The Bouchard Finlayson estate stretches across 125 hectares of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. However, only 25 hectares is cultivated under vine with the remainder set aside as a conservancy to protect the indigenous ‘fynbos’ vegetation endemic to the Western Cape.
From monitoring the water and energy consumption across the estate, to constant innovation in our vineyards and cellar, Bouchard Finlayson is on a journey to ensure that every step of the winemaking process is built on a foundation of future-focused sustainability. Notably, through the use of modern fining and settling agents, the majority of wines in the Bouchard Finlayson portfolio are now 100% vegan-friendly.
Conservation Champion
Bouchard Finlayson is proud to be a WWF-SA Conservation Champion. Conservation Champion wine farms pursue long-term conservation commitments and spearhead innovations in water and energy sufficiency. The Estate has recently moved to use lighter weight bottles saving 6.4 tons of glass per annum. Our packaging and wine labels are FSC certified dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world's forests.
In the early 2000s there was a rapid expansion of vineyards into highly threatened conservation-worthy habitats. In response - from 2005 - 2015 - a unique conservation sector, landowner and wine industry partnership achieved turnaround results. It was called the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative. It created the widespread awareness of our unique natural heritage, and many farms now carry out biodiversity-friendly farming. The SA wine industry has been globally recognised as demonstrating this fine balance between nature and farming.
