Bernini Mimosa – South Africa’s Ultimate Sparkling Spritzer

Bernini Mimosa is South Africa’s first true sparkling wine spritzer inspired by the classic mimosa cocktail, blended with real orange juice. Launched in August 2024 by Heineken Beverages, this premium ready-to-drink beverage captures the essence of the beloved brunch cocktail in a convenient can format. Part of the iconic Bernini range – South Africa’s favourite Natural Sparkling Grape Frizzante – Bernini Mimosa delivers citrusy brightness and delicate bubbles, perfect for the confident, sophisticated, and unapologetically bold. Available in sleek 500ml and 300ml cans, this refreshing spritzer brings a touch of elegance to brunches, sunset drinks, and celebrations with the squad.

Key Facts:

• Brand: Bernini Mimosa
• Type: Sparkling Spritzer Made from Wine with Real Orange Juice
• Parent Company: Heineken Beverages (formerly Distell)
• Launch: August 2024 (500ml), April 2025 (300ml)
• ABV: 4.5%
• Pack Sizes: 500ml cans, 300ml cans (6-pack)
• Target Audience: Modern, sophisticated “Glow Getters”
• Positioning: Premium RTD sparkling spritzer
• Serve: Ice cold in a flute glass

When it comes to living your best life with a touch of elegance, nothing hits quite like Bernini Mimosa, Mzansi! This isn’t your average canned drink – it’s a proper premium sparkling spritzer that brings brunch vibes to any occasion, whether you’re with the squad at a picnic, chilling poolside, or celebrating life’s little wins.

History

The Bernini Legacy

Bernini has been South Africa’s beloved sparkling grape frizzante since its launch in July 1990 in a 750ml bottle. The brand has evolved significantly over the decades, becoming synonymous with celebration, female empowerment, and living life “Frizzante” – with a little more sparkle than most.

Bernini Brand Timeline:

• July 1990: Original Bernini Sparkling Grape launched in 750ml bottle
• December 1993: First can format introduced
• October 1997: 340ml bottle launched
• 2010: New packaging and range extension
• 2023: Heineken Beverages formed following merger of Heineken South Africa, Distell, and Namibia Breweries Limited
• 2023: Available in Classic, Blush, and Amber variants in 275ml bottles, 300ml cans, and 500ml cans
• August 2024: Bernini Mimosa launched in 500ml cans
• April 2025: Bernini Mimosa 300ml cans introduced with elegant new look

Bernini Mimosa Innovation

Launched in August 2024, Bernini Mimosa represents a groundbreaking innovation in the South African RTD market. Bernini, the iconic brand renowned for its premium Classic, Blush, and Amber Sparkling Spritzers Made from Wine with Flavours, unveiled this latest masterpiece as a first of its kind in South Africa.

Inspired by the timeless cocktail, Bernini has captured the essence of this popular, classic brunch drink in a refreshing and convenient RTD format. The launch was celebrated with an exclusive Mimosa Orange Grove experience at Nelson Mandela Square on Women’s Day (9 August 2024), where Glow Getters could experience the perfect blend firsthand.

“Bernini embraces what it means to be a modern female and designs premium products to meet their needs,” says Zesipho Mncwango, Bernini brand manager. “Bernini Mimosa combines the familiar real orange flavours of a Mimosa cocktail with the effervescence of a real sparkling spritzer to create a truly unique and delightful experience.”

The Perfect Mix Philosophy

The brand’s philosophy centres on “The Perfect Mix” – brunch, friends, and Bernini Mimosa. All the best things come together to create the perfect occasion. In April 2025, Bernini introduced the Bernini Brunch Experience at favourite lifestyle restaurants nationwide, blending unmatched elegance with empowerment, perfectly curated for those who appreciate indulgence and creating memorable moments.

Parent Company Heritage

Bernini is part of Heineken Beverages, formed in 2023 following the merger of Heineken South Africa, Distell Group Holdings Limited, and Namibia Breweries Limited. Distell, founded from the 2000 merger of Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery (established 1925) and Distillers Corporation, has deep roots in South African beverage history. The brand continues to innovate while honouring its heritage as South Africa’s only real sparkling spritzer made from wine.

Production Method

Crafting Excellence

Bernini Mimosa is crafted with real grapes and complemented by soft, subtle bubbles, standing apart as a premium Natural Sparkling Grape Frizzante. Unlike spritzers that simply mix wine with carbonated water, Bernini Mimosa is made from actual wine, maintaining the brand’s commitment to authenticity and quality.

