Bouchard Finlayson Vines of heaven & earth

Bouchard Finlayson is both a family affair, and a place of collaboration. A labour of love that sees the marriage of Old World winemaking heritage with New World 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.

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.

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.

Wine Tasting

Seated in the tasting room, barrel maturation cellar or out on the terrace, visitors are able to taste and discover a choice of eight wines in the Bouchard Finlayson portfolio.

Delicious grazing platters

Enhance your wine-tasting experience at Bouchard Finlayson by ordering one of our delicious tasting room grazing platters. Served on oak boards our generous platters of cheese and charcuterie are focused on celebrating regional producers and suppliers. This includes fresh breads from a local bakery, delicious cheeses, locally cured charcuterie, seasonal preserves, and olive oil from the olive orchards on the Bouchard Finlayson estate.

Platters can be enjoyed in the cosy tasting room, barrel maturation cellar, or out on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.