longer, with a five-star hotel and spa, various dining options and a curated tasting room fit for the pages of the best décor magazine. Under the soft touch of renowned cellar master, Elunda Basson, formerly from JC le Roux and Pongrácz, elegant Cap Classique wines are produced in the cooler climate of Constantia at the foothills of Table Mountain. The estate has a diverse range of sparkling wines and Cap Classiques such as their Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay Brut and 1682 Pinot Noir Rosé Cap Classique.
Must do: Their tasting journeys offer bubbles only, or a combination of bubbly and still wines. For something extra special, book one of their executive tastings hosted in the wine cellar.
Cost R120 to R250 per person.
6. Kay & Monty Vineyards, Plettenberg Bay Winelands
This small boutique winery amongst the green hills in The Crags outside Plettenberg Bay, has only four wines and the most awarded is the Champu Cap Classsique that spent 60 months on the lees. It scooped up an impressive list of awards in leading wine competitions and boasts a delicious crisp lime taste with a lingering brioche finish.
Must do: The tasting room among the vineyard and horse paddocks are a real treat. Enjoy a tasting and lunch.
Cost R70 per person for a tasting of all their wines and R25 for the Cap Classique only.
7. Le Lude, Franschhoek Wine Valley
The Barrows build on the vinous tradition of the French Huguenots, who landed in the Cape and began making wines in Franschhoek as far back as 1693. The estate specialises in Cap Classique, using Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes. They produce two Reserves, two Cuvees and three sparkling wines matured for up to ten years.
It is the first cellar in South Africa to produce an Agrafe® (Tirage Liège) Cap Classique, where a large metal staple holds the cork in place to ensure that it does not shoot off due to the high pressure of the sparkling wine.
Must do: The Cuvee Premium cellar tour includes an in-depth discovery into the production of Cap Classique. Taste various wines and disgorge a bottle in the underground maturation cellar. The tour is followed by a seasonally inspired lunch and Cap Classique tasting. You can also do sabrage.
Cost: R115 to R1600.
8. JC Le Roux, Stellenbosch Wine Routes
JC le Roux in the Devon Valley is also known as the “Home of Celebration” as they were the first tasting room in the country dedicated to sparkling wines. A total of seven Cap Classiques and sparkling wines, as well as two non-alcoholic sparkling wines is made by JC le Roux. It is also available in cans.
Must do: At the House of JC le Roux, the JC le Roux Cap Classique Scintilla and the six styles of Pongrácz Cap Classiques, can be tasted with a variety of sparkling wines that suits a diverse budget. Pongrácz is named after the Hungarian viticulturist Desiderius Pongrácz and is known for its sophisticated Cap Classique that combine tradition with modern flair. For the summer, try one of the JC le Roux ice lollies made from fresh fruit and sparkling wine. Pairings are offered with sparkling wines.
Cost: From R100 to R170 per person.
9. Silverthorn, Robertson Wine Valley
The small, family-run estate on the banks of the Breede River outside Robertson produces only Cap Classique and has five in their range, all with very interesting names such as River Dragon, The Green Man, Jewel Box, The Genie and The Big Dog, made from a diverse range of grapes including Colombar, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Owner and fellow winemaker, John Loubser, honed his skills at Môreson, De Wetshof, Steenberg and Graham Beck before settling on Welmoed farm, the home of Silverthorn Wines.
Must do John and his wife Karen, owners of Silverthorn, presents all the tastings themselves and make each experience personal. From captivating stories of myth and legend to deep insight into the process of Cap Classique-making, this is a visit not to miss.
Cost: R100 per person – waived if you buy enough bubbly!
10. Colmant, Franschhoek Wine Valley
At Colmant Cap Classique are created with balance and elegance, reflecting the terroir of the regions where the grapes are grown. Only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are used and the blending process is an integral part of production. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from five different farms located between Franschhoek, Robertson and Elgin.
Of the Chardonnay grapes used, more than half is grown on Colmant Farm. The remainder comes from the limestone soils of Robertson and Bonnievale as well as the cooler climate of Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde.
Must do: The estate has a comprehensive menu for tasters, offering three different packages which includes Cap Classique and champagne tastings and a bottle to take home per guest and the opportunity to sabrage. In the premium tasting, a cellar tour and tasting with the winemaker is part of the deal.
Cost: From R120 to R1135 per person.
11. Krone (Twee Jonge Gezellen), Tulbagh Wine & Olive Route
On the outskirts of the picture-perfect Tulbagh, Krone is celebrated for its traditional Cap Classique wines made on the 300-year-old estate. The estate makes award-winning wines which includes 10 Cap Classique wines, from dry to sweeter and site specific and even an amphora fermented Cap Classique. Grapes are picked in the coolness of night, to ensure the ultimate freshness.
Must do: Wander through the underground cellar and the art gallery, before enjoying a tasting of two, three or four Cap Classique wines.
Cost: From R100 per person.
12. Pierre Jourdan (Haute Cabrière), Franschhoek Wine Valley
Pierre Jourdan is known for its vibrant Cap Classique wines, like the Pierre Jourdan Brut and Belle Rosé. There is also a Tranquille Sparkle, a sparkling wine and sweeter Demi-Sec option. The estate launched with sparkling wines, before adding still wines later.
Must do: Enjoy the Pierre Jourdan Discovery and taste four Cap Classiques and pair with three macaroons. Cellar tours are available every day at 12:00. Book for lunch in the modern, glass box restaurant overlooking the Franschhoek valley. This is the home of sabrage in South Africa and definitely the place where you should try your hand at it.