Production Specifications:

• Base: Real wine (not wine mixed with carbonated water)
• Flavouring: Real orange juice (not artificial flavouring)
• Carbonation: Delicate Bernini bubbles
• Style: Demi-Sec (slightly sweet)
• Character: Light in style but big on taste
• Quality: Premium alcoholic grape beverage

The Bernini Difference

Each sip of Bernini Mimosa delivers an authentic, premium taste experience that sets it apart from other market offerings. The brand represents a remarkable innovation in the alcoholic fruit beverage category, maintaining Bernini’s unique point of differentiation as the only popular RTD on the market that is truly made from wine.

“Our Glow Getters trust us to deliver exceptional quality on taste, and Bernini Mimosa is no exception. By maintaining our unique point of differentiation, we reinforce our position as an industry leader. Bernini Mimosa delivers a new way to enjoy a beloved classic,” explained Mncwango.

Convenient Premium Packaging

Bernini Mimosa launched in the hugely popular 500ml can format, ideal for on-the-go celebrations. In April 2025, the brand introduced a stylishly sleek 300ml can, making it even easier to enjoy the same perfect mix of delicate Bernini Spritzer bubbles and real orange juice. The packaging is fully recyclable and, with a smaller carbon footprint than glass bottles, is environmentally friendly.

The 300ml format is perfectly designed for those who appreciate both sophistication and convenience – the ideal size for a single serving of sparkle and citrus refreshment.

Alcohol Percentage

Bernini Mimosa contains 4.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), making it a light and sessionable sparkling spritzer perfect for extended celebrations and daytime drinking occasions. This moderate alcohol content positions it as an approachable, easy-drinking option for brunches, lunches, poolside hangs, and sunset drinks with the squad.

At 4.5% ABV, Bernini Mimosa sits comfortably in the RTD category – stronger than traditional wine spritzers (which typically dilute wine with sparkling water) but lighter than full-strength wines (typically 11-14% ABV). This makes it the perfect choice when you want a touch of elegance without the heaviness, boet!

Number of Calories

Looking to keep it light while living your best life? Here’s the calorie breakdown for Bernini Mimosa:

Calorie Information:

• Per 100ml: Approximately 45-50 calories (based on 4.5% ABV sparkling spritzer)
• Per 300ml Can: Approximately 135-150 calories
• Per 500ml Can: Approximately 225-250 calories

These calorie estimates are based on typical wine spritzer values for 4.5% ABV beverages. At this alcohol level with added orange juice, Bernini Mimosa offers a relatively light option compared to full-strength wines (which contain 600+ calories per 750ml bottle).

Health Note:

Like all alcoholic beverages, Bernini Mimosa contains “empty calories” from alcohol. The addition of real orange juice provides some natural fruit sugars and a touch of vitamin C, but the primary calorie source is the alcohol content. The Demi-Sec style (slightly sweet) means it contains more residual sugar than brut sparkling wines.

Pro Tip: Serve ice cold and pace yourself with water between cans to stay refreshed and hydrated during celebrations. The convenient can format makes portion control easier – one 300ml can is a perfect single serve!

Tasting Notes

The Ultimate Mimosa Experience

Bernini Mimosa delivers the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and crisp bubbles in every sip:

On the Nose: Intensely aromatic with fresh orange citrus and tropical fruit hints. Delicate floral notes reminiscent of the classic mimosa cocktail, with a refreshing effervescence that invites you in.

On the Palate: A delightful blend of real orange juice and sparkling wine creates smooth, citrusy brightness balanced by gentle sweetness. Light in style but big on taste, the delicate Bernini bubbles provide a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel with familiar real orange flavours that dance on the tongue.

Finish: Fresh, lively, and delicately balanced with a refreshing citrus finish. The effervescence lingers pleasantly, making you reach for another sip.

Drinking Experience:

Not to be confused with a traditional spritzer (which is wine mixed with carbonated water), Bernini Mimosa is a true sparkling wine beverage blended with real orange juice. Each sip delivers an authentic, premium taste experience that captures the essence of the classic cocktail in a convenient, ready-to-drink format.

Shelf Life:

• Cans: Can be stored unopened for 8 months under controlled storage conditions
• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from extreme conditions of light, heat, and cold

Perfect Serve: Best served ice cold in a flute glass for extra flair and that Instagram-worthy aesthetic. The sleek can design makes it easy to take the perfect mix with you, wherever life leads!

