LOCK, STOCK AND WINE BARREL

It’s no longer just oysters carrying gems – next time you pop a bottle of bubbly you could surprise someone with a diamond – just be careful they don’t swallow it!

First Diamonds is known for breaking new ground in the world of diamond jewellery, and in 2016 they launched a world-first: Diamant Classique.

At first glance, Diamant Classique appears as an ordinary (well, a beautifully packaged sort of ordinary) bottle of MCC. But once you pull the cork, don’t be surprised if you see a little glass pendant drop in the last glass you pour. Also don’t be surprised if the pendant encases a little diamond.

Yes, this bubbly is packaged with a diamond inside. While a ¼-carat Round Brilliant cut is the standard offering in each bottle, ½-carat (two stones) and one-carat (four stones) options are also available.

Expect to pay anything between R2 200 to R32 000 for this exclusive MCC. If you, however, don’t need a diamond, and you’re not too fond of too much sparkle Plaisir de Merle has launched what they deem as the pinnacle of blends. Winemaker Neil Bester calls their limited edition 2013 Charles Marais, the finest wine released in his 25 years as cellar master. The wine is named after founder Charles Marais who fled his home in France, setting sail with his family in 1687. They settled in the Groot Drakenstein Valley and in 1693, the Cape Governor, Simon van der Stel, granted him land.

The 2013 Plaisir de Merle Charles Marais will be available from the brand home, online at vinoteque.co.za/ collections/plaisir-de-merle and selected fine wine stores and are expected to retail for about R1 000 per bottle.