WeeklySA_AdminLEGACY: Rooted in heritage and refined through craft, Van Loveren’s Christina Cap Classique tells a story that began with a Dutch matriarch and now sparkles at the pinnacle of South African winemaking…
By Len Maseko
Long before Robertson became one of South Africa’s most respected wine regions, a young woman from Holland arrived at the Cape carrying little more than her belongings—and a legacy in the making.
Her name was Christina van Loveren.
In 1699, she settled in what would become the fertile valley of Robertson, laying the foundation for a family story that would stretch across centuries.
Today, that legacy lives on in Van Loveren Family Vineyards—one of South Africa’s most recognisable wine estates—and finds its most refined expression in the Christina Collection, a tribute to the matriarch who started it all.
This year, the owners of Van Loveren Family Vineyards (VLFV), the Retief family, have been awarded the prestigious 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership. The honour, conferred by South Africa’s annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, recognises the family’s extensive and ongoing contribution to the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the local industry.
The award is a credit to Christina van Loveren’s descendants, who are now at the helm of the Van Loveren Vineyards, steering the brand into a sustainable future. VLFV MD Philip Retief, his brother Neil and cousins Hennie and Bussell Retief, have created together what is arguably now the country’s largest independent wine company.
It’s all about balance — bringing together precision, patience and a touch of creativity to create something truly memorable…
Exporting to 70 countries, it has interests across many of the Cape’s key wine-growing areas, from the family’s home base of Robertson to Stellenbosch, Paarl, the Swartland, Tradouw and Worcester.
At the pinnacle of the Christina van Loveren collection sits Christina Cap Classique, a sparkling wine range that reflects both heritage and modern excellence.
At the heart of its creation is winemaker Danelle Conradie—a seasoned craftswoman whose nearly three decades in wine mirror the same values of patience, discipline, and quiet determination that built Van Loveren itself.
Her journey has taken her from the Cape’s vineyards to harvests in Australia and Switzerland, and through the historic wine regions of France, before returning home to South Africa. Along the way, she has developed a philosophy that is as uncompromising as it is simple.
“There are no shortcuts in winemaking,” Conradie says. “You stay close to the vines and the wines, and you trust the process.”
That philosophy is evident in every bottle of Christina Cap Classique.
Produced in the traditional method, the Brut NV and Brut Rosé NV are crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes harvested at optimal freshness in mid-January. The wines undergo extended ageing on the lees, developing complexity, texture, and the fine, persistent bubbles that define world-class Cap Classique.
The result is a sparkling wine that balances precision with generosity—crisp yet layered, offering notes of red apple, citrus peel, biscuit, and lime, carried on a refined mousse.
This commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Christina Cap Classique has earned top honours on the global stage, including gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 and double gold at the Veritas Awards 2024—affirming its place among South Africa’s elite sparkling wines.
But beyond the accolades lies something deeper: a sense of continuity.
The Christina range is more than a product line; it is a living narrative. From the symbolic bridal chest brought to the Cape by Christina van Loveren—still preserved at the estate—to today’s ultra-premium portfolio, the collection reflects a seamless blend of history and innovation.
Alongside the Cap Classiques, the Christina Collection includes barrel-fermented whites and reds that emphasise structure and elegance, a Sauvignon Blanc crafted in ceramic eggs to enhance minerality and texture, and a meticulously aged 10-year-old potstill brandy—each expression reinforcing the estate’s commitment to craftsmanship.
For Conradie, however, it always comes back to the fundamentals. “It’s all about balance,” she explains. “Chardonnay brings brightness and longevity, while Pinot Noir adds depth and richness. Together, they create harmony.”
That harmony extends beyond the glass. Whether enjoyed with oysters at sunset, paired with sushi on a warm summer evening, or raised in celebration, Christina Cap Classique is designed to accompany life’s meaningful moments.
In many ways, it is fitting.
More than three centuries after Christina van Loveren first set foot on South African soil, her legacy continues—not just in vineyards and cellars, but in the shared rituals of celebration, connection, and memory.
And in every bottle that carries her name, the past and present meet—sparkling with purpose.
EVENTS
Sabrage Wine Fest Hartbeespoort
Wine lovers and lifestyle enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Sabrage Wine Festival returns to Hartbeespoort on March 28, promising a day of fine wines, scenic beauty, and relaxed summer indulgence.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Sabrage Restaurant at Estate d’Afrique in Broederstroom, the annual festival has become a signature event on Gauteng’s wine calendar—blending premium wine tasting with a vibrant social atmosphere.
From midday onwards, attendees can unwind with a curated selection of seasonal wines while soaking in sweeping views of the Hartbeespoort landscape.
This year’s line-up features an impressive mix of celebrated wine estates, including Le Chant, Le Riche, Leeuwenkuil, Nítida, Pink Valley, Spier, and Thelema, among others. Tickets cost R280 per person via Quicket. No tickets at the gate.
The festival promises a lively, all-day experience, with great food on offer and a DJ setting the tone for a laid-back atmosphere.
Children are welcome to attend.
Molitva Wine Fest
Wine lovers and families looking for a relaxed outdoor experience can look forward to a day of tasting, food and entertainment when the Molitva Wine Festival takes place at Molitva Restaurant in the Cradle of Humankind area on March 28. The festival, scheduled from 11:00 to 17:00, promises to be one of the biggest wine gatherings in the Cradle region. Visitors will sample a wide selection of wines while enjoying live music, gourmet food in a scenic countryside setting. Food will also be a major part of the experience. Guests can choose to book tables at the Molitva Restaurant for a sit-down meal or opt for Molitva-catered picnic options, allowing them to relax on the lawns.
The venue is at Teak Place, Kromdraai Road, Protea Ridge, in Johannesburg. Tickets cost R250 per person via Webtickets.
Fijnwyn Bubbles Pretoria
Wine lovers will have the opportunity to celebrate South Africa’s finest sparkling wines when the Fijnwyn Bubbles Festival takes place at Shokran Events Venue in Tierpoort, Pretoria, on March 28 and 29.
The two-day event, starting at 10:00 each day, marks the first Fijnwyn wine celebration of the year. More than 35 wine farms are expected to participate, each presenting a selection of wines for tasting. This year’s event carries a sparkling twist, with every participating winery bringing at least one Cap Classique or sparkling wine to share with visitors.
Tickets cost R250 per person, giving guests access to tastings and the opportunity to interact directly with winemakers and representatives from participating estates.
Soweto Cheese & Wine Fest
The Soweto Cheese and Wine Festival returns for its fifth edition on March 29 at the Soweto Theatre Forecourt in Jabulani, promising a full day of food, wine and entertainment. Organised by Soweto Cheese and Wine Live and Seven Colour Sundays in partnership with the Soweto Theatre, the event will feature curated cheese and wine pairings from local winemakers and established brands, including Tall Horse. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food stalls, designer fashion and lifestyle exhibitions.
Running from 12h00 to 23h00, the family-friendly festival will include children’s entertainment until 17h00, along with live music and performances. Tickets cost R150 and are available through Webtickets – Compiled by Len Maseko: lenmaseko@weeklysamirror.news
