Champagne air

Posted on Fri October 21, 2016.
The Dining Room

“The air is dry and light and its effect on the mind is similar to that of a glass of Champagne before dinner.”

The air of the Karoo is often described as Champagne air, due to the way it makes our guests feel.  In fact, Matjiesfontein was originally established itself as a Victorian health spa for this very reason!

We say: If you're breathing champagne air, you may as well drink it! Our pick for this World Champagne Day is one of our favourite local Cap Classiques (sparkling wine made in the same method as Champagne).

Silverthorn, The Genie
This delectable bubbly offers fresh raspberries and sherbet flavours supported by a velvety texture, fine mousse and lengthy finish. It's a perfect aperitif to begin a meal in The Dining Room.

Further Reading

Milestone birthday in Matjiesfontein Mon March 2, 2026

On 20th January, Ben Rawdon celebrated a milestone birthday of 90 years choosing Matjiesfontein for the celebrations. Attended by family and friends, this special occasion ensured many glasses were raised in Ben’s honour.It was also a time to acknowledge and celebrate Annette and Ben’s 60th wedding anniversary – an amazing milestone achieved! The hotel has been throwing legendary celebrations for over 125 years now, and this was no exception with staff joining...

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A Step Toward a Greener Future Thu October 16, 2025

Nestled in the heart of the Karoo, Matjiesfontein has always been a place where history and heritage meet the endless beauty of the South African landscape. Now, this beloved village is adding a new chapter to its story — one that looks firmly toward the future.

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Under the Karoo Stars: A Journey with the Shepherds Behind Our Lamb Tue July 8, 2025

At The Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein, our team recently embarked on a 125 km transhumance trek with a local Karoo sheep farming family, gaining deep insight into the heritage behind our beloved Karoo lamb. This time-honoured journey through the rugged landscape, marked by resilience, tradition, and connection to the land, revealed the true soul of the Karoo and the people who sustain it. Now, every dish of Karoo lamb we serve...

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