Cost: From R110 to R150 per person.
13. Weltevrede, Robertson Wine Valley
Weltevrede’s wines reflect the terroir of Bonnievale. This farm has been in the Jonker family for more than a century and is one of the region’s premier Chardonnay and Cap Classique producers. The Philip Jonker Brut Entheos is a fine example of elegance and finesse. Four Cap Classiques are produced.
Must do: The estate relaunched their underground cellar tours after extensive renovations and now boast two specialized underground tours, “Captivated by Chardonnay” and “Captivated by Cap Classique” along with wine tasting, a sabrage experience, platters and the opportunity to create your own Cap Classique, where you are guided through disgorgement, sealing and labelling your own bottle of Cap Classique. Break for lunch at Kapokbos before embarking on the afternoon’s tour.
Cost: From R250 to R400 per person.
14. Boschendal, Franschhoek Wine Valley
With a history dating back to 1685, Boschendal combines heritage and innovation in its Cap Classique offerings, including six different variations. The flagship is a rare Cuvée, the Jean Le Long Prestige Cuvée Blanc De Blanc, ideal for discerning sparkling wine connoisseurs.
Must do: Taste wines at the Werf and the Cellar Door under the oaks while nibbling on a farm-fresh platter. The chocolate, cheese or charcuterie pairings are also popular. Make a day of it and go on a Wine and Wander safari, a unique three-hour experience on the 1900-hectare estate.
Cost: From R100-R2100 per person.
15. De Wetshof, Robertson Wine Valley
Renowned for their expertise in Chardonnay, De Wetshof brings a refined touch to its Cap Classique offering. This Robertson estate’s sparkling wine express their terroir, offering elegance in every sip. Known as the House of Chardonnay, the estate’s Blanc de Blanc is made from Chardonnay picked early in the morning to retain freshness before second fermentation for at least 24 months.
Must do: Book a Private Library Tasting with a collection of curated older Chardonnay vintages hosted in the wine library.
Cost: From R110 for any five wines to R350 per person for the private tasting.
16. Charles Fox, Elgin Wine Valley
This small estate in the cooler climate of Elgin, specializes in crafting premium Cap Classique wines with meticulous attention to detail. Their sparkling wines are known for their finesse, minerality, and exceptional quality. Charles and Zelda Fox followed their passion for champagne by making their own Methode Champenoise. A total of eight Cap Classique wines are made from blends of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, with top ratings for most wines. The Charles Fox Cipher Blanc de Noir 2018 scored 98 points and the title as Cap Classique of the Year in the 2025 Platter’s wine guide.
Must do: The scenery along the Viljoenshoop, Highlands and Valley roads are part of the adventure. Linger long enough to experience the Full House tasting, where eight Cap Classiques can be tasted with Charles.
Cost: From R50 to R150 per person.
17. Canto Boutique Wines, Durbanville Wine Route
The estate is known for their artisanal Cap Classique wines that showcase the character of the Durbanville terroir, a traditionally cooler climate. Their Cap Classique range includes a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend and a Shiraz Cap Classique – a rare must-try bubble. Only a handful of Shiraz sparkling wines are made in South Africa.
Must do: The estate is famed for their Signature Macaroon and Cap Classique pairing which includes hazelnut, red velvet, Turkish Delight and salted caramel. Or taste the wines without the pairing and relax in the restaurant for your favourite sparkle after the tasting.
Cost: From R110 to R180 per person.
18. Klein Goederust, Franschhoek Wine Valley
This boutique winery located in the heart of Franschhoek celebrates its 120th birthday in 2025 and among its wines, is the Nomaroma Cap Classic 2019. Paul Siguqa made this wine in honour of his mom, Nomaroma, who worked as a wine farm labourer for many years. Today, he is the owner of the valley’s first black-owned wine farm in the historic Franschhoek valley and decided to keep the historic farm’s name.
Must do: Taste the estate’s wines and stay for a meal at the restaurant. Tastings include six wines.
Cost: R200 per person.
19. Newstead Lund, Plettenberg Bay Winelands
A much-lauded boutique estate outside Plettenberg Bay, Newstead Lund is known for its dedication to creating elegant and distinctive Cap Classique wines. It is known as the wine industry’s best kept secret. With a focus on sustainability and precision, their sparkling offerings are a testament to the region’s potential for world-class bubbles. Since its first vintage in 2012, it has raked in all the prestigious awards. The owners believe small is special and everything is made by hand and farming practices are organic. Two Cap Classiques are made, a Blanc de Blanc and a Rosé.
Must do: Book a tasting and enjoy lunch or a picnic in the vineyards. Enjoy fresh produce coming from their own herb, flower or vegetable garden.
Cost: R90 per person.
20. Spier, Stellenbosch Wine Routes
The farm is known for sustainable vineyard practices where regeneration is key to healthy soil. Spier was voted one of the 100 World’s Best Vineyards in 2021, and Editor’s Choice – Winery of the Year 2022. It offers a wide range of still, organic and canned wines and three Cap Classique wines; a Brut, Brut Rosé and Prestige Cuvée Cap Classique, made in very small batches from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown around Stellenbosch.
Must do: The farm offers a variety of tasting platters, wine blending experiences and wine pairings. The chocolate and wine paring is inspired by the farm’s Cap Classiques and the chocolatier made chocolates that complement the Brut, the only one available for tasting. Book a vineyard segway tour before or after your tasting, for real fun in the vineyards.
Cost: R85 to R140 per person.
