Bonnievale’s "Captivated By Cap Classique" tour offers sparkling wine enthusiasts an enriching experience. This 1.5-hour guided journey delves into the art of crafting South African bubbly, showcasing the underground cellar and picturesque vineyards. Visitors gain insights into the unique characteristics of Cap Classique compared to Champagne, complemented by tastings of the renowned Philip Jonker Brut. With engaging presentations and the opportunity to create personalized blends, this tour provides a deeper appreciation of the region’s sparkling wines. For those seeking to uncover the captivating story behind these effervescent delights, Bonnievale’s tour is a must-visit destination.
Key Points
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Bonnievale offers a guided tour exploring the intricacies of South African sparkling wines, known as Cap Classique, with insights into the production process and differences from Champagne.
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The tour includes an underground cellar and vineyard visit, as well as a tasting of Philip Jonker Brut and other Cap Classique wines to appreciate their unique characteristics.
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Visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the history, terminology, and regulatory frameworks that distinguish Cap Classique from its French counterpart, Champagne.
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The tour emphasizes the craftsmanship and tradition behind the production of exceptional South African sparkling wines, including techniques like sabrage and dosage.
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The experience is suitable for adults aged 18 and above, with a 24-hour cancellation policy and availability information provided to ensure a seamless booking process.
Overview and Experience Details
Enjoy the captivating world of Cap Classique during this 1.5-hour guided tour in Bonnievale.
Offered in English, the experience costs from $14.23 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Reserve your spot now and pay later.
Explore the underground cellar and vineyard, gaining insights into the bubbly-making process and the differences between Cap Classique and Champagne.
Watch a video in the Riddling Room and learn about Champagne history, key terms, and famous quotes.
The tasting includes the latest vintages of Philip Jonker Brut and a Cap Classique sampling. An option to create your own Cap Classique in the production area is also available.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bonnievale.
Tour Highlights
Visitors captivated by the world of Cap Classique embark on a guided tour through the underground cellar and vineyard.
They’ll gain insights into the intricacies of bubbly-making and the differences between Cap Classique and Champagne. In the Riddling Room, they’ll watch a video showcasing the process.
The tour also delves into the rich history of Champagne, exploring concepts like Sabrage and Dossage. Guests learn about famous quotes celebrating the effervescent delight.
This immersive experience offers a comprehensive understanding of the world-class sparkling wines produced in this renowned South African region.
Tasting Experience
Guests savor the latest vintages of Philip Jonker Brut during the tasting experience. The Cap Classique tasting is included, allowing visitors to explore the unique characteristics of South Africa’s sparkling wine.
Plus, guests have the option to create their own blend in the production area. The tasting experience offers a well-rounded introduction to the world of Cap Classique, featuring:
- Insights into the bubbly-making process
- Comparisons between Cap Classique and Champagne
- Exploration of Champagne history and terminology
- Opportunities to personalize their tasting journey
This immersive experience provides a captivating journey through the captivating world of South African sparkling wine.
Important Information
The experience isn’t suitable for children under 18 years.
Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.
Visitors are required to arrive at 09h45 for a briefing before the tour begins.
Guests are advised to check availability for the starting times of the tour.
The meeting point is provided on Google Maps, making it easy for participants to find the location.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyMeeting and Availability
Customers can check availability for starting times of the tour by visiting the meeting point location on Google Maps.
The tour starts at 09h45 with a briefing, so visitors should arrive promptly.
The experience isn’t suitable for children under 18 years, and smoking isn’t allowed.
To reserve a spot, customers can book now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The key details are:
- Tour starts at 09h45 with a briefing.
- Not suitable for children under 18 years.
- Smoking not allowed.
- Customers can reserve now and pay later, with a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund.
Cellar and Vineyard Tour
The guided tour takes visitors on an exhilarating journey through the underground cap classique cellar and picturesque vineyard.
Here, guests gain insights into the intricate process of bubbly-making, exploring the differences between cap classique and Champagne.
The tour culminates in the Riddling Room, where a captivating video showcases the historical significance and unique terminology associated with this revered sparkling wine.
Guests will leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of crafting exceptional cap classique, armed with fascinating facts about Champagne history and the techniques of Sabrage and Dossage.
Bubbly Making Insights
During the guided tour, visitors explore the intricate process of crafting cap classique, uncovering the nuanced differences between this premier sparkling wine and its renowned French counterpart, Champagne.
The insightful exploration includes:
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An overview of the traditional méthode champenoise, the time-honored technique used to create both cap classique and Champagne.
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Explanations of key terms like "sabrage" and "dosage" that define the art of bubbly production.
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Insights into the aging process and how it imparts the distinctive flavors and complexity of South Africa’s celebrated cap classique.
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A comparison of the regulatory frameworks governing cap classique and Champagne, highlighting the unique qualities of each.
Champagne History and Terms
Many centuries of rich history and evolving traditions define the iconic Champagne region and its globally renowned sparkling wine.
Champagne’s origins date back to the 17th century, when the distinctive method of secondary fermentation in the bottle was pioneered.
Iconic Champagne terms like "sabrage" – the dramatic technique of opening a bottle with a saber – and "dosage" – the addition of a precise liqueur to balance the wine’s acidity and sweetness – reflect this proud heritage.
Today, Champagne remains the standard-bearer for exceptional quality and sophistication in the world of sparkling wine.
Mastering these historic Champagne practices is a key part of understanding the artistry behind Cap Classique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Bubbly to the Tasting?
No, you cannot bring your own bubbly to the Captivated by Cap Classique tasting. The experience includes a guided tasting of the latest vintages of Philip Jonker Brut, which is the focus of the tour.
Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No, guests don’t need to bring any special equipment for the Captivated by Cap Classique tour. The tour includes a guided cellar visit, tasting, and option to create your own bubbly – all the necessary equipment is provided.
How Many People Are Typically in Each Tour Group?
The tour group sizes typically range from intimate small groups to larger gatherings, allowing for personalized attention. The maximum group size is not specified, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for all participants.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no formal dress code for the tour. Guests are free to wear casual, comfortable clothing. The focus is on the educational and tasting experience, so attire is relaxed and informal.
Can We Purchase Bottles of the Cap Classique After the Tasting?
Yes, visitors can purchase bottles of the Cap Classique wines sampled during the tasting. The tour includes an option to purchase the latest vintages of Philip Jonker Brut on-site after the tastings.
The Sum Up
The Bonnievale "Captivated By Cap Classique" tour offers an immersive and educational experience for sparkling wine enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the underground cellar, learn about the nuances of South African Cap Classique, and even create personalized blends. With engaging presentations and tastings, this tour provides a deeper appreciation of the art of bubbly-making, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to expand their knowledge of sparkling wines.
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