Spring awakens the vines
Spring has arrived in the Cape Winelands, and our vineyards are bursting back to life after a deep winter rest. With fresh, verdant shoots emerging across the estate, the next five months will be critical in shaping the quality of our 2026 vintage.
This is truly one of the finest times to visit Franschhoek – sunshine, bright vineyard views, and a buzz of activity in the air. As one of the highest-altitude wineries in the region, our spring landscape is turning heads. Our Tasting Room is alive with local and international visitors enjoying Chamonix wines right where they’re grown.
Gold for Chamonix Cap Classique
We had a sparkling start to the season on 2 September 2025, when our Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique 2022 won Gold at the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge.
This competition saw 152 entries from across South Africa, and just a handful achieved Gold status (scoring between 93 and 95 points). Our Blanc de Blancs stood out in the competitive Blanc de Blancs category, which had 43 entries alone.
Crafted in the traditional Champagne method, Cap Classique is South Africa’s homegrown bubbly. We're proud to see our wine shining alongside the best in the country.
Click HERE to place an order.
Chamonix showcases at Cape Wine 2025
The international wine spotlight was firmly on Cape Town this September for CapeWine 2025 – a premier industry event drawing over 1,600 wine professionals from around the globe.
Our team was on the ground at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, meeting with agents, sommeliers, and buyers from Europe, America, and Asia.
Interest in our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir was strong, while the Cabernet Franc and Troika Bordeaux-style blend showcased our estate's depth and versatility. We’re excited to see more global restaurants and retailers discover the Chamonix range.
2026 harvest
Winemaker Neil Bruwer is already looking ahead to next year’s harvest. To support our continued pursuit of excellence, we’ve made some key updates to the cellar:
- A fresh new floor and coat of paint
- Expanded red wine fermentation area
- New stainless-steel tanks with advanced cooling systems
Originally built in 1994, the cellar has always blended charm with function. These upgrades ensure it remains a state-of-the-art space for crafting the wines you love.
A Burgundian journey: Gerné van Zyl in France
Chamonix Estate's assistant winemaker, Gerné van Zyl, recently returned from a hands-on winemaking experience in Burgundy, France – the spiritual home of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Working at Domaine Drouhin-Laroze in Gevrey-Chambertin, Gerne had the rare chance to harvest and vinify grapes from some of the world's most iconic vineyards, including Clos de Vougeot, Chambertin, and Clos de Bèze.
“It was a real privilege and honour,” says Gerné. “The experience will have a profound influence on my approach to winemaking and vineyards.”
We’re excited to see this inspiration flow into future Chamonix vintages.
Visit us this spring
Whether you're a local or visiting Franschhoek, come enjoy a tasting at Chamonix and soak in the beauty of spring in the mountains. The vines are calling, and the wines are waiting.
Send us an email at sales@chamonix.co.za to make a reservation.
Thank you for being part of the Chamonix journey. Here's to a season of growth, celebration, and exceptional wine.
– The Chamonix Team