We're thrilled to announce that two of our vintage Cap Classiques, Cuvée Clive 2019 and Blanc de Blancs 2019, have been awarded gold medals at the IWSC, the UK's oldest and most rigorous beverage competition. Dubbed the "Olympics of the drinks industry" for its competitiveness and strict judging standards, these top honours are especially meaningful in this increasingly competitive category.



About IWSC 2025
The International Wine and Spirit Competition (formally known as the IWSC), established in 1969, evaluates over 12,000 entries annually from 90+ countries, with wines judged by Masters of Wine, sommeliers and key industry decision-makers whose opinions shape global markets. Our full set of results is as follows, with all five entries scoring between 91-97 points:

 

Cuvée Clive 2019 – 97 points (Gold)

Blanc de Blancs 2019 – 96 points (Gold)

Ultra Brut 2018 – 93 points

Pinot Noir Rosé 2019 – 92 points

Pinot Meunier 2022 – 91 points
 

Tasting Notes and Production Highlights
Why is Cap Classique Gaining International Recognition?
Cap Classique represents South Africa's own version of Champagne - crafted using the exact same traditional method as the world's most prestigious sparkling wines, but offering exceptional value. While Champagne commands premium prices, Cap Classique is still a developing category that delivers the same meticulous traditional method production at a more reasonable cost.

This traditional method - where secondary fermentation takes place entirely inside the bottle - is the most prized and complex way to create sparkling wine. It encourages subtle flavours to develop through extended time on the lees, creating the sophisticated complexity that defines quality sparkling wine. Unlike mass-produced alternatives that use cheaper tank methods, every bottle of Cap Classique undergoes this labour-intensive process that Champagne made famous.

As IWSC judge Dr Winnie Bowman observed: "Cap Classique is a growing category, and the quality is improving year on year. The top wines were complex, harmonious and beautifully balanced." With only 2.5 million bottles produced annually compared to Champagne's 400 million, Cap Classique remains niche while growing rapidly in recognition, particularly in international markets.

These IWSC results reinforce our position as the country's leading Cap Classique specialist. Since focusing exclusively on sparkling wine in 2016, we have dedicated ourselves entirely to mastering this craft - proving that South African terroir, combined with traditional methods and unwavering dedication, creates wines that rival the world's finest.



1. What is Cap Classique wine?
Cap Classique is South Africa’s premium sparkling wine, made using the traditional Champagne method. This involves a second fermentation in the bottle and extended lees ageing, resulting in fine bubbles and complex flavours.


2. What is the IWSC and why is it important?
Founded in 1969 by Austrian wine chemist Anton Massel, the IWSC was revolutionary for combining rigorous scientific analysis with expert tasting. Unlike other competitions, judges are strictly limited to 65 daily tastings to ensure "the first drink gets the same attention as the last," and judges provide transparent, actionable feedback to all entrants regardless of medal status.


3. What makes Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2019 special?
Cuvée Clive 2019 is the 12th release of our flagship Cap Classique. Crafted only in stand-out vintages and exclusively available in limited quantities, this six-time ‘Cap Classique of the Year’ winner masterfully balances intensity with elegance.


4. Where can I buy Graham Beck's IWSC award-winning wines?
Our IWSC medal winners are available through our online store, cellar door in Robertson, and selected fine wine retailers nationwide. Visit our website to find your nearest stockist or order directly online.