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.
The valley offers a remarkable location to grow vineyards, with a terroir influenced as much by the ancient soils as the cool coastal breezes blowing in from the Indian Ocean at Walker Bay, just a few kilometres to the south. The mountain peaks surrounding the valley trap the moisture from these winds, ensuring frost-free winters and cool summer days that allow for longer, slower ripening periods in the months before harvest. In short, this cool maritime climate offers the ideal conditions for crafting world-class Pinot Noir.
When Peter Finlayson planted the first vines on the estate in 1989, he had a vision for tapping into this remarkable coastal terroir to craft world-class Pinot Noir. Take a walk with our founder to discover the history, evolution and unique character of the estate.
Bouchard Finlayson is a family-owned farm, and at the heart of the estate is The Homestead, the residence of the Tollman family. Set on a hill above the cellar, and surrounded by lush indigenous gardens, in its white-washed walls and thatched roof The Homestead draws inspiration from the timeless Cape Dutch architectural style.
This modern interpretation of the Cape’s architectural heritage is the work of acclaimed architect Anton De Kock, and a perfect reflection of the Bouchard Finlayson philosophy of celebrating tradition while embracing innovation. Indoors, the walls are graced by the Tollman family’s remarkable collection of art from the 19th and 20th centuries, creating an elegant space in which to host visiting wine industry agents and colleagues.
Our charming cellar-door tasting room welcomes visitors daily, with a range of unique experiences for guests to discover the wines of Bouchard Finlayson. Tutored tastings offer a choice of wine flights, while cellar tours and unforgettable vintage tastings are available with prior reservation. Extend your visit with a generous platter of local cheese and charcuterie, enjoyed on the sunny terrace overlooking the valley.
In contrast to the homely charm of the cellar, the clean lines and minimalism of the production cellar are testament to our winemaking team’s relentless pursuit of quality. Every step of the process happens on-site, from meticulous fruit sorting at harvest time through to fermentation, ageing, bottling and distribution. A space where tradition meets innovation, in the ongoing evolution of Bouchard Finlayson.
We put sustainability at the heart of our operations, especially when it comes to conserving our natural landscape. The farm’s 25 hectares of vineyard account for 20 percent of the estate, with the rest, fynbos conservancy.
