There has been a serious dearth of events since covid hit - and to attend the Amorim Best Cap Classique awards at Tintswalo meant I could just stop there and never go to another event. Chef Liam Tomlin seems to be everywhere and I am always amazed that he can continue to produce such magnificent repast. Breath-taking views across the ocean to the Hout Bay harbour brought back memories from 25 years ago, as this is exactly where wine.co.za started, way back, in 1996. We moved to Hout Bay in 1991, and this was still during the dark days of the Group Areas Act, and Hout Bay Heights was not declared a white area, so we had to get a permit to live there as the 2nd white family to move in. Strange times, they were. Fast forward to the 20th anniversary of the Amorim Cap Classique awards which was held at the fabulous Tintswalo Lodge, right on the water's edge - a perfect spot to enjoy the best of the best bubbles in South Africa. Well done to Amorim for their continuous support of bubbly in South Africa. And with Cap Classique celebrating 50 years since the first made by the legendary Frans Malan at Simonsig, it was a double celebration. Hat's off to Kleine Zalze - the Best Producer, Overall Wine with their Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut MCC 2015 achieving top marks With a record set of 135 entries this year it was a tough competition for judges Heidi Duminy(CWM), Malu Lambert, Pierre de Klerk, Nathan Valentine (Villiera) and wine consultant and SASA Chairman Spencer Fondaumiere. Kelsey Shungking from Mullineux Wines was the associate judge. Best Brut Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut MCC 2015 Best Rosé Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 Best Blanc de Blanc Mariëtte Chardonnay Blanc de Blanc MCC 2015 Best Museum Class - (for a vintage of 8 years or older) soon to be renamed and if Jeff Grier's suggestion of TIMELESS is taken on - it will get great support! Boschendal Jean Le Long Prestige Cuveé 2009 Best Nectar Class Graham Beck Bliss Nectar Rosé (n/v) Keep up with all things bubbly at capclassique.co.za