Michelin Star Chef and wine explorer, Roger Jones has spent the last two weeks trawling through the hills of Stellenbosch for new wines, however on Sunday he hosted the first of his three international wine Challenges, which are held this week at the luxury Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town.

It was a tense contest in which Graham Beck shone for the second year in a row. But where were the English and Welsh sparkling wines?

Cuvée Clive from Graham Beck narrowly beats Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve in The Battle of The Bubbles, but Australia and New Zealand dominate the top 10.

The first international challenge involved eight nations competing in the Battle of The Bubbles.

South Africa’s MCC (Methode Cap Classiqe) is very popular in the Cape but, despite its great value and quality, struggles to make an impact abroad, unlike English and Welsh Sparkling Wine. Last year in a straight battle between MCC and English and Welsh Sparkling, MCC was the clear winner getting 8 places in the top 10.