Bonnievale offers a truly remarkable experience for sparkling wine enthusiasts. Visitors can embark on a guided journey to create their own personalized Cap Classique. Participants will explore the intricate process, learning the art of disgorging, dosaging, corking, and labeling under the tutelage of an expert. This engaging 30-minute activity provides a rare glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship behind these elegant wines. Afterwards, guests can indulge in a tasting of exquisite Philip Jonker Brut vintages and uncover the estate’s rich history. But the true highlight? Departing with a one-of-a-kind souvenir that captures the essence of this exceptional experience.
Good To Know
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Visitors can create their own personalized bottle of Cap Classique, a South African sparkling wine, through a guided 30-minute interactive experience at the Weltevrede estate.
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The hands-on process includes disgorging yeast sediment, dosaging (adding sweetening solution), corking, and hand-labeling the bottle to take home as a unique souvenir.
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Participants learn about the traditional Cap Classique production techniques and the importance of each step in enhancing their appreciation for sparkling wine.
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The experience is complemented by a video explaining the Cap Classique production process and a tasting of the estate’s latest Brut vintages.
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The Cap Classique creation experience is available for visitors aged 18 and above, with reservations and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Activity Overview
The activity offers visitors an opportunity to create their own bottle of Cap Classique, a renowned South African sparkling wine. The experience lasts 30 minutes and is guided by a knowledgeable tour guide.
The interactive process includes disgorging, dosaging, corking, and labeling, allowing participants to fully enjoy the traditional Cap Classique production methods.
After the hands-on session, visitors can explore the estate’s history and learn more about the winemaking process through a video presentation and a tasting of the latest Philip Jonker Brut vintages.
The personalized bottle serves as a unique and memorable souvenir from the Bonnievale experience.
Disgorging and Dosaging
Disgorging and dosaging are the core steps in the Cap Classique creation process that participants get to experience.
First, they’ll use a disgorgement tool to remove the yeast sediment that’s built up during the bottle’s maturation.
Next, they’ll add a sweetening solution to the wine through the dosage step, balancing the wine’s flavors.
These hands-on activities allow guests to fully engage with the traditional Cap Classique production techniques.
Corking and Labeling
Next, participants seal their Cap Classique bottle with a cork, completing the traditional production process.
They’ll use a specialized corking tool to firmly insert the cork, ensuring an airtight seal that will preserve the wine’s effervescence.
Once corked, guests can personalize their bottle with a handwritten label, reflecting their unique experience.
This final step transforms the bottle into a cherished souvenir, a tangible reminder of the journey they’ve undertaken to create their very own Cap Classique.
With the corking and labeling complete, participants can take pride in the culmination of their hands-on involvement in the time-honored methods of Cap Classique production.
Tasting and Learning
After the hands-on experience of creating their own Cap Classique, participants can dive into the tasting and learning aspect of the activity.
They’ll watch a video that explains the Cap Classique production process, giving them a deeper understanding of this sparkling wine. Next, they’ll have the chance to taste the latest vintages of Philip Jonker Brut, exploring the flavors and aromas that make this estate’s offerings unique.
Finally, they can meander along the underground circle route, seeing the history and heritage of the Weltevrede estate.
This multifaceted experience provides participants with a well-rounded appreciation for the art of crafting exceptional Cap Classique.
Booking Information
Pricing for the Cap Classique creation experience starts from $11.48 per person.
Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, with no upfront payment required. There’s also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Tours are available every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday, so visitors can easily find a time that suits their schedule.
However, the experience isn’t suitable for children under 18 years, and smoking isn’t allowed.
Participants should arrive at 09h45 at the WELTEVREDE Tasting Room entrance, where a host will provide a briefing before the experience begins.
Important Considerations
The Cap Classique creation experience isn’t suitable for children under 18 years. Smoking isn’t allowed during the activity.
Participants must arrive at the WELTEVREDE Tasting Room entrance by 09h45 for the briefing with the host before the experience begins. The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes and is guided by a knowledgeable tour guide.
Visitors can expect an interactive journey that includes disgorging, dosaging, corking, and labeling their own unique bottle of Cap Classique as a memorable souvenir.
This experience provides an opportunity to learn about the production and history of this esteemed sparkling wine.
Unique Souvenir Creation
One of the key highlights of the Cap Classique creation experience is the opportunity to craft a unique souvenir.
Guests actively participate in the process, disgorging the yeast, adding the dosage, corking, and hand-labeling their personalized bottle. This hands-on approach allows visitors to appreciate the meticulous work involved in producing the celebrated Cap Classique.
The resulting bottle serves as a tangible memento of the experience, capturing the essence of the estate’s winemaking heritage. Guests depart with a one-of-a-kind keepsake that showcases their participation in this interactive journey, making it a truly memorable takeaway from their Bonnievale visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Bottle to Be Personalized?
No, guests can’t bring their own bottle to be personalized. The experience involves creating a unique bottle of Cap Classique, from disgorging to labeling, all guided by a knowledgeable tour host.
Do I Need to Have Prior Knowledge About Cap Classique?
No, you don’t need prior knowledge about Cap Classique. The guided experience will teach you about the production process, and you’ll get to create your own unique bottle as a memorable souvenir.
Is There a Dress Code for the Experience?
There’s no formal dress code for the Cap Classique experience, but visitors should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. The focus is on the hands-on winemaking activities, so casual attire that allows freedom of movement is recommended.
Can I Purchase Additional Bottles of the Wine I Tasted?
Yes, you can purchase additional bottles of the wine you tasted during the Cap Classique experience. The winery’s tasting room offers the option to buy the current vintages of Philip Jonker Brut that you sampled.
Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available for Group Bookings?
Yes, there are discounts available for group bookings. Groups of 4 or more guests receive a 10% discount on the experience price. Advance reservations are recommended to secure preferred tour times.
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The Sum Up
Crafting a personalized Cap Classique at Bonnievale is a captivating experience. Guided by an expert, visitors enjoy the traditional sparkling wine production process, disgorging, dosaging, corking, and labeling their own bottle. This unique activity provides insights into the meticulous craftsmanship of Cap Classique while offering a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Completing the visit with a tasting of exquisite Philip Jonker Brut vintages and a video journey through the estate’s rich history solidifies this engaging winemaking encounter.