What a Bubbly Masterclass Covers
A Bubbly Masterclass is a guided tasting session centred on South African sparkling styles, with a practical focus on serving temperature, glassware, pouring, dosage, mousse and food pairing. We keep it grounded and easy to follow, so guests can compare different expressions side by side and understand what they are tasting in real terms.
Sessions are designed for beginners and regular wine drinkers alike. We explain the main styles, including tank fermented sparkling wine, bottle fermented traditional method bubbly and sweeter celebratory styles, then move through a structured tasting with commentary from our team. If the group wants a more technical session, we can go deeper into lees contact, pressure levels and ageing time.
- Guided tasting of 3 to 5 local sparkling wines
- Serving and storage advice for home use
- Food pairing ideas for canapés, seafood and salty snacks
- Notes on sweetness levels, acidity and bubble size
- Suitable for 8 to 40 guests depending on the venue
How We Run the Session
We start with a short introduction and confirm the tasting order, then move into a side by side comparison so guests can notice differences in style, pressure and finish. Each pour is measured and paced to keep the tasting balanced, with enough time for discussion between wines. Most masterclasses run for 60 to 90 minutes, though larger groups or corporate bookings often need a little longer.
For private home tastings in Franschhoek, Paarl or Somerset West, we can work with a dining table, patio or covered stoep as long as the space is protected from wind and heat. In Cape Town and Durban, we often recommend an indoor setup because coastal humidity and evening winds can affect service. If load shedding is expected, we can plan for no power service conditions and keep the session simple, quiet and well timed.
- Arrival and set up: 30 to 45 minutes before start time
- Tasting flow: welcome, guided comparison, Q and A, close
- Glassware: 1 flute or tulip glass per guest
- Optional extras: spit bowls, water stations, tasting mats and printed notes
What Is Included In Your Booking
Each booking is tailored to the group and the occasion. We can supply the tasting wines, structured notes, serving guidance and a host to lead the evening. Where needed, we also assist with pairing suggestions and table layout so the event feels organised from the first pour to the last glass.
For club members, we can align the selection with the monthly box theme and use the session to introduce new producers or a seasonal style focus. For birthday parties, engagement evenings and team events, the tone is lighter and more interactive, but the tasting still follows a clear structure. We keep the flow steady and practical, with no pressure and no fuss.
- Curated sparkling wine selection matched to the group
- Hosting and tasting guidance by our club team
- Brief style notes and tasting sheet per guest
- Optional food pairing direction for caterers or home cooks
- Post event recap with the wines tasted and serving tips
Booking Process And Turnaround
Bookings are handled through our enquiry form on the contact page. Once we receive the details, we confirm the date, guest count, venue and preferred style of session. From there we finalise the wine selection, timing and any add-ons that suit the occasion. For smaller home events, we usually need a few days notice. For corporate bookings, weekend dates and popular seasons, a longer lead time is best.
Turnaround depends on the size of the group and delivery location. In Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Cape Town and Paarl, planning can often move quickly. For Johannesburg and Durban, we allow extra time for coordination and delivery. If the event needs a specific bubbly style or a food pairing format, we recommend booking at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead so we can secure the right wines and confirm the run sheet.
- Step 1: Send your enquiry with date, area and guest numbers
- Step 2: We confirm the format, duration and wine style mix
- Step 3: We plan delivery, setup and hosting requirements
- Step 4: The masterclass takes place and we follow up after the event
Pricing Approach For Private And Group Sessions
Pricing is quoted according to group size, travel, wine selection and the level of hosting required. A simple home tasting for a small group will cost less than a fully hosted corporate evening with pairing plates and printed materials. We quote clearly before confirming, so you know what is included and what sits outside the base rate.
Our pricing structure is practical rather than package heavy. If you need a standard tasting with 3 wines and a short guided session, we keep it lean. If you want a premium line-up with older vintages, paired bites or a longer workshop, we price that accordingly. Delivery costs may apply outside Franschhoek and nearby Winelands areas, especially for smaller bookings. All pricing is in Rand.
- Small private groups: best for 8 to 12 guests
- Mid size events: suitable for 13 to 25 guests
- Corporate or club evenings: suited to 26 to 40 guests
- Price adjusts for travel, custom wine list and added materials
Keeping The Wines At Their Best
Bubbly needs careful handling before and during service. We store bottles cool, upright when possible and away from direct sun, then chill them to the right serving range before the session begins. In most cases, sparkling wine should be served between 6 and 9 degrees Celsius, while richer bottle fermented styles can open up a little warmer. We also advise on handling once bottles are opened, because pressure drops fast and the wine should be enjoyed promptly.
For venues with warm rooms, outdoor patios or summer events, we suggest an ice bucket or chilled cooler box ready at the table. In coastal areas like Durban and parts of Cape Town, humidity can make labels damp and bottles slippery, so we plan for that too. If the event is part of a recurring club booking or seasonal programme, maintenance intervals simply mean checking storage, glassware and serving temperatures before each session, then restocking the tasting kit as needed.
- Ideal service temperature: 6 to 9 degrees Celsius
- Recommended glassware: flute or tulip, depending on style
- Open bottle use: best within the session once poured
- Storage: cool, dark and upright before tasting
Key facts
| Session length | 60 to 90 minutes |
|---|---|
| Group size | 8 to 40 guests |
| Sparkling styles | 3 to 5 local wines per session |
| Serving temperature | 6 to 9 degrees Celsius |
| Travel areas | Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Paarl, Somerset West, Constantia |
| Booking lead time | A few days for small groups, 1 to 2 weeks for larger events |
