The estate was founded in 1989, a collaboration between Burgundian winemaker, Paul Bouchard, and local winemaker, Peter Finlayson, in South Africa's Hemel-en-Aarde [Heaven and Earth] Valley, near Hermanus. Both men had a shared passion for the Pinot Noir grape variety, and this cool climate area, one of the coolest in the Cape in fact, is perfect for Pinot Noir to thrive. They started from scratch, transforming the valley's soil into a vineyard, planting 25 hectares with Burgundian winemaking principles. Bouchard and Finlayson are credited for pioneering the production of world-class Pinot Noir in South Africa, but of course, where you can grow Pinot Noir successfully, you can also grow that other great Burgundian grape, Chardonnay. Sauvignon Blanc, a straw wine made from Riesling, and the unique Hannibal, a red Franco-Italian blend [Peter Finlayson was instrumental in introducing Sangiovese and Nebbiolo to South African vineyards] also feature in their portfolio which is 100% vegan-friendly. Bouchard Finlayson was sold to the Tollman family [owners of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection] in 2000, but the philosophy of celebrating tradition whilst embracing innovation remains constant. They are one of South Africa's leading boutique cellars, who produce wines of outstanding quality which perfectly reflect the terroir of the Western Cape winelands.
www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za