A day of food + wine experiences in Hemel-en-Aarde

The farm where it all started, Peter Finlayson, founder of Bouchard Finlayson was the pioneer of viticulture (and pinot noir) in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley back in 1989. A boutique, family-owned winery, today it’s acclaimed for its cool-climate wines that also include sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Small-scale, sustainable production results in just 18 000 cases of premium, 100% vegan-friendly wine each year.

And, this August, for one day only visitors are invited to come and enjoy a series of unique food and wine experiences at this breathtakingly beautiful farm.

A day trip to heaven

Passion and an idyllic setting combined to perfection

Your day begins with a shuttle ride from Cape Town, after which you will be welcomed to the farm with a traditional snack of braaied snoek, roosterkoek and a glass of Blanc de Mer.

A pairing of three chardonnays follows, combined with small tasting plates to compliment the wines and fantastic views of Hemel-en-Aarde from the roof of the Tasting Room.

Once you’ve taken in the spectacular landscape, a scenic tractor ride explores the terroir more closely with a journey through the vineyards to the top of the farm, rounded off with a celebratory glass of Hannibal (a blend of Italian red varietals) paired with chocolate macarons amid the fynbos.

All the fresh air is sure to whet your appetite, so it’s a good thing the outing concludes with a hearty harvest-platter lunch in the barrel cellar, courtesy of valley chef Dre Johnson. The meal is paired with Bouchard Finlayson’s premium wines, including the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir.

• Mains: slow-roasted beef ragu on flavoured couscous, and lemon-and-herb chicken on homemade hummus
  
• Sides: seasonal vegetable quiche, carrot caponata, tossed green salad and roasted artichoke salad
  
• Dessert: baked cheesecake, pavlova with berry compote, crème brûlée and milk tart