At the prestigious Urban Music Awards 2025, held at Pretoria’s celebrated Heartfelt Arena, the stage wasn’t the only place where excellence dazzled. In the hands of award winners, in the elegant toasts raised throughout the evening, and in the sparkle of every flute glass, one name echoed a bold and refined luxury: House of Azari. More than a sparkling wine, it was the soul of the celebration.
House of Azari, a brand founded on purpose, vision, and an unshakable belief in African excellence, offered guests an immersive experience in the art of divine indulgence. Its presence at the UMAs was not a sponsorship—it was a statement. One of power, heritage, and elegance.
The brand’s very name tells a story: “Azari,” derived from Swahili, Arabic, and Persian roots, evokes divine assistance, fire, strength, and spiritual vision. And true to this meaning, House of Azari lit up the event with a radiant blend of refined taste and symbolic beauty. Whether enjoyed in the VIP lounge or shared in joyous moments of victory, each bottle became part of a ritual—an offering of quality and distinction.
A Dream Poured into Every Glass
Behind House of Azari is a story as compelling as its sparkling Cap Classique. Founded by Siphiwe Katjene, an industrial psychologist whose personal passion for Méthode Cap Classique turned into a thriving business in 2022, the brand embodies both transformation and triumph. What began as an indulgent love for the effervescent charm of sparkling wine has grown into a refined portfolio that now graces some of the most exclusive celebrations across South Africa.
Katjene’s vision was clear from the outset: to create a luxury wine brand rooted in authenticity, African excellence, and divine intention. Partnering with a renowned wine farm in Stellenbosch, House of Azari ensures that every bottle reflects meticulous craftsmanship and the creative spirit of collaboration. It’s this devotion to detail that elevates their wines beyond simple indulgence into the realm of spiritual and sensory experience.
The Essence of African Luxury
At its core, House of Azari is a trailblazer in the world of Cap Classique. As a proud member of the Cap Classique Producers Association, the brand upholds the highest standards in sparkling wine production. Each bottle is a reflection of what it means to lead with light, passion, and purpose—echoing the brand’s symbolic fire.
What distinguishes House of Azari isn’t just its quality, but its identity. It is African. It is luxurious. And it is unapologetically sophisticated. In an industry long dominated by global names, Azari stands out not merely as a competitor but as a leader redefining what it means to sip luxury from the African continent.
A Curated Collection of Elegance
The House of Azari portfolio is a harmonious trio, each expression offering a unique journey through taste and texture:
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MCC Nectar Rosé: A visual and sensory delight, this light pink sparkling wine exudes romance and richness. With notes of strawberries, raspberries, and subtle floral undertones, it’s a gentle, sweet indulgence for lovers of life’s finer, softer pleasures.
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MCC Brut Rosé: A balanced blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this award-winning rosé delivers crisp freshness with layered red berry complexity. Its signature grapefruit aroma adds zest to an already spirited experience, making it a favourite among discerning palates.
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MCC Brut Blanc de Blancs: Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, this golden-hued classic offers the purity of green apples, the toastiness of brioche, and the elegance of persistent bubbles. A celebration of finesse and structure, it’s for those who appreciate sophistication in its most refined form.
More Than Wine — A Movement
At the Urban Music Awards, where artistry, excellence, and African identity converged, House of Azari stood as a mirror to the values being celebrated on stage. Every pour was a reminder of the brand’s purpose—not just to offer exceptional wine, but to honor stories, dreams, and the beauty of becoming.
Siphiwe Katjene’s journey from psychologist to vintner is not just inspirational; it’s emblematic of a wider movement across the continent—one that embraces reinvention, honors heritage, and challenges global norms with African-made brilliance.
Redefining Celebration
House of Azari isn’t here to follow tradition—it’s here to redefine it. With every event it graces, every glass it fills, and every soul it touches, the brand brings something sacred to celebration. At the UMAs, it wasn’t just the official wine; it was the spirit of the evening.
As the music fades and the lights dim, the memory lingers: a flute raised high, a toast made with purpose, and the unmistakable taste of Azari—Africa’s own divine distinction.
For more about the brand, visit www.houseofazari.co.za or follow @Azari_Luxe on Instagram.
