I arrived at the San Deck at Southern Sun Sandton & Towers just as the late afternoon light turned the city gold. The skyline shimmered, glasses clinked, and the unmistakable pop of corks set the tone for a night dedicated to one thing: champagne. Trays of Moët & Chandon glided between guests, laughter drifted on the breeze, and it felt like the entire rooftop had stepped into its most glamorous self.
It wasn’t just another Sandton soirée. This was a nod to Southern Sun’s month-long Champagne Celebration, a sparkling extension of World Champagne Day that runs from October 16 to November 16, 2025. And while the bubbles were flowing, the evening had a deeper story, one of accessible luxury, sustainability, and a glimpse into the future of Champagne itself.
Bubbles without borders
What makes this celebration stand out is that Southern Sun isn’t limiting it to a single day. The group is keeping the good times (and good prices) going across its hotels for an entire month.
As Southern Sun Group Sommelier Miguel Chan explained during his address, this commitment to value is what makes their champagne experiences so unique.
"The reason why we can make this party possible across all Southern Sun hotels is because of our pricing," he explained, adding: "We can confidently say our champagne prices are the best in the world compared to any of our hotel brand competitors, anywhere. In Europe, Asia, America, and Australia, we have the best prices."
Looking around at the San Deck’s crowd, a stylish mix of industry insiders, champagne lovers, and weekend regulars, it felt like he was right. There’s something special about sipping Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial against a backdrop of city lights that makes you feel both spoiled and at home.
A vintage worth waiting for
Between toasts, Chan shared an insider update that had the wine lovers in the room paying close attention. The 2025 Champagne harvest, he revealed, has been hailed as one of the greatest vintages in 50 years, a once-in-a-generation moment for winemakers.
“We just finished the harvest in Champagne two weeks ago,” he said. “It’s been hailed as one of the greatest vintages of the last 50 years. This event is about looking to the future, just as Champagne is doing.”
That theme, looking forward, carried through the evening. Chan spoke passionately about the industry’s focus on sustainability, with winemakers embracing regenerative agriculture and new eco-conscious techniques to protect the future of their vines.
“Champagne is committed to looking at the health of the soil and doing things as close to nature as possible,” he explained, highlighting the balance between tradition and innovation.
A fresh take on how we drink Champagne
Even the glassware has evolved. Chan pointed out the slim, tulip-shaped glasses (approved by the maisons) now being used across Southern Sun hotels, designed to enhance the fruit notes and texture of each pour.
“The glassware has changed to make champagne more ‘sexy,’” he said with a smile. “It magnifies the fruit expression and lets you experience the different layers of what Champagne truly is.”
And he’s right, as I took another sip, the aromas felt brighter, the texture more luxurious. It’s a small detail that transforms the experience from simply drinking champagne to tasting it.
Champagne for every occasion
What I loved most about the evening was that it never felt exclusive or intimidating. There was an effortless elegance to it all, like everyone was in on the secret that luxury doesn’t have to be out of reach.
Southern Sun’s month-long celebration brings that idea to life. Whether you’re marking a milestone or just celebrating a Tuesday, the group’s champagne offering makes it possible to do it in style, without booking a flight to Reims.
From Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial to the indulgent Ice Impérial, the featured champagnes are available at participating Southern Sun hotels nationwide until November 16, giving everyone a reason to raise a glass.
In case you missed it: We’ve just dropped a freshly updated list of the best rooftop bars in Johannesburg for 2025, your ultimate guide to bubbles with a view.
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