The Story of Charles Fox Cap Classique

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On October 13, 2012, Charles and Zelda Fox celebrated the release of their first bottle of Cap Classique—a milestone that marked the beginning of their journey into premium sparkling wine. Since then, Charles Fox Cap Classiques have earned critical acclaim, standing tall among South Africa’s finest and gaining international recognition. Most recently, the estate’s 2018 Cipher Blanc de Noirs earned a five-star rating and was named Cap Classique of the Year in the 2025 Platter’s Wine Guide.

Before founding their wine estate, Charles lived in Johannesburg and worked in retail, while both he and Zelda shared a dream of owning a vineyard. After retiring at 54, Charles purchased a former fruit farm in Elgin, determined to produce world-class Cap Classique. With no farming or winemaking background, the couple began by growing apples to sustain the property. “We were terrible apple farmers,” Zelda recalls with a laugh. They planted vines in 2007, waited three years to harvest, and another two for bottle fermentation before releasing their debut vintage.

Their start was humble—personally visiting restaurants and shops to introduce their wines. But their goal was never about trends; it was about creating sparkling wines that reflected their land, values, and French-inspired methods. A Francophile at heart, Charles had fallen in love with Champagne in the 1970s while living in the UK, and this influence shaped their commitment to traditional methods.

Zelda’s winemaking journey began under Champagne consultant Nicolas Follet and French interns. When one intern dropped out in 2016, Charles encouraged Zelda to step in. She embraced the opportunity and, in 2021, took over winemaking entirely, combining precision with instinct.

Charles Fox’s production process is rooted in meticulous craftsmanship. Whole bunches are gently pressed, with juice separated into fractions for stylistic control. The first fermentation occurs in tanks and barrels, followed by blending, bottling, and a second in-bottle fermentation. Wines age on lees for extended periods, then undergo disgorgement and final finishing—all done on the estate. Their wines are also vegan, using only plant-based filtration materials.

The estate’s range begins with the approachable Reserve Brut and includes the fruit-forward Reserve Rosé, the richer Reserve Gold, and structured vintage offerings like the Vintage Brut and Rosé. The prestige cuvées—Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noir, and the flagship Coeur de Cuvee—are produced only in select years, aged over five years for depth and complexity.

From an initial 5,000 bottles, production now stands at 25,000 annually. Despite challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic, the brand has grown organically, fueled by word-of-mouth and dedication. Looking ahead, the Fox family plans to grow thoughtfully, with son Quaid joining the team. Their focus remains clear: to uphold “Consistent Quality” while staying true to their roots.

The sparkle in every bottle of Charles Fox Cap Classique is not just in the bubbles—it’s a reflection of passion, perseverance, and a dream realized.