Premier wine-producing region Stellenbosch is celebrating its first annual Dorp Street MCC and Champagne festival.

Taking place between 6pm and 9pm on 28 August at the Black Horse Centre (corner Dorp and Market streets), the festival will have a contemporary country theme and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately.

For R400 a ticket, festival-goers will have access to unlimited tastings of the 12 boutique champagne and 12 méthode cap classique producers taking part in the bubbly bacchanal, as well as a host of tasty canapés to line the stomach.

Wine fundis can brush up on their French-fizz know-how with a series of tutored tastings that will be conducted by prominent wine personalities on the top level of the Umami Restaurant.

Tutored tastings include:
Tasting 1 (17h30–18h45): A comparative tasting of 12 Prestige Cuvées and vintage MCCs, chaired by champagne authority Allan Mullins CWM. Cost: R250 per person

Tasting 2 (19h00–20h00): A mineral water tasting of 12 top-end local and imported waters such as VOSS and FIJI. Cost: R100 per person

Tasting 3 (20h15–21h30): A vertical tasting of 12 older vintages of Villiera, Simonsig and Desiderius MCC, chaired by Méthode Cap Classique association Chairman, Jeff Grier. Cost: R250 per person

There are only 200 tickets available, so its best to book now. Contact festival organiser Inke Gouws on 079 268 3779 or e-mail her at inke@inkegouwschampagne.co.zaby Friday, 20 August.