Hermanus –
Picture the scene – a softly lit wine cellar full of barrels, a hound sleeping on the floor, a table set with glasses and a huge platter of bread, olives, olive tapenade, olive oil, cheese, salami, mixed nuts, biltong and droewors, bottles of some of the finest wines in the Hemel en Aarde valley, and a tasting led by the winemaker Peter Finlayson.
It’s a lovely way to pass the time, and a similar experience can be yours (it won’t always include Finlayson, or the dog) as part of the nature walk, wine tasting, and brunch package at Bouchard Finlayson, another one of the farms in this beautiful part of the world.
A large portion of the farm is given over to fynbos, and you can choose one of three walking trails, guided or unguided, to explore the area before quaffing your wine. These walks range from 45 minutes up to two-and-a-half hours, although my guide Frank Woodvine did say something about three or four hours.
We were a little pressed for time so we didn’t walk anywhere, but he did drive me around, stopping off every few metres to get out of the car and show me fynbos and share his encyclopedic knowledge.
With so many thousands of types of fynbos in our great Cape floral kingdom, it never ceases to amaze me that people like Woodvine (and Jo de Villiers – see story on Grootbos) can retain so many Latin plant names in their heads, as well as everything else normal people think about. I am in awe.
Once you’ve worked up a thirst, on your return to the tasting room you will be able to sample Bouchard Finlayson’s latest vintages – white blend Blanc de Mer 2014, sauvignon blanc 2014, Sans Barrique chardonnay 2014, Kaaimansgat/Crocodile’s Lair chardonnay 2014, and the famous red blend, the Hannibal 2013.
Finlayson is one of the pioneers of pinot noir, so the 2012 vintage of his award-winning flagship wine, Galpin Peak, is also on the table – and what a treat that is.
The wines are superb and, since this is a boutique winery, they don’t come cheap. But if you can afford it, or are a serious collector, this is definitely the destination for you.
As for the walking and hiking bit, well, that’s just breathtakingly beautiful, offering sweeping views across the whole valley and even the ocean, plus you’ll learn a lot too.
The walks take place Monday to Saturday (departing at 9am), cost R235 a person (children under 12, R135) and groups are limited to a maximum of 12.
The package is subject to availability and needs to be booked a week in advance.
Guided walks without the wine tasting and brunch board can be booked for between six and 12 adults, at R50 per person.
All the walking trails on the farm are available free to visitors who prefer self-guided walks; hikers may collect maps and sign indemnity forms at the cellar door.
Weekend Argus
* The vineyard and winery is open for tastings and sales Mondays to Fridays from 9am till 5pm, and Saturdays from 10am till 1pm.
For more information or to book, call 028 312 3515, e-mail [email protected], or see www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za.