Bouchard Finlayson, Walker Bay

Established in 1989, Bouchard Finlayson is a boutique winery dedicated to the making of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines of outstanding quality.

One of South Africa’s most awarded boutique wine estates lies in a scenic valley, just an hour and a half from Cape Town. Framed by great fold mountains and breath-taking ocean views, it is one of the coolest wine-making regions in the Cape, with duplex soil structures and sun-facing slopes. The promise of the unique terroir is harnessed by winemaker Peter Finlayson in slow-ripened, flavour-rich wines of exceptional quality.

The 125-hectare property has only 22 hectares under vine with the rest left wild as a conservancy of pristine indigenous Fynbos flora. The winery began as collaboration between Paul Bouchard, celebrated Burgundian winemaker, and locally awarded talent, Peter Finlayson. Together, they broke the soil, planted the vines and built the cellar that would become world-renowned as Bouchard Finlayson.

This blend of old and new world can be found in everything from the mix of steel and concrete tanks, to the modern and classical art on the walls, right through to the wines themselves. Collaboration has always been a part of the estate, which is today owned by the Tollman family of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and collaboratively run by Victoria Tollman and Peter Finlayson.

Bouchard Finlayson is globally acclaimed for producing the one of the best Pinot Noir wines in South Africa, as well as exceptional Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. The vineyards are surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy alive with birdsong and wildflowers. Beyond the beauty of the farm itself, you can discover the enchantments of the local area. Some of the popular attractions of nearby Hermanus include whale-watching; shark-cage diving; mountain hiking or biking; browsing art, antiques and shops; and of course, the white sandy beaches.

Bouchard Finlayson has established a global reputation for its flagship wine, the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, which has won numerous awards and accolades. Repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot: consistently endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as the perfect place to grow this illusive grape. Other cultivars from the farm include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Chenin Blanc and Riesling as well as some newer varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera and Mourvèdre – unusual in new-world wine growing regions but very well suited to the unique terroir.

www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za