Our Summer Issue

Some moments are created with Cap Classique in mind. Moments where only effervescent bubbles can match the exhilaration of the occasion.

The country-wide euphoria that exploded after the Rugby World Cup final in the Stade de France at the end of October is a case in point. As the Webb Ellis Cup was lifted high, our glasses of bubbly were raised in jubilation, awe and solidarity with our national team.

There are other moments that are more intimate, but no less joyful – special occasions that fill us with the desire to drink stars.

As the festive season unfurls before us, it’s probably prudent to always have a bottle of South Africa’s own excellent bubblies chilling in the fridge, in case a reason to celebrate presents itself. Or if not, in case a decent thirst comes your way.

It is only fitting for Stellenbosch Visio to crown this festive season issue with an ode to Cap Classique. It’s just over 50 years since the first Cap Classiques, made in the traditional Méthode Champenoise style, started lending their sparkle to our celebrations. In its own inimitable way Cap Classique blends heritage with trendiness, profound quality with glitz and glamour. A drink that gladdens the heart and lifts the spirit.

Emile Joubert has been on hand, cheering Cap Classique on as it soared. He shares his recommendations of old favourites and exciting new sparkling wines and talks to innovators from leading estates who are adding even more élan to this stylish drink (p. 52).

Stellenbosch Visio introduces the new generation of winemakers – young and sophisticated men and women, who are poised to take the industry to new spheres. But talented people are not only found in vineyards and cellars. Artists as well as scientists and entrepreneurs, they are everywhere, in restaurants and in laboratories, designing new buildings and creating works of art, making music and making memories. As you page through this issue, you will be inspired by the drive and enthusiasm powering the City of Oaks forward.

In stark contrast to these life-affirming activities, we are confronted, day and night on newscasts, with mankind’s destructive urge. In great sadness we watch missiles raining on cities, destroying homes and innocence.

Closer to home, it was a long and cold winter with two dreadful storms that battered our coastline and flooded the riverbeds, washed away precious topsoil, vineyards, infrastructure and homes. But the sun has returned and around us grapevines remind us of the cycles of dormancy and growth.

As Pablo Neruda put it in “Keeping quiet”:

Perhaps the earth can teach us

as when everything seems dead

and later proves to be alive

Alles rondom ons spreek van lewe soos die landerye in helderheid en vrugbaarheid uitbars. Strijdom van der Merwe begelei die kinders van die Pebbles-projek op Delaire Graff om landskap en kuns één te maak (p. 119). Melvyn Minnaar lei ons op ’n feesroete deur kunsmuseums en -galerye (p. 46). Jackie Burger wys fabelagtige feestyduitrustings en kroon dit met juwele (p. 34).

Die mense van Suid-Afrika wys keer op keer dat ons nog nie ophou droom het van ’n goeie toekoms vir almal nie. Ook dat ons nie ons geloof in vrede op aarde op die solder gebêre en daarvan vergeet het nie.

My groetwoorde vir die feestyd: Laat ons ság wees met mekaar. Dan maak ons reeds die wêreld ’n beter plek.

Die mense van Suid-Afrika wys keer op keer dat ons nog nie ophou droom het van ’n goeie toekoms vir almal nie. Ook dat ons nie ons geloof in vrede op aarde op die solder gebêre en daarvan vergeet het nie.

My groetwoorde vir die feestyd: Laat ons ság wees met mekaar. Dan maak ons reeds die wêreld ’n beter plek.