A vineyard between heaven & earth

After graduating from the University of Stellenbosch with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology, winemaker Chris Albrecht spent three years working six harvests at acclaimed cellars in California, France, South Africa and New Zealand.

Chris joined Bouchard Finlayson as assistant-winemaker in 2010, working alongside founder Peter Finlayson. After honing his passion and talent for capturing the unique terroir of the Hemel-en-Aarde, in 2017 Chris was promoted to the position of winemaker.

Since then he has had the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe, with trips to Burgundy and northern Italy to taste, benchmark and deepen his winemaking knowledge. Chris was instrumental in conceptualising and crafting the Aurum Straw Wine, the latest addition to the Bouchard Finlayson portfolio.

Enhance your wine-tasting experience at Bouchard Finlayson by ordering one of our delicious tasting room platters (R280). Served on oak boards crafted from old wine barrels, 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 from Klein River Cheese, 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 out on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. Vegan platters (R300) are available, but must be pre-ordered.

Bouchard Finlayson is a family-friendly estate, and we welcome children of all ages. Our delicious deli platters will keep young ones well fed, while the wide grassy lawns offer ample space for children to entertain themselves while adults enjoy a tutored tasting of the wines of Bouchard Finlayson. A collection of outdoor toys and games is also available for families to use and enjoy at their leisure.

A 100-hectare conservancy dedicated to preserving the endemic fynbos vegetation of the Cape Floral Kingdom surrounds the vineyards of Bouchard Finlayson. Visitors to the farm are invited to discover these beautiful fynbos-clad hills on the three well-marked walking trails that traverse the estate. Trails range in duration from 30 minutes to 2½-hours. There is no charge for self-guided walks, and visitors may collect detailed maps and directions from the cellar door.

Bouchard Finlayson is situated a short drive from the seaside town of Hermanus, on the shores of Walker Bay. The town is renowned for offering some of the world’s finest land-based whale watching during winter and spring, with spectacular sightings possible from the 12-kilometre coastal Clifftop Path. Active travellers will enjoy discovering the hiking trails of Fernkloof Nature reserve, while the region also offers golf, kayaking and shark-cage diving. Recognising the diversity of culinary experiences in the region, in 2019 Hermanus was designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO.