13 November @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Johannesburg’s luxury scene is getting a distinctly African makeover as the 24th Absa Champagne in Africa Festival prepares to bring together French champagne heritage, contemporary African fashion, culinary creativity and automotive design.
Taking place on Friday, 13 November 2026, at Summer Place in Hyde Park, the festival is positioning itself as more than an evening of champagne tasting. It is an invitation to experience the intersection of two creative worlds, where French craftsmanship meets Africa’s evolving expression of luxury.
Under the theme “When French Luxury Meets Pan-African Chic,” this year’s edition celebrates the growing influence of African creativity in spaces traditionally associated with international luxury.
Beyond the Bubbles: A Celebration of Creative Culture
For 24 years, the Absa Champagne in Africa Festival has brought together champagne producers, business leaders and lifestyle enthusiasts. Its latest edition builds on that legacy while giving African design, hospitality and artistic expression a more prominent place in the experience.
With 35 Champagne houses participating, guests will have the opportunity to explore different labels, discover independent growers and engage directly with representatives behind some of the world’s celebrated sparkling wines.
But the real attraction is how the experience extends beyond the glass.
The festival’s culinary offering will bring together international favourites and familiar South African flavours, including live pasta preparation, sushi and braai-inspired selections, creating an interesting meeting point between global dining culture and local tastes.
David Tlale Brings African Fashion Into the Luxury Conversation
One of the standout creative additions is the involvement of acclaimed South African fashion designer David Tlale.
Following his recent showcase at South African Fashion Week, Tlale will present a curated installation that introduces fashion and artistic expression into the festival environment.
His involvement adds an important cultural dimension to this year’s theme.
African luxury is not simply about adopting international trends or importing established ideas of sophistication. It is also about recognising the designers, artists and creative entrepreneurs shaping a distinct visual identity for the continent.
By placing South African fashion alongside French champagne heritage, the festival creates an opportunity to celebrate African creativity on an international luxury stage.
Automotive Design Adds Another Dimension
The luxury experience will also extend into the automotive world, with Pharaoh Motor Group joining as this year’s luxury vehicle partner.
A curated selection of premium vehicles will be displayed at the venue, bringing automotive design and craftsmanship into an evening already built around aesthetics, quality and exclusivity.
Together, fashion, food, champagne and automotive design create a lifestyle experience that speaks to an audience interested in more than traditional entertainment.
Johannesburg’s Luxury Lifestyle Calendar Gets Another Highlight
For Johannesburg’s social and lifestyle scene, the festival offers an opportunity to experience international craftsmanship through an African cultural lens.
It also raises an interesting question about the future of luxury on the continent: what happens when African creativity is not simply invited into established luxury spaces, but becomes an essential part of defining them?
That conversation makes this year’s festival particularly interesting.
With limited capacity, early booking is advised.
Follow the conversation using #AbsaChampagneInAfrica and follow @absa.africa on Instagram.
