Founder Of Krone Cap Classique – Interview With Abigail Rands

Located on a 300-year-old Twee Jonge Gezellen estate which was purchased by the Rands family in 2012, siblings Svend and Abigail Rands have brought the farm back to life, founding what is now known as, Krone Cap Classique – Vintage only South African Sparkling Wine.

In this interview feature on Glass of Bubbly we briefly speak with Abigail Rands, the founder of Krone Cap Classique – Vintage only South African Sparkling Wine, let’s discover a little about how life and the future of Krone.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & Your Journey Into The Wine Industry?

“I grew up in wine. My dad was a mentor to some of the visionary winemakers coming out of South Africa; Mark Kent from Boekenhoutskloof, Callie Louw from Porseleinberg, Rudiger Gretchel, and more recently Johan Reyneke. I was very lucky to grow up with these poetic, wild pioneers. I really look up to them and I continue to learn so much from them.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Wine It Was?

“I was 16 years old job shadowing Marc Kent at Vinexpo in Bordeaux where I tasted Champagne Salon, it left an imprint!”

How Do You See The Future Of South African Sparkling Wine In The UK Market?

“Raising the bar in every way, and carving a path for Cap Classique.”

When It Comes To Pairing Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

“Krone Borealis with its flinty, oystershell aromatics and overall mineral purity is the ultimate paired with seafood.”

What Future Plans Can Fans Of Krone Cap Classique Look Forward To In The Coming Years?

“More innovative winemaking as well as site selection, complementing our experimental range from amphora-fermented bubblies to our Site Specific Series. We’re also opening our artist residency to international collaborators, and working perhaps on a chef’s residency programme.”

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

“Very recently my brother got married on our home farm, Twee Jonge Gezellen. It was a very special santé to love.”

Thank you Abi, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Abigail Rands. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.