Winemakers’ Cap Classique Brunch at Benguela Cove

Bubbles, Brunch and Lagoon Views – Sunday, 29 March 2026 from 11:00

R750 per person | 30 Guests only | Walker Bay, Western Cape 

BOOK YOUR SEAT 

Some events earn a permanent spot on your calendar. This is one of them. 

On Sunday, 29 March 2026, Benguela Cove hosts its Winemakers’ Cap Classique Brunch - a rare morning-to-midday experience that brings together three of the estate's award-winning Méthode Cap Classique wines and a menu built to match them, course by course. Thirty seats. One setting. One morning you won't forget. 

Set on Africa's only oceanfront wine estate, overlooking the Bot River Lagoon, this is where serious wine appreciation and genuine relaxation meet - without the fuss of a formal tasting room or a packed festival. 

What Is Cap Classique? 

Cap Classique (MCC) is South Africa's own bottle-fermented sparkling wine, made using the same traditional method as French Champagne. Secondary fermentation happens inside the bottle, producing the fine, persistent bubbles and layered complexity that set MCC apart from tank-made sparkling wines. 

Benguela Cove produces three distinct Cap Classiques from its cool-climate estate vineyards, each with a defined character: 

• Joie de Vivre - a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend with aromas of brioche, nougat, and lime, balanced by mineral tones and fine mousse 
• Cuvée 58 NV - vivid candied apple and pear on the nose, bright acidity, and a clean floral finish. The everyday Cap Classique that earns its place on any table 
• Cuvée 58 Rosé - a Pinot Noir-led blend with Sauvignon Blanc adding natural acidity to a bouquet of cherry, strawberry, and toffee apple 

At this brunch, you work through all three - with food that draws out the best in each wine. 

The Winemakers' Brunch Menu 

The kitchen keeps it straightforward: three courses, each one built around a Cap Classique pairing. No filler, no unnecessary flourishes. 

On Arrival An oyster tower greets you as you settle in, served with lemon wedges, Tabasco, and a pour of Brut to start proceedings properly.

Second Course Deep-fried chicken arrives with mini waffles, fresh raspberries and strawberries, and a maple drizzle - a pairing that plays the saltiness of the chicken against the fruit-forward character of the Cuvée 58 Rosé. 

Third Course Shredded confit duck eggs Benedict on toasted ciabatta, finished with hollandaise. Rich, satisfying, and precisely the kind of dish that makes a glass of Joie de Vivre work hard. 

This is a brunch menu that respects the wine without overcomplicating things. The estate's kitchen team sources fresh and seasonal where possible - so what you eat reflects where you are. 

Your Host: Winemaker, Trudie Mulder 

This event will be hosted by the latest addition to Benguela Cove’s award-winning wine team, Trudie Mulder.  

Trudie built a formidable foundation through internships at Badsberg, Babylonstoren, and Jordan Wine Estate, before taking on a winemaking role at Meerendal. In May 2025, she was appointed Winemaker at Benguela Cove, drawn by the estate’s bold spirit and its willingness to push boundaries while remaining steadfastly true to terroir. Her winemaking philosophy is rooted in storytelling. She believes great wine is never forced; it is shaped through obedience to place and the courage to take chances. 

What excites Trudie most about Benguela Cove is the rare combination of place and potential. The estate sits in a unique maritime climate, shaped by the cold Benguela Current, featuring incredible diversity in soil and exposure.  

“Every vintage feels like a new conversation with the land,” she says. “There’s always more to learn and more nuance to uncover.” - Trudie Mulder, Winemaker 

The Setting 

Benguela Cove sits 90 minutes south of Cape Town on the Cape Whale Coast, between Hermanus and the Bot River Lagoon. The estate spans 220 hectares, with 2.7km of private lagoon and ocean frontage - and on a clear March morning, the light on that water is something. 

The Cap Classique Brunch takes place in a private, intimate setting on the estate. Thirty seats means every guest gets the experience without compromise - no queuing at a tasting bar, no competing with a crowd. 

If you want to extend the day, Benguela Cove's luxury villa accommodation is available to book separately. There is also wine for sale directly from the estate. 

Why Book Now 

This event sells out. Thirty seats go quickly, and March is the right time to be on the estate - warm days, clear skies, and the lagoon at its best before the Western Cape winter sets in. Book now and give yourself something worth looking forward to. 

• Date: Sunday, 29 March 2026 
• Capacity: 30 guests 
• Ticket price: R750 per person 
• Includes: Full three-course menu, oyster arrival, Cap Classique pairings throughout 
• Location: Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, Walker Bay, Western Cape 

RESERVE YOUR SEAT - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Winemakers' Brunch Frequently Asked Questions 

What time does the brunch start and end? Doors open at 11:00. The event runs until approximately 14:00, though guests are welcome to linger and explore the estate afterwards. 

Is the R750 ticket price fully inclusive? Yes. Your ticket covers the full three-course menu, and all Cap Classique pairings served during the brunch. Additional wines and experiences are available at your own expense.

Can I purchase wine on the day? Absolutely. Estate wines are available to buy by the bottle, and case purchase options are available on site. Wine club sign-ups also happen at the event. 

Is the event suitable for non-wine drinkers or those with dietary requirements? Please contact the events team in advance at events@benguelacove.co.za. The kitchen accommodates dietary needs where possible with prior notice. 

Is there parking on site? Yes, complimentary parking is available at the estate. 

Can I book accommodation at Benguela Cove? Yes. Luxury villa accommodation is available to book separately. 

Is the event child-friendly? The Cap Classique Brunch is designed for adult guests, but Benguela Cove is a family-friendly estate. While the adults enjoy the brunch, children can explore our dedicated play areas and try Pirate Adventure Golf. Contact the events team before booking to arrange this. 

What should I wear? Smart casual. You're on a wine estate on a Sunday morning - comfort is welcome, but this is a premium event. 

Is there a second date if March doesn't work for me? A second edition is planned for Summer 2026. Sign up to the Benguela Cove mailing list to be notified when tickets go live. 

How do I book? Click here to book your table online or contact events@benguelacove.co.za directly.