Hosted by The Karoo Wine Club Graaff Reinet – 15 & 16 September 2023.

Founders of the ever-popular annual Stoep Tasting wine weekend, Gordon, and Rose Wright, launched the first Karoo Classique Bubbly Festival in 2021 and in September 2023, they will be hosting the third consecutive event in Graaff Reinet.

This year they will be offering festival goers a unique experience - thanks to the collaboration with the South African Mohair Industry. Graaff Reinet, the oldest town in the Eastern Cape with a rich history and immense character, is an important Mohair producing area in the Karoo. Angora goats thrive in the Karoo with its combination of hot, dry summers, cold winters, and semi-desert vegetation.

Mohair is the fleece of the Angora goat, and it’s one of the world’s most beautiful sustainable natural fibres. South Africa is world renowned for producing top quality Mohair, coveted by the world’s fashion industry elite, as well as interior designers, craft specialists, industrial fibre specialists and the tourism sector.

While Mohair is a symbol of luxury throughout the world, the Cap Classique cellars of the Cape produce bubbles synonymous with luxury and celebration. South African ‘sparkling wine’, made in the traditional French method referred to as Cap Classique, was introduced to South Africa by Frans Malan of Simonsig in 1971.

Cap Classique bubbles are the perfect companion to life’s special moments - whether big or small - and will be celebrated once again at this year’s festival. From Magnums to Methuselah’s and Jeroboams too, there will be a range of bottle sizes to suit every taster wishing to purchase bubbles.

There is no better time to visit the Karoo than in the springtime. The Angora goats are giving birth to their babies, referred to as kids. The new shoots are sprouting and after the incredible winter rains, the veld should be alive with colour. During the weekend of the Karoo Classique festival, ‘Bubbles & Big Bottles’, there will be unique curated experiences showcasing Mohair and Cap Classique, food and bubbly pairings as well as the opportunity to meet the producers of South Africa’s finest bubbles. Festival goers can look forward to two tasting afternoons, which will be held at iconic venues in Graaff Reinet: The Drostdy Hotel and the Coldstream Restaurant.

Tasting tickets are R350 per person and allow exclusive access to taste and purchase from all 15 participating wine producers, some of which include:

Rickety Bridge
Domaine des Dieux
De Grendel
Simonsig
Ken Forrester
Leopard’s Leap
La Motte
Babylonstoren
Doolhof
Anthonij Rupert

Tickets are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. To buy your tickets, please visit the website www.greatwineweekends.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @karoowineclub and @mohairsouthafrica

Contact details: Kathy Helm admin@greatwineweekends.com