Whalehaven Winery

About Whalehaven Winery

An hour and twenty minutes drive out of Cape Town on the N2 National Road, is Whalehaven, the recently revitalised boutique winery situated in Hemel-en-Aarde Village at the gateway to the Hermanus R320 Wine Route. Named after the Walker Bay whale sanctuary that shelters migrating southern right whales from Antarctica during the cool winter months, Whalehaven produces a range of wines that appeal to all palates.

The local terroir is celebrated as the latest vintages of award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, by the launch of the new range of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Wines - The Terroir Series, which have been sourced from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde. Whalehaven's commitment to limited production of site-specific Hemel-en-Aarde wines ensures that each bottle is a rare and cherished gem. The rarity of these wines only enhances their focus, allowing you to experience the true essence of this remarkable terroir.

Whalehaven produces classic French-styled single varietal wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot as well as their flagship Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Bottega family, together with winemaker Reino Thiart, are especially proud of the Whalehaven Pinot Noir 2012 which received a gold medal at the 2013 Concours Mondial in Brussels, and the Whalehaven Merlot 2010 which garnered the 2013 Taj Classic Wine Trophy.

Whalehaven produces classic French-styled single varietal wines such as Cabernet Franc and Merlot as well as their flagship Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Bottega family, together with winemaker Reino Thiart, are especially proud of the new Reserve Chardonnay, named Seascape, as it has been garnered an impressive 95 Points and Gold at IWSC.

The stylish interior of the winery was reinvented by local architect Andrew Greeff and interior design firm Bone Design. Carpenter Andrew Dominic created a signature oak table that now takes pride of place in the formal tasting room and is cusped by Guideline MNF chairs. Crystal wine decanters were transformed into light fittings by Martin Doller and the table set with wine vases by Aidan Bennetts of Stable.

Visit Whalehaven and try their very popular wine and chocolate pairing which brings out the aromatic profile of the wines.

To view more wine estates in the region see Hermanus Wine Estates or see South Africa Wine Estates for a general overview and links to other wine producing regions.