The morning mist still lingers in our mountain vineyards as Danielle Coetsee, Boschendal's dedicated Cap Classique winemaker, inspects the pristine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes destined for our celebrated sparkling wines. Having started at Boschendal Estate in 2017 as an assistant winemaker before taking the helm of our Cap Classique programme in 2020, Danielle's eyes sparkle with the same brightness that appears in the bubblies she makes.
"This vintage has been all about balance, uniqueness and focus," reflects Danielle, who has been overseeing the delicate balance of harvest timing since the first grapes were picked on 10 January. "We had an exceptionally cool and long winter, with very few heat waves once summer started and with moderately cool days leading to conditions in which the grapes can develop without heat stress conditions affecting acid and pH levels," she explains.
Adapting to nature's timeline
The steady rhythm of this year's harvest stands in marked contrast to 2024's swift tempo. "We've had consistent but smaller intakes per day compared to 2024," notes Danielle.
Where last year saw most grapes arriving within a concentrated 22-day period, 2025 has offered a more measured pace, allowing for dedicated attention to each batch. That said, mid-January brought its own excitement, as several vineyard blocks reached optimal ripeness simultaneously, testing the team's agility and expertise.
"This is a part of any harvest plan and it is always exhilarating to plan and move quickly to ensure every block comes in at the perfect time. Being agile is a requirement for any harvest," Danielle shares.
Promise in the cellar
Now five weeks into harvest, with 100% of grapes safely in the cellar, the results are proving exceptional. Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – the traditional cornerstones of our Cap Classique – are showing promising yields.
"The Chardonnay yields are slightly higher than Pinot Noir. But both varieties have better yields than we had in 2024," adds Danielle. "We knew this was going to be an excellent season for low pH's and excellent acid concentrations. Seeing this consistency through harvest has been a highlight for me."
Looking ahead
"It's a wonderful and exciting feeling to know you will see the evolution of wines that show such promise from the start. What matters going forward is how these wines are handled, and I have trust in our team's meticulous attention to detail. So I know this will be a wonderful year for Cap Classique."
As the final grapes made their way to the cellar, there's a palpable sense of excitement about the 2025 vintage. The natural freshness and perfect acid balance in the base wines suggest another stellar year for Boschendal Cap Classique continuing our proud tradition of crafting storied sparkling wines that speak of their origin here in our mountain vineyards.