The Bouchard Finlayson winery remains a leader in producing world class Pinot noir wines from South Africa. Growing on the slopes of Galpin Peak in the Walker Bay region, in the coastal town of Hermanus, repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot-crafting, endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as a jewel in the terroir search for excellence with this illusive grape. Peter Finlayson was the first modern day winemaker in this valley. With his accumulated wine making knowledge he has been instrumental in the primary effort of putting the Walker Bay wine region on the map.
Visit us for a wine tasting experience in our old world cellar and take a wander around our winery bragging exceptional views of both valley and ocean.
Tasting Room Hours:
Mon - Fri: 09:30 - 17:00
Sat: 09:30 - 12:30
P.O. Box 303
R320, Hemel-&-Aarde Valley
Hermanus
7200
Tel: +27 28 3123515
Fax: +27 28 3122317
Cell: +27 82 5588334 +
E-mail: karen@bouchardfinlayson.co.za
Website: www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za
Named after the protective bay that shelters breeding Southern Right whales in the cool Cape winter months, Whalehaven is a boutique winery situated in Hermanus that creates a delightful array of wines that intrigue and tantalize the palate. The wines are hand- crafted to celebrate each harvest and to reflect the particular nuances of each varietal.
Over time Whalehaven has gained a strong reputation for its French-styled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay creating in South Africa wines which evoke the elegance and reserve of fine Burgundies. These classic Burgundian varietals are icons of the Hermanus region and a long-standing tradition within the Whalehaven winery portfolio, however these wines are rapidly sold out due to the limited size of the release.
In the past few years, the pioneering spirit of the new owner Alberto Bottega seems to have infused itself into the winery as there has been an incredible amount of guidance and care taken to create wines of individual excellence. Increasingly consumers and wine buyers are equally beguiled by the Whalehaven Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Viognier-Chardonnay and not just the flagship Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The style of the wines in the Whalehaven collection have an elegance and refined nature, being very structured and balanced like French wine. Whalehaven is committed to nature conservation and regularly supports initiatives that assist in
marine conservation and protection.
The Bottega Family Wine Portfolio includes not only the elegant Whalehaven wines but also the high-end fine wines of The Idiom Collection which offers world class blends and rare, single varietals of Italian origin like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Primitivo. The grapes are grown on the Bottega's farm, Da Capo Vineyards. The Cape Blend, the iconic wine of the collection, garnered double gold at Michelangelo, gold at Veritas, a diamond at the Investec Winemakers Choice and 4 stars by Platters. It was also the point of inspiration for a limited edition wine perfume (parfum du vin), called Idiom by Tammy, that will retail at Harrods.
The quaint winery in which this broad collection of award-winning Whalehaven and Idiom wines are produced is certainly worth a visit during your trip to Hermanus and is one of the few winery's that is open on a Sunday for weekend visits.
Tasting Room Hours:
Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm
Saturdays & public holidays from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
In the summer on Sundays from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
Cellar Tours are by appointment, call +27 (0) 28 316 1633.
Directions:
From Cape Town, take the N2 towards the airport and Caledon. At Bot River take the R43 to Hermanus. Two kilometres before
Hermanus turn left at the Sandbaai/R320 intersection and immediately left again. Whalehaven is situated just behind the
Hemel-en- Aarde Wine Village.
Meditterea restaurant in Hermanus, enjoys the following Whalehaven wines:
WHALEHAVEN CHARDONNAY
An elegantly oaked fine wine with lingering aromas of butterscotch, orange
blossom and toasted almonds. A harmony of classic tradition.
WHALEHAVEN MERLOT
Oaked in French barriques, our Merlot is a full-bodied and soft wine with
red berry flavours and an underlying brambleberry richness.
WHALEHAVEN CABERNET FRANC
A variety not often vinified alone, Cabernet Franc displays generous
raspberry, plum and blackcurrant fruit. A bold, rustic mouth-feel with a
long spicy finish.
IDIOM SMV.
A striking full bodied blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre and Viognier. Aromas of
cedar and spice are followed by the taste of blackberry, dark chocolate
and toffee.
WHALEHAVEN WINERY
Tel: 028 3161633
www.whalehaven.co.za
