Bouchard Finlayson – Pinot Noir from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Cool-climate conditions and Burgundian influence define the wines
Bouchard Finlayson is widely recognised as one of South Africa’s leading boutique wineries, best known for its elegant Pinot Noir from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The estate is considered a pioneer of Pinot Noir in the country and focuses on precision, balance and a clear expression of origin.
The wines are defined by fine aromas of red berries, cherry and subtle spice, supported by freshness and structure. This refined style reflects both the cool climate and the careful approach in the cellar.
Maritime influences and proximity to the ocean allow for slow ripening, resulting in wines with elegance, depth and a distinctly cool-climate character.
Sauvignon Blanc
- Bouchard Finlayson
- White wine - dry
- South Africa - Walker Bay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Jahrgang 2024 - John Platter: 4 Sterne
- Jahrgang 2024 - Proficheck ausgezeichnet (91/100)
Content: 0.75 Liter (€16.67* / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Crocodile's Lair Kaaimansgat Chardonnay
- Bouchard Finlayson
- White wine - dry
- South Africa - Elandskloof
- Chardonnay
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 94 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Liter (€23.33* / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Blanc de Mer
- Bouchard Finlayson
- White wine - dry
- South Africa - Cape South Coast
- Riesling - blend
- John Platter: 4 Sterne / 88 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Liter (€17.13* / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Hannibal
- Bouchard Finlayson
- Red wine - dry
- South Africa - Walker Bay
- Sangiovese - blend
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 92 Punkte
- Tim Atkin 2023: 93 Punkte
- Robert Parker: 92 Punkte
- Decanter Awards 2024: 91 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Liter (€42.67* / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Chardonnay sans Barrique
- Bouchard Finlayson
- White wine - dry
- South Africa - Cape South Coast
- Chardonnay
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 90 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Liter (€21.27* / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Tête de Cuvée
- Bouchard Finlayson
- Red wine - dry
- South Africa - Hemel-en-Aarde Region
- Pinot Noir
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 94 Punkte
- Tim Atkin 2023: 95 Punkte
- Robert Parker: 94 Punkte
- Decanter Awards 2025: Silber
Content: 0.75 Liter (€130.67* / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Missionvale Chardonnay
- Bouchard Finlayson
- White wine - dry
- South Africa - Walker Bay
- Chardonnay
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 94 Punkte
- Tim Atkin 2025: 91 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Liter (€39.93* / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Hannibal Magnum
- Bouchard Finlayson
- Red wine - dry
- South Africa - Walker Bay
- Sangiovese - blend
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 92 Punkte
- Tim Atkin 2024: 91 Punkte
Content: 1.5 Liter (€43.33* / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Vineyard Bouchard Finlayson
Bouchard Finlayson in South Africa and its development in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Founded in 1989, Bouchard Finlayson has played a key role in shaping the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as one of South Africa’s most important cool-climate wine regions. From the outset, the focus has been on producing high-quality wines in conditions ideally suited to Pinot Noir.
The estate has built an international reputation for its precise and elegant style, combining technical expertise with a strong emphasis on terroir.
What defines the wines of Bouchard Finlayson
Pinot Noir is at the heart of the portfolio, supported by other varieties that benefit from the cool climate. The wines show a refined aromatic profile with red fruit, floral notes and subtle spice.
The overall style is characterised by elegance, freshness and structure. These wines appeal to drinkers who appreciate finesse, balance and complexity rather than bold or heavily extracted styles.
How the terroir shapes the wines
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is one of South Africa’s coolest wine regions, strongly influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Variations in altitude, soil and exposure create ideal conditions for slow, even ripening.
This results in wines with clarity, tension and a distinct sense of place, making the region particularly suited to Pinot Noir.
What to expect when visiting the estate
Bouchard Finlayson offers a calm and focused tasting experience, where the emphasis is placed firmly on the wines themselves. The setting is defined by natural surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere.
Unlike larger estates, the experience here is centred on quality, precision and a deeper understanding of the wines rather than extensive tourism offerings.
What Bouchard Finlayson represents within South African wines
Within a South African wine portfolio, Bouchard Finlayson stands for elegant Pinot Noir and a clearly defined cool-climate style. Its combination of terroir expression, refinement and Burgundian influence makes it a reference point for Pinot Noir in South Africa.
Vineyard facts
- Year of established:
- 1989
- Address:
- R320, Hermanus, 7200
- Geo data address:
- -34.38161131942063, 19.24187236441744
- Acreage:
- 125ha/22ha
- Our recommendation:
- Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir
- Why you should visit:
- Renowned boutique winery and pioneer of Pinot Noir in South Africa
- Tastings focused on elegant, cool-climate wines with strong terroir expression
- Located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one of the country’s leading cool-climate regions
- Quiet, nature-driven setting with a focus on wine, precision and craftsmanship
- Phone:
- +27 283123515
- Vineyard website:
- https://www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za/