On Saturday 24 October 2026, St Francis Bay will once again fill with the sound of popping corks, clinking glasses and warm conversation at The Quays. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your day at the St Francis Bubbles Festival.
South Africa's finest bubbles in one place
The St Francis Bubbles Festival is a curated celebration of South African Méthode Cap Classique — the country's answer to Champagne, made using the same traditional bottle-fermentation method. From boutique producers tucked into the Plettenberg Bay winelands to celebrated Stellenbosch estates, the 2026 festival brings together some of the most exciting sparkling wine talent in the country.
This is not a generic wine fair. Every producer pouring at Bubbly in the Bay has been chosen for the quality and character of their bubbles — and many of them will be on their stands in person, ready to walk you through exactly what makes their wine special.
"What began as a dream between three friends became one of St Francis Bay's most talked-about events of the year."
The setting: The Quays, St Francis Bay
Few festival settings in South Africa match The Quays at Seaglades Drive. Positioned on the waterfront with views across the canals and out toward the ocean, it's the kind of place that makes a glass of chilled MCC taste even better than it already does.
The 2026 festival runs from 12:30 to 17:00 — long enough to explore every producer at your own pace, enjoy some food, settle into the afternoon sunshine and perhaps go back for a second pour of a wine you loved the first time.
Festival at a Glance
What is MCC?
If you're new to the world of South African sparkling wine, Méthode Cap Classique — or MCC — is the term used for bottle-fermented sparkling wine made in the same way as French Champagne. The grapes (typically Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, though producers here have the freedom to experiment with others) undergo a second fermentation inside the bottle, creating the fine, persistent bubbles that MCC is known for.
South Africa's MCC category has been growing rapidly and producing world-class wines. The St Francis Bubbles Festival is one of the few events in the country dedicated entirely to this style — making it a genuinely special occasion for anyone who loves a great glass of bubbles.
The producers
The full 2026 line-up includes estates from across the Cape — from Plett's coastal boutique wineries to Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and beyond. Producers confirmed for 2026 include:
- Bramon — pioneers of Plettenberg Bay sparkling wine, famous for their unique 100% Sauvignon Blanc MCC
- Pieter Ferreira Cap Classique — benchmark MCCs from South Africa's Mr Bubbles himself, aged six years on the lees
- Kanu — elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Giselle MCC from Stellenbosch
- De Grendel — multi-award winning Cap Classique Brut from Durbanville
- Wildekrans — makers of a distinctive MCC from 80-year-old Chenin Blanc vines in the Bot River Valley
- Lost Boy — small-batch Rosé MCC and Pet Nat from Gansbaai's coastal terroir
- Lords — platinum and double-gold winning Cap Classique from McGregor
- Dainty Bess — a single, singular wine: vintage MCC from 100% Pinot Noir
- Quoin Rock — Black Series MCC aged 52 months on the lees, sourced from Stellenbosch and Elim
- And many more — watch this space as we confirm the full line-up
Food, music and more
The Bubbles Festival is a full afternoon experience, not just a tasting. Food is available from The Quays restaurant throughout the day, and for something special, you can pre-order a Charcuterie Box for Two from Toni's Deli directly through the Quicket ticketing link when you buy your festival ticket. Live music sets the atmosphere from start to finish, and the kind of easy, convivial energy that St Francis Bay does better than almost anywhere in South Africa takes care of the rest.
Dress the part — this is a stylish afternoon on the waterfront. Inspired by the striking colours of the Malachite Kingfisher, guests are invited to dress in shades of blue, green and gold, finished with a handcrafted floral and feathered fascinator.
Tips for making the most of your day
- Arrive at 12:30 — the first hour is the least crowded and the best time to have unhurried conversations with the winemakers at their stands
- Pace yourself — there are many producers to visit. Start at one end and work your way around before going back to your favourites
- Eat between tastings — food is available from The Quays restaurant throughout the day, or pre-order a Charcuterie Box for Two from Toni's Deli via the Quicket link. A good bite between pours keeps your palate fresh and your afternoon longer
- Ask questions — the producers love talking about their wines. Ask what makes their MCC different, how long it spent on the lees, and what they recommend pairing it with
- Arrange transport — St Francis Bay has limited Uber availability. Arrange a designated driver or shuttle in advance so you can enjoy every pour without worry
- Follow us on Instagram — we share the full programme, producer introductions and day-of updates at @bubbly_in_the_bay
Getting there
St Francis Bay is approximately 75 km from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) along the N2, roughly an hour's drive. The town offers a range of accommodation from self-catering cottages to boutique guesthouses — we recommend making a weekend of it. The festival falls on a Saturday, making Friday arrival and Sunday departure the perfect itinerary.
More information on accommodation partners and travel will be published on our website closer to the event.
A word from the team
The St Francis Bubbles Festival is an event by Nirmatri Events — a proudly women-owned events company born right here in St Francis Bay. Three friends, one shared vision, and a belief that life is genuinely better with bubbles.
The 2025 inaugural festival exceeded every expectation. The 2026 edition will be bigger, with more producers, more experiences and the same warmth and care that made the first year so special. We can't wait to see you there.