Franschhoek Cap Classique Route: A Bubbly-Drenched Weekend

A wine-tasting route that’s all bubbles? Where else could South Africa’s only dedicated Cap Classique route be but in Franschhoek, where the newly revived route is launching with a whirlwind weekend of bubbly-fuelled fun. It starts on 1 September (which happens to be Cap Classique Day,) just in time for spring.

From 1 to 4 September, you’ll find 19 Franschhoek wine estates in festive mode, celebrating all things Cap Classique with tasting flights of award-winning bubbly, inspired food pairings, winemaker’s lunches and more. If you’re a cap classique fan (and who doesn’t love a celebratory glass of bubbles!), make a weekend of it – spring flowers, mountain vistas, the promise of a new season… the view made even rosier through the lens of a sparkling glass of Franschhoek’s finest.

Here’s our pick of Cap Classique happenings not to be missed (booking is essential). Browse the route map for more.

Haute Cabrière

With its bird’s-eye views over the valley, the home of Pierre Jourdan cap classique is a fabulous place to raise a glass to spring. Each breakfast and lunch booking over the weekend receives a complimentary tasting of the 2017 Blanc de Blanc. They’ve also planned several other ways to celebrate:

• Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique and macaron pairing
  Cost R100
• Cellar tour with founder Hildegard von Arnim, followed by a sabrage demonstration and a tasting and platter on the terrace.
  Cost R200 (minimum 4 people per booking)
• Storytelling Cap Classique Sunday lunch on 4 September, hosted by Achim von Arnim and Pieter Ferreira. It includes a discussion on the history of Cap Classique, a tasting and a three-course meal with pairings.
  Cost R750

Contact 021 876 8500, [email protected]
Where to find it Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek

Le Lude

Le Lude’s Reserve Brut 2013 recently received the highest score for a South African Cap Classique at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards, and we reckon this beautiful family estate, which specialises in cap classique, is a definite for your list.

• Caves tour and canapés: Join the winemaker on a 45-minute tour of the production cellar and underground maturation caves, followed by a canapé and wine pairing on the lawns or in the winery.
  Cost R580

Contact 021 100 3465, [email protected]
Where to find it Bowling Green Avenue (off Lambrechts Road), Franschhoek 

Antonij Rupert

Elegant bubbles make the perfect accompaniment for sweet pairings at this classic Franschhoek estate, and there are two enticing 30-minute tastings to choose from: 

• L’Ormarins Cap Classique and nougat pairing: three artisan nougats to match three styles of wine.
  Cost R95
• Mini high tea and Cap Classique pairing, includes two savoury and two sweet treats paired with L’Ormarins Brut Classique and Brut Rosé.
  Cost R165

And the icing on the cake – for this weekend only – you’ll also get a complimentary tasting of the newly released L’Ormarins Private Cuvée 2014.

Contact 021 874 9041, [email protected]
Where to find it R45, Franschhoek 

Rickety Bridge

This peaceful estate in the heart of the valley has stunning views and a historic Cape Dutch manor house as a backdrop to your sipping pleasure. Choose between:

• Cap Classique and pavlova pairing: dessert deluxe at this fun tasting of the estate’s three cap classiques with three different pavlovas.
  Cost R160
• Sabrage sessions: add the drama of opening your bottle of cap classique with the expert flourish of a sabre.
  Cost from R150
• Winemaker’s Cap Classique pairing lunch on Friday 2 September: a three-course meal with pairings hosted by winemaker Mari Kotze.
  Cost R350

In addition, brunch dishes from the blackboard menu paired with a mimosa will be served on Saturday and Sunday.

Contact 021 876 2129, [email protected]
Where to find it Main Road, Franschhoek

Klein Goederust

The first black-owned boutique winery in Franschhoek launched its inaugural cap classique in March this year – named for owner Paul Siguqa’s mother, who worked in the sparkling wine room of a local winery for 37 years, and provided the expert palate in its development. 

• Join Paul Siguqa in the tasting room for a glass of the 2018 Nomaroma Cap Classique, paired with beetroot carpaccio, chevin and almonds.
  Cost R115

Contact 076 278 7569, [email protected]
Where to find it Klein Goederust Road, off the R45, Franschhoek

Raising a glass to spring in Franschhoek will make sure it’s sparkling!

When  1– 4 September 2022
Contact 021 876 2861, [email protected]

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