Franschhoek - The King of POP

The ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, sponsored by Investec Private Bank and held in Franschhoek on the weekend of the 4th to the 6th of December, was another feather in the cap of South Africa’s premier food and wine destination. According to Jenny Prinsloo, CEO of the Franschhoek Wine Valley and Tourist Association, “Feedback consistently confirms that this is the best festival of its kind in South Africa.”

Thousands of people enjoyed Champagne and South African Cap Classiques on offer from 37 different estates or importers, with a strong local representation from the Western Cape, especially the Franschhoek valley and even the newly formed W.O. Plettenberg Bay region. International Champagnes included offerings from Guy Charbaut, Laurent Perrier and Henri Giraud, amongst others. The hot summer’s weekend was picture-perfect, with clear skies and the occasional breath of wind to cool things down. The crowds were entertained by a number of musicians and bands throughout the weekend and the dancefloor was alive, thanks to the sound of music, the popping of corks and the enjoyment of bubbles. Set in the grounds of the Huguenot Monument, the festival effortlessly ties an iconic South African celebration to the quintessential French symbol of luxury. The FWVTA made particular mention of the stylishly-decorated marquees; Marti Foster’s subtle touch added a measure of glamour to the ‘White with a Touch of Black’ theme that was widely appreciated. The words inscribed on the monument’s colonnade, Post Tenebras Lux (after darkness (comes) light), seemed entirely appropriate as the festival coincided with the country’s emergence from recession and a renewed sense of optimism in most quarters.

The optimism was echoed in the opening speeches by Jenny Prinsloo, Anne Ferreira, outgoing Chair of the Franschhoek Vignerons and Wouter de Vos, head of Investec Private Bank Winelands. The Wine Valley and Tourist Association and the Vignerons were both acknowledged for the tremendous role they play in making the valley a successful tourism and lifestyle destination. New to this year’s festival was the introduction of a Friday evening cocktail event. Supported mainly by locals, the evening was successful enough to suggest that it will become a regular part of the festival and it will surely become the highlight in years to come. Given the heat at this time of the year, the opportunity to sip bubbly under the stars is sure to remain a treat.

The quality of the Cap Classiques on offer was notable. Many of the visitors to the festival were quick to point out that the South African offering is every bit as good as its French originator, and one or two avowed Champagne drinkers were observed heading to the tables of the Cap Classique producers with their cheque books at the ready. An astonished French journalist was heard to say “I’m not sure how to deal with my experience back home. If I tell them how very good this South African wine is, they either won’t believe me or I’ll be called a traitor.” As he slipped his purchase discretely into his carry bag he looked up and pleaded, “I’ll need another glass for courage.”