Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Champagne in Africa Your Festival , At A Glance Johannesburg (Summer Place) Date: 13 November, 2026 Time: 6pm Venue: Summer Place, Johannesburg Dress code: French Chic Meets African Luxury Pour Yourself Into The Story Step into a meeting of Champagne heritage and African creative expression. Discover the houses, makers, flavours and details that shape the festival. The Fusion French luxury meets African chic in a celebration of two rich cultural traditions. The Makers Meet the Champagne houses, chefs, designers and African creatives contributing to the festival. The Experience Discover a considered mix of Champagne, cuisine, style and cultural expression. The Access Ticket sales closed. Meet The Houses And Makers Behind The Experience Discover the Champagne houses and contributors taking part in the Absa Champagne in Africa Festival. Explore the craft, stories and people behind the bottles and the wider festival experience. Champagne houses I Champagne houses II Champagne houses III Champagne houses I Champagne houses II Champagne houses III Discover Your Next Favourite Pour Explore the Champagne houses and discover more about the bottles producers and selections featured in the festival experience. Get to know the stories behind the names and find inspiration for your next pour. Download the Vitner Guide E-Bookelt(opens in new tab) The Story Doesnt End Here Stay connected to the world of Champagne. Discover the people behind the craft, learn more about serving and pairing Champagne, and receive updates about future festival experiences. Sign Up To The Newsletter Champagne House Stories And Education. Tasting, serving and pairing tips. Updates and future festival connections. Discover More From Champagne Explore more stories, interviews and festival updates. Champagne Travel Entertainment Event Champagne CHAMPAGNE French luxury meets African chic at the 24th Absa Champagne in Africa Festival The Absa Champagne in Africa Festival returns to Summer Place in Sandton on Friday, 13 November 2026, bringing authentic French champagne together with contemporary African cuisine, art and live performance. CHAMPAGNE The 23rd Edition of the Absa Champagne in Africa Festival returns in 2025, Now Elevated with a National Expansion Absa is proud to announce the 23rd edition of the Absa Champagne in Africa Festival, the continent’s most distinguished celebration of authentic French champagne and luxury culture. Returning on Friday, 14 November 2025 at the iconic Summer Place in Sandton CHAMPAGNE Timeless Elegance: De Venoge Champagne As we raise our glasses to celebrate the festive season, it seems fitting to delve into the world of a renowned Champagne house that has stood the test of time with grace and sophistication. De Venoge stands for excellence, heritage, and nearly two centuries of crafting fine Champagne. CHAMPAGNE Champagne Boizel - "One family, one house, one tradition" Interview with David Rieu, Export Manager Champagne Boizel. Welcome to a rainy Johannesburg! I believe you have just got off the plane from France? CHAMPAGNE Champagne Pol Roger – the most British of Champagnes Interview with Derek Kilpin, Managing Director – Great Domaines CHAMPAGNE Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte – Unleash the bubbles! “While Champagne is a truly exceptional product, not only exceptional events deserve Champagne.” Nicolas Feuillatte Load More Travel CHAMPAGNE Chapitre de la Fleur de Vigne – Palace of Versailles The Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne brought together more than 400 guests from around 20 countries for its Chapitre de la Fleur de Vigne held on June 5th in the prestigious setting of the Orangerie at the Palace of Versailles. Read more TRAVEL Beginner’s Guide to Touring Champagne Champagne is easily accessible North east of Paris, 45 minutes by train (TGV) or an hour and half by car, offering far more than just a chance to sample the delectable bubbles. Read more Entertainment CHAMPAGNE Chapitre de la Fleur de Vigne – Palace of Versailles The Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne brought together more than 400 guests from around 20 countries for its Chapitre de la Fleur de Vigne held on June 5th in the prestigious setting of the Orangerie at the Palace of Versailles. Read more ENTERTAINMENT Great food, great wine in ‘mama’s kitchen’ Interview with Elena and George Dalla Cia, Pane e Vino – Part 2So enchanted were we with Elena and George’s stories, not least the delicious food, that we needed two articles! If you are looking for authentic Italian food served in a cosy environment – look no further. Read more ENTERTAINMENT Italians are not just ‘pizza, pasta, mafia’ Interview with Elena Zichella Dalla Cia, Pane e Vino – Part 1. Tucked away from the tourist area, in one of the oldest parts of Stellenbosch, is a hidden gem on what is de facto the shortest wine route. Here you will find the delightful, authentic Italian restaurant – Pane e Vino. Read more ENTERTAINMENT Stimulate All the Senses at Les Créatifs The Champagne in Africa team had the good fortune to interview Chef Wandile Mabaso creative food artist, owner and Chef of Les Créatifs Restaurant in Bryanston, whilst savouring the delicious lunch menu. Read more ENTERTAINMENT Champagne Themed Dinner Party for 4 Here are some menu