Best Wine Farms in Hermanus & the Overstrand: Part 3 – Bouchard Finlayson

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus is home to a handful of boutique wineries that have achieved worldwide acclaim. Among them, Bouchard Finlayson stands out for its Burgundian heritage, biodiversity focus, and outstanding Pinot Noir.

This is Part 3 in our series on the best wine farms in Hermanus and the Overstrand. If you missed earlier posts, start with Creation Wines or Hamilton Russell Vineyards.

A Boutique Winery with Burgundian Roots

Founded in 1989 by acclaimed winemaker Peter Finlayson and Burgundian vintner Paul Bouchard, Bouchard Finlayson brought Old World winemaking traditions to South Africa’s cool-climate terroir. Their shared vision was clear: to produce exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, benchmarked against Burgundy yet uniquely Hemel-en-Aarde in character.

Award-Winning Wines

While Pinot Noir remains the flagship, the estate has built a reputation for a diverse range of wines:

1. Galpin Peak Pinot Noir – an elegant, structured wine that consistently earns international recognition.
2. Missionvale Chardonnay – full-bodied and mineral-rich, balancing power with finesse.
3. Hannibal Blend – an adventurous red blend combining Italian and French varietals, celebrated for its bold personality.

These wines reflect both the valley’s terroir and the estate’s innovative spirit.

Wine Tasting in Hermanus: The Bouchard Finlayson Experience

Set in a stunning valley surrounded by mountains and fynbos, the estate offers a memorable tasting experience:

1. Tasting room overlooking vineyards with views of the Hemel-en-Aarde landscape.
2. Guided tastings of their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and signature blends.
3. Walks through the estate’s conservancy, which protects over 100 hectares of indigenous fynbos.

For visitors looking to combine wine with nature, Bouchard Finlayson is one of the most rewarding stops on the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route.

Conservation and Biodiversity

Bouchard Finlayson is not only about wine – it’s about stewardship. The estate dedicates two-thirds of its land to conservation, protecting rare fynbos species within the Cape Floral Kingdom. This makes a visit here as much about connecting with nature as it is about enjoying fine wines.

Plan Your Visit to Bouchard Finlayson

1. Location: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, near Hermanus
2. Experiences: Wine tastings, cellar tours, guided fynbos walks
3. Booking: Recommended for tastings and tours

Why We Love It

Bouchard Finlayson is a true boutique gem – where Burgundian heritage meets South African innovation. With its world-renowned Pinot Noir, adventurous blends, and deep commitment to conservation, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the best wine farms in Hermanus and the Overstrand.

Catch up on Part 1 – Creation Wines and Part 2 – Hamilton Russell Vineyards.

Next in our series: Part 4 – Ataraxia Wines, where art, architecture, and terroir come together in one of the valley’s most striking wineries.