Graham Beck Estate

In 1983, entrepreneur Graham Beck purchased the farm Madeba near Robertson with a singular vision: to produce South African sparkling wines that could stand alongside the finest Champagnes. He planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on the limestone-rich soils of the Robertson valley, and in 1990 appointed Pieter Ferreira as cellar master. One year later, Ferreira crafted the first vintage of Graham Beck Brut Cap Classique -- famously, under the open stars, as the fledgling winery had yet to be fitted with a roof.

What followed is one of the great stories in South African wine. In 1994, Graham Beck Brut was chosen to toast Nelson Mandela's inauguration as South Africa's first democratically elected president. Fourteen years later, the same wine was served to celebrate Barack Obama's first presidential win. The Brut became known as the 'President's Choice,' and Graham Beck became synonymous with Cap Classique in South Africa.

Pieter Ferreira has remained with Graham Beck for over three decades, still in search of the perfect bubble. He works alongside winemaker Pierre de Klerk and Lizemari Geldenhuys, producing a portfolio that spans four tiers. The Classic Collection -- Brut, Brut Rose, and Bliss Nectar -- forms the accessible foundation. The Vintage Collection comprises Ultra Brut, Blanc de Blancs, and Pinot Noir Rose, with extended lees ageing. The Artisan Series pushes boundaries with experimental bottlings including the Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay 14:277. At the pinnacle, the Icon Series features Cuvee Clive, named after Graham Beck's son -- a Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary finesse that regularly earns 95-plus points from international critics.

In 2023, Graham Beck celebrated forty years of Cap Classique production. The estate's trophy cabinet is extraordinary: Tim Atkin MW named it Sparkling Wine of the Year for six consecutive years, awarding 97 points; the National Wine Challenge has recognised it with Grand Cru, Top 100, and MCC of the Year awards; and Platter's Guide has given multiple 5-star ratings. The IWSC South Africa 2024 awarded Gold at 97 points.

The Robertson tasting room sits amid the tranquillity of the estate, offering three tasting tiers: the Classic Tasting (complimentary, 5 wines), the Deluxe Tasting (R50, 5 wines with bubbly), and the Master Class Tasting (R75, 6 wines with Cap Classique and food pairing). Locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, and freshly baked breads accompany the experience. The estate holds WWF partnership, BEE, WIETA, FSSC 22000, and IPW accreditations.