ideas to give your dinner party maximum wow with minimum fuss. Summer is coming and that usually means we want to step up our entertainment game. The team at Champagne in Africa love any excuse to celebrate, but we’re also keen to do so without it becoming ‘mission impossible’. We’ve provided you with two stylish yet simple options for each course. All you have to do is select and start playing in the kitchen. Add a few candles, flowers and pretty napkins and you’re good to go! Read more Event EVENT Absa Champagne Festival 2018 Take a sneak peak at the Absa Champagne Festival 2018. The ultimate celebration of style and excellence in a glass! Read more Everything You Need To Know (FAQ) GENERAL INFORMATION What is the Absa Champagne in Africa Festival, and what can guests expect? Now in its 24th year, the Absa Champagne in Africa Festival is one of the continent's leading showcases of authentic French Champagne, bringing together French craftsmanship and contemporary African creativity. Under the theme “When French Luxury Meets Pan-African Chic,” the festival celebrates the intersection of French heritage and African excellence through Champagne tastings, culinary experiences, fashion, art, live entertainment and luxury automotive design. The festival offers Absa an opportunity to connect with clients beyond traditional banking, celebrating personal achievements, meaningful relationships and shared experiences. What makes the 2026 festival different? This year's festival places a stronger emphasis on African creativity and its influence on contemporary luxury. In addition to showcasing 35 French Champagne houses, the festival will feature a special fashion installation by acclaimed South African designer David Tlale, a curated culinary experience, live performances by Mafikizolo and Elaine, and a premium vehicle display by Pharoah Motor Group. Together, these elements bring the festival's theme to life, celebrating the craftsmanship, artistry and cultural expression of both France and Africa. EVENT DETAILS & TICKETS When and where is the festival taking place? Date: Friday, 13 November 2026Time: 18:00–22:00Venue: Summer Place, 69 Melville Road, Hyde Park, JohannesburgTheme: When French Luxury Meets Pan-African ChicDress Code: French chic meets African luxury Guests are encouraged to wear elegant cocktail or evening attire that reflects their personal style, with African-inspired elements. Guests are advised to use e-hailing services and plan a safe journey home. How much are tickets, and who can attend? Tickets cost R2,950 per person and are available through Quicket, subject to availability and booking conditions. The festival is open to guests aged 18 and older. Guests do not need to be Absa customers to attend. What does the ticket include? The ticket includes access to the evening's experiences, including: Champagne tastings from participating houses. Culinary experiences and food stations. Live entertainment and musical performances. Fashion and art installations. Luxury automotive displays. Additional charges apply to Champagne purchased for consumption at the venue or ordered for later delivery. What can guests expect from the Champagne showcase? The festival will feature 35 Champagne houses, ranging from internationally recognised names to independent producers. The selection is expected to include Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Pol Roger, Drappier, Lanson, Laurent-Perrier, Taittinger, Louis Roederer, Billecart-Salmon, Perrier-Jouët and G.H. Mumm, among others. Guests will have opportunities to engage with house representatives, learn about the craftsmanship behind each Champagne and discover different styles and producers. What culinary experiences will be available? Guests can explore a variety of culinary offerings, including: A live pasta station. Freshly prepared sushi. South African braai favourites. Harvest tables. A dedicated dessert selection. The culinary experience brings together international influences and African flavours, complementing the festival's celebration of French and African creativity. Who will be performing at the festival? The entertainment programme will feature two celebrated South African musical acts: Mafikizolo: The internationally recognised Afro-pop duo known for their distinctive sound and longstanding contribution to African music. Elaine: The award-winning South African R&B singer-songwriter recognised for her soulful vocals and contemporary sound. Their performances will form part of an evening celebrating South African music, artistry and entertainment. Will tickets be available at the venue? Tickets will only be available at the venue if the event has not sold out online. