How do I book a wine tour through Wine in the Cape?

Browse our tours or build a custom itinerary, then send an enquiry with your dates and group size. We come back to you personally — usually within a few hours — with a proposed route, pricing and availability. You don't pay anything until the plan is confirmed.

Can I build my own multi-day wine route?

Yes. Our custom tour builder lets you choose estates, stays and experiences across the Cape Winelands, then sends the whole plan to us in one enquiry. We'll refine transport, timing and bookings for you.

Do you arrange transport and a driver?

We do. Most of our tours include a private driver-guide in a comfortable vehicle, and we can arrange anything from a sedan for two to a mini-coach for larger groups. Self-drive itineraries are available too if you prefer your own wheels.

How far in advance should I book?

For peak season (December to April) and weekends, aim for 2–4 weeks ahead. Mid-week and off-season tours can often be arranged with a few days' notice. Last-minute requests are welcome — we'll always try to make it work.

What size groups can you accommodate?

From couples to coachloads. Private tours typically run for 2–12 guests, but we regularly plan wine experiences for corporate groups, weddings and celebrations of 50 or more.

Is wine tasting included in the price?

Most tour prices include tastings at the estates on your route. Where a premium tasting or food pairing is optional, we'll make that clear in your quote so there are no surprises.

How MCC is Made: The Art of Méthode Cap Classique

Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) is South Africa’s answer to Champagne—a celebration of bubbles, elegance, and the craftsmanship that elevates sparkling wine to an art form. MCC is produced using the traditional Champagne method, yet it carries a uniquely South African charm, showcasing the region’s exceptional terroir and winemaking expertise. Let’s explore the fascinating journey of…

17 January 2025· 3 min read

Let’s explore the fascinating journey of how MCC is made and why it holds a special place in the world of wine.

What Is Méthode Cap Classique?

MCC is South Africa’s traditional method sparkling wine, crafted primarily from classic varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sometimes Pinot Meunier. The process mirrors that of Champagne, involving two fermentations, meticulous care, and patience to create fine bubbles and rich, complex flavours. However, MCC reflects the vibrancy and uniqueness of South Africa’s vineyards, making it a world-class contender in its own right.

How MCC Is Made

Why not uncover the secrets behind South Africa’s finest sparkling wines with Wine in the Cape’s MCC Masterclass Tour? This full-day immersive experience is your gateway to the world of MCC. Through behind-the-scenes tours at stunning estates, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the artistry and science involved, from disgorgement techniques to the crucial role of yeast in crafting those effervescent delights.

Book Your Wine Tour here.

1. Harvesting

The journey begins in the vineyard, where grapes are harvested early to preserve high acidity, a key factor in sparkling wine. Early morning harvests ensure the fruit’s freshness and balance.

2. Pressing

Grapes are gently pressed to extract only the purest juice, known as the cuvée. This step avoids contact with skins and seeds, ensuring the wine’s clarity and elegance.

3. Primary Fermentation

The juice undergoes its first fermentation, transforming into a dry base wine with crisp acidity and a modest alcohol level of around 10–11%.

4. Blending

Winemakers may blend various base wines, sometimes adding reserve wines from previous vintages. This step enhances consistency, complexity, and the final wine’s signature style.

5. Secondary Fermentation

The magic of bubbles begins here. A mixture of sugar and yeast (liqueur de tirage) is added to the base wine, which is bottled and sealed with a crown cap. Inside the bottle, yeast consumes the sugar, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide—the fine bubbles that define MCC.

6. Ageing on Lees

The wine is aged on its lees (dead yeast cells) for at least 12 months, with some premium MCCs ageing for years. This stage imparts creamy, biscuity, and nutty flavours, adding depth and elegance.

7. Riddling and Disgorging

To remove the lees, bottles are gently rotated and tilted over time (riddling) until the sediment collects in the neck. The neck is frozen, and the lees are ejected (disgorging), leaving a crystal-clear wine.

8. Dosage

A final touch of winemaker finesse—liqueur d’expédition (a mixture of wine and sugar)—is added to balance the wine’s sweetness. The dosage determines the style:

Brut Nature: Bone dry with minimal sugar.
Brut: Dry and balanced, the most common style.
Demi-Sec: Sweet and indulgent.

9. Sealing and Ageing

The bottle is corked, secured with a cage, and often aged further to refine its flavours. After labelling, it’s ready to grace celebrations around the world.

Why MCC Is Special

What sets MCC apart is its reflection of South Africa’s distinct terroir. The warm sunshine, cooling ocean breezes, and diverse soils create sparkling wines with vibrant fruit flavours, lively acidity, and exceptional quality.

Compared to Champagne, MCC offers incredible value without compromising on elegance or craftsmanship. Whether you’re marking a milestone, raising a toast, or simply enjoying life’s moments, MCC is a bottle of joy waiting to be uncorked.

Explore MCC with Wine in the Cape

Ready to immerse yourself in the world of MCC? Join Wine in the Cape for a journey through South Africa’s finest sparkling wine estates. From vineyard tours to cellar tastings, you’ll discover the art, passion, and magic behind every bottle of MCC.