Amorim Cap Classique Challenge Winners 2025: South Africa’s Best Cap Classique

Here they are! South Africa’s top performing Cap Classique wines as named in this year’s Amorim Cap Classique Challenge.

Now in its 24th year, the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge is the only competition dedicated exclusively to South Africa’s bottle-fermented sparkling wines (aka Cap Classique). Sponsored since its inception by Amorim Cork, a global leader in cork production, the challenge drew an impressive 152 entries in 2025.

The wines were judged across six categories:

• Brut Blends

• Blanc de Blancs

• Rosé

• Extended Ageing (7 years and older)

• Nectar

• Blanc de Noir (a brand-new addition this year!)

Who Took Top Honours?

Congratulations to Steenberg Lady R 2019, which claimed the ultimate title of South Africa’s best Cap Classique (overall winner 2025) as well as the Best Brut Blend. The other trophy winners per category were:

• Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2019 – Trophy for Best Blanc de Blancs

• Kleine Zalze Brut Rosé NV – Trophy for Best Rosé

• Tokara Blanc de Blanc 2017 – Trophy for Best Extended Ageing

• Krone Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs 2021 – Trophy for Best Nectar

The new Blanc de Noir category didn’t see a trophy awarded this year, but Graham Beck Pinot Meunier 2022 took home a well-deserved Gold medal.

In total, six Double Gold medals were awarded to wines scoring 96 points and above, while 30 wines were awarded Gold (93–95 points).

Why Cap Classique is the World’s Best

South African Cap Classique has the advantage of incredible terroir diversity. From the limestone soils of Robertson to the cool, ocean-influenced vineyards of Elgin and Constantia, each region brings something unique. The result? Sparkling wines that are vibrant, expressive, and full of Cape character.

According to Cape Wine Master Heidi Duminy, who chaired the judging panel, this year’s competition was a true showcase of the category’s diversity and quality. From rich and complex Brut blends to fresh and zesty Blanc de Blancs, and from delicate rosés to aged treasures, the breadth of styles was inspiring.

She summed it up beautifully:

“Patience is rewarded. The Extended Ageing wines showed the magnificence Cap Classique can achieve with time on the lees. The Rosé class, as always, surprised us with its charm, diversity, and excitement.”

A Brief History of SA’s Cap Classique

South Africa’s love affair with sparkling wine took a bold new step in 1971, when Frans Malan of Simonsig Estate in Stellenbosch released the country’s very first bottle-fermented sparkling wine. Inspired by Champagne (a region in France that is), Malan used the same traditional method (Méthode Champenoise) of secondary fermentation in the bottle – but since “Champagne” is reserved for wines from France’s Champagne region, South Africa coined its own term: Cap Classique.

That very first wine was called Kaapse Vonkel, meaning “Cape Sparkle,” and it opened the door to what is now one of the most exciting categories in South African wine.

Made the Champagne Way – But with a Cape Twist:

Cap Classique wines are crafted using the traditional method, where bubbles form naturally during a second fermentation inside the bottle. This results in finer bubbles, creamy textures, and complexity that set it apart from simple, tank-fermented sparkling wines.

But here’s the twist – Cap Classique draws on the Cape’s diverse terroirs, from the cool slopes of Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde to the sun-kissed valleys of Robertson, Constantia, and Stellenbosch. Each region adds its own character, making Cap Classique incredibly diverse in style.

Grape Variety Freedom:

While Champagne is restricted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, South African winemakers have more flexibility. Many Cap Classiques use the classic trio, but you’ll also find Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and even Pinotage in the mix! This makes for a playful, innovative category that shows off local grapes in sparkling form.

Our Sparkling Treasures Today:

Since that first Kaapse Vonkel in 1971, Cap Classique has exploded in popularity. Today, over 250 producers craft these wines, and competitions like the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge (founded in 2002) highlight just how far the category has come.

As Joaquim Sá, Managing Director of Amorim Cork South Africa, explained:

“Cap Classique reflects the beauty of our terroirs – from Darling and Robertson to Elgin, Durbanville, and Paarl. Each bottle tells a story of the Cape’s diverse landscapes.”

Full List of Trophy Winners

Where to shop the Best Cap Classique

Most of these bottles are available online at the winery itself or at major retailers, including WCellar, Tops at Spar, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Makro, Norman Goodfellows, Carolines, and Get Wine.