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance through Quicket. Are non-alcoholic drinks available? Yes. All bars will offer non-alcoholic drink options, and a dedicated mocktail bar will serve freshly prepared alcohol-free beverages. Can guests purchase Champagne at the venue? Yes. Champagne will be available for purchase at dedicated sales stations, either for consumption at the festival or through orders for later delivery. Only card payments will be accepted. Is the venue accessible to guests with disabilities? Yes. Summer Place is accessible to guests with disabilities. How can guests request a refund? Refund requests can be submitted through Quicket, subject to the applicable refund terms and conditions. Who can assist with ticket enquiries? All ticket-related enquiries can be directed to: Michela GordonEmail: michela@javelintv.co.za DAVID TLALE FASHION PARTNERSHIP Who is David Tlale, and what is his involvement in the 2026 festival? David Tlale is an acclaimed South African fashion designer recognised for his bold silhouettes, expressive textiles and contemporary interpretations of African fashion. As part of the 2026 festival, David Tlale will present a special fashion installation celebrating African creativity and design. The installation follows his recent Restoration showcase at South African Fashion Week, which explored African heritage through contemporary fashion. His participation brings another dimension to the festival, demonstrating how African fashion and artistic expression complement the heritage and craftsmanship associated with French luxury. What can guests expect from the David Tlale installation? Guests will have the opportunity to explore a special installation showcasing David Tlale's creative approach to fashion and design. The installation will bring African-inspired fashion into the festival environment, complementing the event's broader celebration of art, culture and luxury. It will offer guests an additional opportunity to experience African creative excellence beyond the Champagne and culinary showcases. Why has David Tlale been included in the festival? The partnership supports the festival's theme, “When French Luxury Meets Pan-African Chic,” by showcasing African creativity alongside French craftsmanship. Fashion, like Champagne, is shaped by heritage, craftsmanship, innovation and attention to detail. Through David Tlale's participation, the festival celebrates African designers who are contributing to the evolution of contemporary luxury and bringing African cultural expression to wider audiences. How does the David Tlale partnership align with Absa's brand positioning? Absa recognises the importance of platforms that celebrate African talent, creativity and entrepreneurship. David Tlale's participation reflects the festival's ambition to connect clients with experiences that extend beyond traditional banking. By bringing together fashion, cuisine, art, music and French Champagne, Absa creates opportunities for meaningful engagement while celebrating African excellence and the people shaping the continent's creative industries. PHAROAH MOTOR GROUP PARTNERSHIP Who is Pharoah Motor Group, and what is its involvement? Pharoah Motor Group is a luxury automotive specialist and the festival's vehicle partner. The company will showcase a selection of premium vehicles at Summer Place, adding automotive design and craftsmanship to the festival experience. For more information, visit Pharoah Motor Group. Why is an automotive partner included in the festival? The festival brings together different expressions of craftsmanship, design and luxury. Pharoah Motor Group's participation adds an automotive dimension to the experience, complementing the fashion, art, culinary and Champagne showcases. ABSA COMPETITION Can Absa customers win tickets to the festival? Yes. Absa customers were invited to participate in a competition offering a chance to win one of five double tickets to the festival. To qualify, customers needed to spend R2,000 using their Absa Visa card by 9 November 2026, subject to the competition terms and conditions. The competition was promoted through Absa's official social media platforms. Terms and conditions apply. Absa is an authorised financial services and registered credit provider (FSP/NCRCP7). ABSA SQUAD & INFLUENCER ENGAGEMENT Who is the Absa Squad, and what role will they play? The Absa Squad comprises content creators who will share their experiences at the festival, offering audiences a look at the event through their social media platforms. Content will highlight the atmosphere, fashion, culinary experiences, Champagne showcases, entertainment and behind-the-scenes moments. The participating creators are: 1. Mihle “Mimi” Dudaka Marika Opperman3. Sarah Langa Jessica van Heerden5. Banele Christopher Follow @absa.africa and @absa.southafrica on Instagram, and Absa South Africa on Facebook. Join the conversation using #AbsaChampagneInAfrica and #YourStoryMatters. 5.2 How can I join the Absa Squad? Interested in creating content with us? Send us a DM on Absa’s official social channels with a short introduction and links to your content. We’ll share your details with the team for consideration for future opportunities. Media Enquiries For media enquiries and interview requests with Absa, contact: Absa Group Press Office Absa: Jerome Raman: Jerome.Raman@absa.africa OnPoint PR: Tumediso Baikgaki: tumediso@onpointpr.co.za Subscribe to our newsletter Please enter your contact information to receive news and updates. Full Name Email address I would like to receive marketing communications from Absa CIB Subscribe By clicking Subscribe, I confirm that I have read and accepted the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. The Champagne in Africa team support enjoying life and the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not for persons under the age of 18. Please remember to drink responsibly. https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3