Best Served With

Food Pairing Recommendations

Bernini Mimosa is the ultimate brunch companion and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:

Brunch Favourites:

• Eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce
• Smashed avocado on toast
• French toast with berries
• Bacon and eggs
• Breakfast pastries and croissants

Light Meals:

• Fresh fruit platters and cheese boards
• Shellfish and sushi
• Grilled chicken salad
• Salmon bagels
• Mediterranean mezze

Sweet Treats:

• Fruit-based desserts
• Citrus tarts
• Strawberries and cream
• Light cakes and macarons

Occasion Pairing:

• Brunches: The OG mimosa occasion – perfect with eggs, bacon, and pastries
• Lunches: Light, refreshing companion to salads and sandwiches
• Sunset Drinks: Watch the sun go down with the squad
• Poolside Hangs: Ultimate summer refreshment
• Beach Outings: Portable and perfectly chilled
• Picnics: Easy to pack, no glassware needed
• Celebrations: Elevate any gathering with effortless elegance

Pro Serving Tips:

• Temperature: Serve ice cold straight from the fridge or over ice
• Glassware: Pour into a bubbly flute glass for that extra touch of sophistication
• Garnish: Add a fresh orange slice or strawberry for the ‘Gram
• Cocktails: Use as a base for creative cocktails and mixed drinks

Turn every location into a vibrant, stylish occasion with Bernini Mimosa – because the perfect mix is friends, fun, and that refreshing citrus sparkle!

Where to Buy

National Retailers

Bernini Mimosa is available at leading retailers across South Africa, making it accessible whether you’re in Jozi, Cape Town, Durban, or anywhere in between, my china!

Available at:

• Shoprite – Available in 6x500ml and 6x300ml packs
• Checkers – Available in-store and via Checkers Sixty60 app for delivery in 60 minutes
• Pick n Pay – Available at select stores
• Makro – Premium selection with great reviews from customers
• Spar – Select stores nationwide

Online Retailers & Delivery

• Checkers Sixty60 – Fast delivery in as little as 60 minutes in major metros
• Norman Goodfellows (NGF) – Premium liquor retailer with nationwide delivery
• The Sip Collection – Online speciality retailer
• Bar Keeper – Cape Town delivery service
• Liquor.co.za – Nationwide online delivery

Store Availability

Bernini Mimosa is stocked in the Spirit Coolers, Ready-to-Drink, or Cider sections of major retailers. The 500ml cans launched in August 2024 and are widely available. The newer 300ml cans (launched April 2025) are gradually rolling out to select retailers nationwide.

Pro Tip: Use the Checkers Sixty60 app for convenient same-day delivery, or visit your local Shoprite, Checkers, or Makro for the best selection and pricing!

Prices

Current Pricing (2024-2025)

Bernini Mimosa Pricing:

500ml Cans:

• 6-Pack (6x500ml): Approximately R120-R150 (estimated retail price)
• Single 500ml Can: R20-R25 per can (estimated)
• Available at: Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Makro, Norman Goodfellows

300ml Cans (New Launch):

• 6-Pack (6x300ml): Pricing to be confirmed (launched April 2025)
• Single 300ml Can: Estimated R15-R20 per can
• Available at: Select retailers nationwide from April 2025

Bernini Range Pricing for Reference:

• Bernini Classic 500ml Can: R229 (NGF pricing)
• Bernini Blush 500ml Can: R229 (NGF pricing)
• Bernini Amber 500ml Can: R229 (NGF pricing)
• Bernini Classic/Blush/Amber 275ml Bottle: R99 (NGF pricing)

Value Proposition:

Bernini Mimosa offers premium quality at an accessible price point, making it perfect for everyday celebrations without breaking the bank. The convenient can format eliminates waste (no leftover wine going flat) and provides portion control, making it more economical than buying full bottles of champagne and orange juice separately.

Customer Reviews:

Makro customers rave about Bernini Mimosa, with reviews highlighting it as “great value for money,” “no headache, no babalaas,” and “very delicious and refreshing.” One customer noted: “I have been looking for Bernini Mimosa for ages. Was very excited when I found it in stock. Very delicious and refreshing drink, great for early morning with breakfast.”

Note: Pricing may vary by retailer, location, and promotional periods. Contact retailers directly for current availability and exact pricing in your area. Some retailers may offer special pricing during festive seasons or promotional periods.

Pro Tip: Stock up during promotions at Shoprite and Checkers to get the best value! The product is so popular it sometimes sells out, so grab it when you see it, boet!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bernini Mimosa

What is Bernini Mimosa and how is it different from regular Bernini?

Bernini Mimosa is a sparkling spritzer made from wine blended with real orange juice, inspired by the classic mimosa cocktail. While regular Bernini (Classic, Blush, Amber) are pure sparkling grape frizzantes with muscat, floral, or tropical flavours, Bernini Mimosa specifically captures the citrusy brightness of the beloved brunch cocktail. All Bernini products are made from real wine, not wine mixed with carbonated water.

