The countdown to Joburg’s most glamorous winter escape has officially begun and this year the Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival – celebrated with J.C. Le Roux- is set to sparkle brighter than ever before.
Returning to the lush surrounds of the Inanda Polo Club in Sandton on 30 and 31 May, the festival promises two days of unapologetic indulgence, effervescence and Riviera-inspired revelry. From 11h00 to 16h00 daily, guests will step into a world of fine bubbles, gourmet food, live music and high-style socialising, all wrapped in this year’s glamorous Italian Riviera Red & White theme.
From 11h00 to 14h30, festivalgoers can taste their way through an extraordinary line-up of South Africa’s leading Cap Classique producers alongside a curated selection of international Champagne, Prosecco and sparkling wine houses. Confirmed bubbly stands already include, Amari Wines, Benguela Cove, Black Elephant Vintners, Bon Courage, Graham Beck, Haute Cabrière (home of Pierre Jourdan), J.C. Le Roux, L’Ormarins by Anthonij Rupert Wyne, Laborie Wines, Masottina Prosecco, Pongracz, Quoin Rock Winery, Simonsig, Steenberg, Taittinger Champagne, Veuve du Vernay, Villiera and WCellar.
With 18 stations on offer, the only challenge will be deciding where to begin. In addition to tastings, attendees can also purchase their favourite bottle of bubbly.
From 14h30, bubbly sales-only kicks in and the festival transforms into a full-scale lifestyle celebration with groovin’ music, stylish crowds and irresistible food offerings guaranteed to keep the atmosphere buzzing well into the late afternoon.On the culinary front, guests can expect everything from Afro-Asian dim sum, bao buns and sushi from Dimsumfest to gourmet shawarmas from King Arabic Sandwich. Also, indulgent tacos, nachos and burritos from Mocharitos, sliders from Wok ‘n Grill, elegant charcuterie boards from Tumi & Co, Korean fried wings from the Scrumptious Wings Bar and biltong, droe wors and chilli sticks from Christine’s. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s uxury handmade nougat and artisanal chocolates from Sacred Legacy and the Woolworths Café food truck will be serving premium coffees, matcha lattes and iced beverages for those seeking a stylish caffeine fix between tastings.
Keeping the energy high throughout the day will be DJ Lobela, whose vibrant sets will provide the soundtrack to the festivities, alongside acclaimed saxophonist Sisonke Xonti, whose live performances from early afternoon and again from 14h00 to 16h00 are guaranteed to get festivalgoers onto the dance floor.Hosting the event on Saturday will be one of South Africa’s most glamorous personalities, award-winning actress and brand influencer Zola Nombona.
Adding an exciting new layer to this years’ experience is SERVA, the innovative mobile ordering platform set to revolutionise how guests enjoy the festival. Designed specifically for high-volume live events, SERVA allows attendees to order food and drinks directly from their phones without standing in long queues. Guests can browse menus, pay securely in-app and receive real-time notifications when orders are ready for collection or delivery, creating a smoother, smarter and more seamless festival experience. The technology-driven platform ensures guests spend less time waiting and more time sipping, socialising and soaking up the atmosphere.
This year’s Italian Riviera Red & White dress code invites guests to channel effortless Mediterranean glamour. Women are encouraged to embrace flowing linens, bold prints, oversized sunglasses and statement hats, while men can lean into crisp shirts, tailored shorts, lightweight suiting, loafers and a touch of classic Riviera sprezzatura. The best-dressed attendees won’t just turn heads — they’ll also stand the chance to win fabulous prizes including Fieldbar Drinks Boxes, bottles of bubbly and more.
For those seeking a more elevated experience, the exclusive Bubbly Lounge — limited to just 300 guests per day — offers a luxurious VIP escape complete with a private entrance, dedicated host, enhanced security, private bathrooms, premium seating, a welcome glass of bubbly and 20 tasting coupons, all within an atmosphere designed for lingering in style.
General Admission ticket holders will receive a branded crystal glass and 10 tasting coupons, more than enough to begin their sparkling journey through a world of fizz and flavour.Tickets are available now through Webtickets, but organisers warn that demand is expected to be exceptionally high.
Says festival organiser Darielle Robertson: “This annual event has become one of Johannesburg’s most anticipated social occasions because it brings together exceptional bubbles, fashion, food and atmosphere in one unforgettable experience.“This year’s Italian Riviera theme adds a fresh sense of escapism and glamour that perfectly captures the mood of the festival.”
Grant Bushby
Soweto Sunrise News
