Head to Franschhoek to experience the Magic of Bubbles

SOMETHING else synonymous with the festive season is champagne, and you can get this off to an excellent sparkling start at Magic Of Bubbles, the annual cap classique and champagne festival in Franschhoek next weekend.

Taking place at the Huguenot Monument, this year’s theme is “black and white with a touch of bling”, and it’s always a jolly affair.

How could it not be? You can relax in the marquee in between mingling with the winemakers presenting their finest bubbles. Complementing the sparkling wines will be delicious food from several of the local restaurants which have earned the town its status as one of the country’s top culinary destinations.

Well-known local MCC producers include Pierre Jourdan, Morena, Môreson, La Motte, Boschendal, Groot Constantia, Colmant, Genevieve, L’Ormarins, JC le Roux, Pongracz, Graham Beck, Steenberg and Villiera. Newcomers this year include Maison Wine Estate, Grande Provence and Le Lude, and you’ll get the chance to sample new releases like Laborie’s exclusive, small batch bubbly, the Jean Taillefert Prestige Cuvée Pinot Noir MCC, paired with the sweeter taste of a raspberry macaroon.

On top of this, some of France’s best champagnes will be represented by brands like Piper Heidsieck, Billecart Salmon and Veuve Clicquot.

Bread & Wine, Haute Cabrière, Le Franschhoek, L’Ermitage, The Restaurant at Grande Provence and Mont Rochelle are a few of the restaurants showcasing their menus during the festival.

The best-dressed couple will be rewarded each day – Saturday and Sunday – with a R5 000 MasterCard gift card, which is the perfect excuse

subject heading FHK MCC COMP. Terms & Conditions: One e-mail entry per reader. Entries close on Monday. No correspondence will be entered into and the tickets are not transferable. Tickets include entry to the festival, a complimentary tasting glass and tasting coupons. Additional coupons can be purchased on the day. to dust off your best bling shoes, jacket or hat. You can spend your prize money on more bubbly to take home with you, or plan a trip to one of the wine farms showcased at the festival.

General access tickets via www.webtickets.co.za cost R200 a person and include access to the festival, which is open between noon and 5pm, and a complimentary tasting glass and tasting coupons. Additional vouchers can be bought on the day. Children under 18 will be allowed free entry to the festival. If you use your MasterCard to pay, you’ll get a 10 percent discount on your festival ticket, as well as a 10 percent discount on all purchases made at the festival.

● For more information and regular updates, visit www.franschhoekmcc.co.za or follow @Franschhoek_SA on Twitter.