Is Bernini Mimosa a wine spritzer or something else?

Bernini Mimosa is a sparkling spritzer made from wine with real orange juice. It’s NOT a traditional spritzer (wine mixed with carbonated water). Instead, it’s a premium alcoholic grape beverage – a true sparkling wine blended with real orange juice, making it authentically mimosa-inspired rather than just a diluted wine drink.

What does Bernini Mimosa taste like?

Bernini Mimosa delivers a delightful blend of citrusy brightness and crisp bubbles. It tastes like a premium mimosa cocktail – refreshing real orange juice balanced with delicate sparkling wine bubbles. The Demi-Sec style means it’s slightly sweet (not dry), light in style but big on taste. TikTok reviewers consistently give it 10/10 ratings, describing it as “refreshing,” “great taste,” and “spectacular.”

Who makes Bernini Mimosa?

Bernini Mimosa is produced by Heineken Beverages, formed in 2023 following the merger of Heineken South Africa, Distell Group Holdings Limited, and Namibia Breweries Limited. Bernini has been a beloved South African brand since 1990, known for empowering modern women and celebrating the “Glow Getter” lifestyle.

What is the alcohol content of Bernini Mimosa?

Bernini Mimosa contains 4.5% ABV (alcohol by volume). This moderate alcohol level makes it perfect for daytime drinking, brunches, and extended celebrations. It’s lighter than regular wine (typically 11-14% ABV) but stronger than traditional diluted wine spritzers.

How many calories are in Bernini Mimosa?

A 300ml can contains approximately 135-150 calories, while a 500ml can contains approximately 225-250 calories. This is significantly fewer calories than a traditional mimosa made with champagne, making it a lighter option for calorie-conscious Glow Getters who still want to celebrate in style.

What’s the best way to serve Bernini Mimosa?

Bernini Mimosa is best served ice cold in a flute glass for that elegant, sophisticated look. You can drink it straight from the chilled can for convenience, or pour it over ice in a wine glass. For extra flair, garnish with a fresh orange slice or strawberry – perfect for the ‘Gram!

Where can I buy Bernini Mimosa in South Africa?

Bernini Mimosa is available at Shoprite, Checkers (including Checkers Sixty60 for fast delivery), Pick n Pay, Makro, Spar, Norman Goodfellows, and online retailers like The Sip Collection and Bar Keeper. The 500ml cans are widely available, while the new 300ml cans (launched April 2025) are rolling out to select retailers nationwide.

Is Bernini Mimosa suitable for vegans?

Wine-based products may use animal-derived fining agents during production. Contact Heineken Beverages directly or check the label for current vegan status information. Many modern wine producers are moving toward vegan-friendly production methods.

Can I use Bernini Mimosa in cocktails?

Absolutely, boet! While Bernini Mimosa is perfect on its own, you can definitely get creative. Use it as a base for cocktails, add fresh fruit, mix with other juices, or create frozen mimosa popsicles. The Bernini brand encourages creativity and sharing easy pairings with the squad.

What occasions are perfect for Bernini Mimosa?

Bernini Mimosa shines at brunches (the classic mimosa occasion), lunches, sunset drinks, poolside hangs, beach outings, picnics, casual gatherings, and celebrations with the squad. It’s designed for modern, sophisticated women who appreciate indulgence and creating the perfect mix of friends and unforgettable memories.

How long can I keep Bernini Mimosa?

Unopened cans can be stored for 8 months in a cool, dry place away from extreme conditions of light, heat, and cold. Once opened, consume immediately for best taste and carbonation. Store unopened cans in the fridge so they’re always ready for spontaneous celebrations!

Is Bernini Mimosa environmentally friendly?

Yes! The innovative Bernini cans are fully recyclable and have a smaller carbon footprint than glass bottles, making them an environmentally friendly choice. Plus, the convenient single-serve format reduces waste from opened bottles that go flat.

Bernini Mimosa represents more than just a drink – it’s a celebration of living life Frizzante, with audacity and elegance. Whether you’re toasting the squad at brunch, chilling poolside, or celebrating life’s little wins, Bernini Mimosa brings that perfect mix of sophistication and fun to every occasion.

From the Glow Getters to the unstoppable women glowing up on their way up, Bernini Mimosa is lovingly made just for you. Pop one open, pour it into a flute, and raise a glass to friendship, empowerment, and living your best life!

The Perfect Mix is Brunch, Friends, and Bernini Mimosa.

Bernini supports responsible drinking and encourages all South Africans to consume alcohol responsibly. Not for sale to persons under 18.