While some may argue that there’s always a good reason to enjoy bubbly, no time feels more fitting than the festive season. And while grand celebrations are wonderful, sometimes simply having friends over for a casual gathering or finishing your gift shopping (hooray!) is worth popping a cork for. That’s where Boschendal’s Cap Classique range comes in – it’s the perfect way to add some sparkle to any holiday moment, big or small.  

A legacy second to none  
Boschendal’s proud heritage of crafting world-class bubbly dates back to 1981, when they became only the second wine farm in South Africa to produce Cap Classique. This revered sparkling wine is created using the same labour-intensive method that made French Champagne famous – the méthode champenoise (Champagne method).  

The key difference between Champagne and Cap Classique isn’t in how they’re made, but where they’re made. Just as true Port can only come from Portugal’s Douro Valley, only sparkling wines from France’s Champagne region can be called Champagne – it’s a name protected by French law. As a result, Cap Classique is South Africa’s elegant answer to Champagne, crafted with the same careful technique but with its own distinct identity.  

At the heart of both wines is the special way their bubbles are created. Unlike your average sparkling wines, Cap Classique gets its delicate bubbles through a second fermentation that happens inside the bottle itself. Here, sugar and yeast are added to the bottled wine, ultimately creating the exceptionally fine mousse on the palate.  

Danielle Coetsee: Crafting Boschendal’s bubbles 
At the helm of Boschendal’s Cap Classique cellar is winemaker Danielle Coetsee. Now crafting her seventh vintage at the farm, Danielle brings both technical precision and artistic flair to every bottle. Her talent hasn’t gone unnoticed – she was named “Woman Winemaker of the Year” at the 2020 SA Women’s Wine & Spirit Awards. “You need good grapes to make good wine,” Danielle often says, embodying Boschendal’s commitment to excellence from vineyard to bottle. Her philosophy combines meticulous attention to detail with what she playfully calls a “kick-ass palate” – essential qualities when crafting the delicate complexity of Cap Classique.  

A foodie favourite
Cap Classique is one of the world’s most versatile wines, thanks to the crisp acidity and fine bubbles that act as a palate cleanser between bites. Whether you’re planning an elegant holiday lunch or a casual summer gathering, there’s a Boschendal bubbly perfect for every festive dish.  

Start your celebration with the vibrant Boschendal Brut Rosé, an ideal match for seafood starters or light summer salads. For the main event, the classic Boschendal Brut NV pairs beautifully with traditional festive fare like honey-glazed gammon or roast turkey. The prestigious Jean Le Long Cuvée Prestige Blanc De Blancs elevates any special occasion, particularly alongside fresh oysters or butter-poached crayfish. And for those who love to end on a sweet note, the sumptuous Boschendal Luxe Nectar complements everything from a rich Christmas pudding to a classic trifle. The good news is that there are no rules when it comes to bubbly – so feel free to make your own.  

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Boschendal Wines (@boschendalwines)

Bringing you the best of Boschendal 
In celebration of the season, the WCellar Sommelier Team has carefully curated a selection of Boschendal’s finest wines, now available at selected Woolworths stores and online.

• Boschendal Brut NV  

• Boschendal Nicolas  

• Boschendal Appellation Series Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon (from the Helderberg)  

• Boschendal Black Angus (also from the Helderberg in Stellenbosch)  

Boschendal is a member of DGB, the official wine sponsor for the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, happening on 31 March 2025. Stay tuned to Eat Out platforms for all the latest updates.