Bubble, bubble, bubble.. and this time it is definitely not trouble, but the launch of South Africa's first Cap Classique Course, created and hosted by the Cape Wine Academy. Long a dream of both Heidi Duminy (Principal of CWA and avid collector of champagne corks) and Mr Bubbles himself, Pieter Ferreira of Graham Beck, the first of 3 Cap Classique courses was presented to an invited group of guests. Called THE FIRST STAR, this Level 1 course it is a 3 hour introduction to all things Cap Classique, and in 2023 will be followed up by 3 x 3-hour Level 2 course called THE RISING STAR, and eventually this will be topped by their 3-day Level 3 SUPERNOVA Course - by invitation only I was fortunate enough to attend the inaugural course held at Kleine Zalze on Sat 2nd April 2022, which introduced us to various styles of Cap Classique, as well as a variety of stemware, including the infamous Marie Antoinette coup, referring to the shape of her breast. I must say I loved the various glass shapes but in fact the coup really gives you a sense of being in a James Bond film - so really hits the party mark for me! Pieter's advice on stemware is to find your favourite glass and use it for everything! With Kleine Zalze winning the Best Producer at the 2021 Amorim Cap Classique challenge, it was a natural venue to host the first course and we also had the benefit of having chef Nic van Wyk preparing a food and wine pairing with 4 of the Cap Classiques presented. If you are keen on extending your bubble knowledge, it costs R795, so keep an eye on our Diary for the next course to be held close to you, or visit Cape Wine Academy's Cap Classique Academy info to find out more