Where tradition meets innovation
The estate was established in South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde valley in 1989, a groundbreaking partnership between acclaimed Burgundian winemaker Paul Bouchard and trailblazing local winemaker Peter Finlayson. With a shared passion for Pinot Noir, they transformed the valley’s virgin soil into vineyard, and laid the foundations for the cellar of Bouchard Finlayson. In 2000 the Tollman family purchased the estate, realising a long-held dream to own a vineyard in Africa.
Wines of distinction
Over more than three decades, Bouchard Finlayson has earned a global reputation for crafting memorable wines that speak to a sense of place. Founder Peter Finlayson is hailed for pioneering the production of world-class Pinot Noir in South African vineyards, and today our Tête de Cuvée and Galpin Peak rank amongst the finest Pinot Noirs the country has to offer. Alongside this noble Burgundian cultivar, the cellar is known for its award-winning Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as the beguiling red blend, Hannibal.
Vines of heaven and earth
The Bouchard Finlayson estate is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) valley, a short journey from the idyllic whale-watching town of Hermanus. Just 90-minutes’ drive from Cape Town, the estate’s 25 hectares of vineyard were meticulously planned and planted according to time-honoured Burgundian winemaking principles, and express the valley’s cool maritime climate and unique coastal terroir. A 100-hectare conservancy dedicated to protecting the endemic fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounds the vineyards.
A vision for the future
While inspired by the winemaking traditions of Burgundy, Bouchard Finlayson keeps a keen eye on the future. Under winemaker Chris Albrecht the cellar is in a process of constant evolution, as we refine our viticultural and cellar practices to ensure Bouchard Finlayson stays at the forefront of premium wine production in South Africa and the spirit of collaboration that founded the estate continues to this day. Since 2000 Bouchard Finlayson has been owned by the Tollman family who, as owners of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, have brought their wealth of international hospitality expertise to bear on the estate’s offering.