First held in 2011, the Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo features an international polo lineup, with teams from around the world competing for the Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo Cape Town cup.
Taking place on Saturday, 5 March Val de Vie Estate will once again play host to this event. Surrounded by the mountains and vineyards of the famous Paarl-Franschhoek valley, Val de Vie is one of the most spectacular polo estates in the world. Their passion for the sport has transformed the estate into an unrivalled polo destination.
Inspired by Madame Clicquot – the theme for this year’s event is ‘Let Life Surprise You’. With this theme, the champagne house will bring a new energy to the event; a luxurious, playful, bright and innovative spirit.
“This is Veuve Clicquot’s most anticipated event in South Africa. It’s a wonderful celebration of all that is Veuve Clicquot – it is more than just a champagne brand, it’s a lifestyle, and guests will experience this with some #ClicquotInTheSun on 5 March 2015,” adds Moet Hennessy Market Manager, Patrick Madendjian.
Fashion aficionados can enjoy a carefully curated experience as they gather on the scenic estate’s clubhouse terraces and watch models exhibit chic summer outfits in the official fashion show.
“D’ORE Fashion, home to the world’s top fashion brands is the official fashion partner for the event. This multi-brand fashion house is owned by Vanessa Gounden who is one of the first South African designers to have a free standing store in London. So there will be a lot of international trends and season forecasts on the 2016 Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo runway,” says Vivid Luxury's CEO Anina Malherbe-Lan, one of the event co-founders.
The event continues to attract the attention of international VIPs such as the Royal Warrant of Appointment for the Royal House of Belgium and renowned couture designer Fabienne Delvigne, as well as the cast of Black Sails — including Zach McGowan, Hannah New, Clara Paget and Luke Arnold and Hakeem Kae-Kazim. Some of South Africa’s most revered celebrities such as Lee-Ann and Nicky van der Walt, Jeannie D, Elana Afrika, Liezel van der Westhuizen, Tarina Patel, Jen Su, Maps Maponyane, Katlego Maboe, David Tlale, Siv Ngesi,, have also attended this event.
The globally renowned sporting event features top polo players from around the world. When this level of talent meets with Veuve Clicquot’s passion for timeless excellence, the result is exhilarating. Businessman and polo player Nicky van der Walt, HRH Prince Malik-Ado Ibrahim of Nigeria and Springbok colours player and national polo team captain Le Roux Hendricks are some of the top names that have played in this nail-biting tournament.
The afternoon affair is one of a handful of international polo tournaments that the prestigious champagne house sponsors, among them, the US’s Manhattan Polo Classic and LA Polo Classic.
“For the first time in the history of this event, guests can now purchase tickets to the Veuve Clicquot VIP lounge which was previously accessed by invited guests only. These are, however, limited,” says event co-owner and Val de Vie Events MD, Simone de Wet.
The day will end with an after-party hosted by Shimmy Beach Club on the right-hand side of Val de Vie’s clubhouse where guests can dance the night away without having to leave the estate. More than any other sport, polo is best savored live with a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne in hand.