Cap Classique is fast becoming a favoured wine, both locally and abroad, showing sales growth of 14% in 2024. And to quote Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine: "More than 70% of the 7.5 million bottles now sell for over R200 per bottle!"

At the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge's awards ceremony on 5 September 2025, we were privileged to celebrate the top Cap Classique producers at Vrymonsfontein (which was elatively recently acquired and developed by the owners of Vondeling). Stunning views were accompanied by beautiful and delicious repast, prepared by their chefs: Kevin Grobler, Anthonie van Zyl, and Kyla Marshall.

The Amorim Cap Classique Challenge 2025 showed that women winemakers are really showing their mettle. Top honours went to veteran bubbly winemaker Elunda Basson for her Steenberg Lady R, and almost all the makers behind the Trophy-winning Cap Classiques are female.

A bittersweet celebration it was... We took a moment to consider Caroline van Schalkwyk, the passion behind the Cap Classique Association, who had lost her husband, Anthony van Schalkwyk, a week before. Anthony is remembered very fondly by all in the wine industry, and our thoughts go out to Caroline and her family.

Trophy winners

• Steenberg Lady R Cap Classique 2019 - Brut Blends (TOP WINE) - Elunda Basson
• Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2019 - Blanc de Blanc - Lizmari Geldenhuys 
• Kleine Zalze Brut Rosé NV - Rosé - Nataleé Botha
• Krone’s Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs 2021 - Best Nectar - Lizette Stander
• Tokara Blanc de Blanc Cap Classique 2017 - Extended Ageing class - Karl Lambour received the Trophy for Stuart Botha

Click HERE to read the press release.