Thursday, November 01, 2018

Wade Bales Cap Classique and Gin Affair at Grand Africa Café & Beach

On one of the hottest days in October we ventured to the Waterfront by bus to attend Wade Bales Cap Classique and Gin Affair at the Grand in the Waterfront. There were over 60 of South Africa’s premium MCCs  and about 50 local craft and international gins to taste, with local producers present to share their knowledge. No one drives to an event like this

 The Sea Point Pavilion was full to bursting and people had their bright umbrellas up to protect them from the punishing sun
This week's headline photo. Kids at the seaside, drying off on the hot ground
Nothing changes, just what we did when we were this age
On arrival we collected our tasting glasses and headed to the area under a marquee where the bubbles were being served. First to Villiera winemaker Nathan Valentine for a taste of the wonderful Brut Monro. They also had their whole Tradition range of MCC wines
Something new. Astraeus Rose and Brut from Waterkloof. It has spent only 9 months on the lees
The Iceman cometh! Villiera’s Paul Kruger keeping up with the heat of the day
Two on offer from Steenberg, their Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc and their 1682 Chardonnay MCC
Lynne trying out the Stellenrust Clement de Lure MCC NV
The Grand is on the beach, hence the sea sand. And the heat had everyone in casual beach attire
Francois Jacques Malan on the Simonsig stand with some of our favourite bubbles
The selection
Lots of seating for people to sit and eat lunch and enjoy something to drink
John and Karin Loubser's daughter Fain showing off her family's Silverthorn bubbles
Yachts in the bay in the heat haze
This catamaran came close for a look at the show
Haute Cabrière winemaker Tim Hoek showing the Pierre Jourdan range
Enjoying the bubbles if not the heat!
Petra and Nico van der Merwe with their Nico van der Merwe Nicolas MCC NV
Nico van der Merwe. The face of the name on the bottle
Can I buy some please?
Studying the menu. It is quite eclectic with low, medium and very high prices, but something for everyone
Scotch? No, Gin... Kirsty’s Gin from Arbikie Highland Estate in Scotland
Media friends Jan Laubscher and Anel Grobler enjoying the day
Your entrance ticket got you six large oysters, which John enjoyed very much

For lunch we ordered the fish and chips which is a huge portion of two pieces of battered cod, with lovely crisp chips, mushy peas, a tartare sauce and lemon slices for R125. It was so large we ate one and took the other home for supper
It was much cooler inside the bar area
Deep South gin. They were very generous with the samples, Lynne enjoyed a classic gin and tonic and found it very good. It is quite a classic gin, thankfully not too many additions and no rooibos or coloured rose or pomegranate additions. The Fitch and Leeds tonic works well, not too sweet
A nicely mixed crowd of young and old
Ginologist gin
Finery Pink Gin with additions
Two pretty girls having fun
and Beefeater were there too
In the Gin Palace
Lots of gin fans in Cape Town, its the IN thing to drink at the moment
An array of glasses and samples on the grand piano. A fun Affair indeed. We took an Uber home
Johannesburg readers can enjoy the Wade Bales Cap Classique & Gin Affair 2018 
on 24th & 25th November at the Southern Sun Hyde Park Roof Top Terrace Bar
Limited Early Bird Tickets are available at R250 per person until Monday 5th November, thereafter Full Price Tickets will cost R350
Both sets of tickets include a Champagne glass, unlimited tastings of all bubbly and gin products showcased on the day, as well as 6 fresh oysters to round off the occasion
Additional food options will be on sale. It’s going to sell-out fast, so book your tickets today! 
Go to QUICKET
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