New cellar launch - Baleia Bay Wines (Riversdale)

Tuesday, 25 November, 2014
Baleia Bay Wines
In a recently established wine making area along the Cape South Coast, near the small town of Vermaaklikheid, the Joubert family proudly produces their very unique range of Baleia Bay wines. On 20 November 2014 a grand opening was held to introduce this pioneering cellar and next door Deli & Restaurant, LaBella, to the media and public.

The Farm

The farm Dassieklip, home to the Baleia Bay vineyards, was specifically selected for its limestone rich soil and close proximity to the ocean. A delicate sea breeze regularly sweeps across the vineyards; lowering the temperature and ensuring only the best quality grapes are grown here.

This perfect union of limestone rich soils and cool ocean air combines to ensure that each bottle of Baleia Bay wine is testimony to their dedication and passion for a superbly crafted wine. This passion was recently showcased by numerous awards fostering Baleia Bay wines as a newcomer to be reckoned with in the South Africa wine industry.

The Wine

Following careful consideration, the Joubert family planted Baleia Bay’s first block of Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Tempranillo in 2009. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay soon followed suit. As one of the first wine producers in their region, this pioneering estate learnt many valuable lessons. They soon realised that their specific terroir offers ideal conditions for the cultivation of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and in 2011 they expanded further focusing on these respective cultivars.

It’s all in the name

Following their inaugural harvest in 2011, a brand name was needed for their wines; they suitably came up with Baleia Bay. It was inspired by the Portuguese word for whale (baleia) and it is directly related to Dassieklip’s proximity to St. Sebastian Bay, affectionately referred to as “South Africa’s whale nursery” due to the record number of Southern Right whales that migrate here annually. It is also one of the best land vantage points from where to view these gentle giants of the ocean.

The awards thus far

Chardonnay 2013
- Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2014 – Gold 
- Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2014 – Trophy (The Discovery of the Show ) 
- Michelangelo Awards 2014 – Double Gold 
- Neil Pendock – RECM Best Value 2014 
Pinot Noir 2012
- Neil Pendock – RECM Best Value 2014 
- Veritas Awards 2014 – Bronze 
Sauvignon Blanc 2013
- Neil Pendock – RECM Best Value 2014 
Unwooded Chardonnay 2014 
- Veritas Awards 2014 – Bronze 
Rosè 2014
- Veritas Awards 2014 – Bronze 

Olives & Olive Oil

Baleia Bay is also a small producer of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and has won a silver medal at the 2013 SA Olive Awards.

LaBella Restaurant & Deli

LaBella Restaurant & Deli, situated next to Baleia Bay cellar, is owner run by Lizeth Joubert, the younger sister of Jan-Hendrik Joubert, owner of Baleia Bay wines.

La Bella offers daily delicious homemade meals and freshly baked products in a child friendly environment for a leg stretch or long lazy lunch EnRoute the beautiful Garden Route. The deli and curio section makes it a ‘well worth it’ stop and you can walk over to Baleia Bay wines to stock up on top quality, well priced wines and olive products.

Visit us

Baleia Bay cellar is conveniently located next to the N2, approximately 1km from Riversdale towards Mossel Bay.

Opening times:

Tasting Room

Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00

Saturday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 13:00

LaBella Restaurant &Deli

Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00

Saturday 08:00 – 15:00

Sunday 08:00 – 16:00

Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter @BaleiaBayWines

For more information contact Maryke Holtzhauzen at admin@baleiabay.co.za, telephone 028 713 1367 or visit our website at www.baleiabay.co.za