A vibrant new chapter has begun for Bouchard Finlayson. The renowned Hemel-en-Aarde Valley winery is now bringing its celebrated cool-climate craft to the heart of Hermanus. This exciting move comes with the launch of POP UP by Bouchard Finlayson, an imaginative new space that blends masterful winemaking with innovation.
Why a Pop-Up? The Estate's Bold Transformation
The POP UP by Bouchard Finlayson is more than just a temporary tasting room. It serves as a vital connection point while the main estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley temporarily closes its doors. This closure marks the beginning of a world-leading transformation for the winery.
"This transformation represents a defining moment for Bouchard Finlayson," explains Roelf du Plooy, General Manager of Bouchard Finlayson. "While our doors in the valley temporarily close, we wanted to ensure guests could continue to experience the character, craft, and care that define us." The Hermanus POP UP allows the estate to stay deeply connected to its community and to welcome new visitors on this exciting journey ahead.
What to Expect: A Curated Journey Through Wine & Art
The POP UP by Bouchard Finlayson is designed as an intimate encounter with the estate’s evolving story. Guests can explore a series of curated tastings that reveal the creative direction of the winery’s next chapter, one sip at a time:
- The Legacy Experience: This tasting honours the wisdom, precision, and mastery that built Bouchard Finlayson's global reputation.
- The Alchemy Discovery: Explore bold blends, unexpected varietals, and the imaginative spirit of Hemel-en-Aarde winemaking.
- Two Collections, One Journey: A signature tasting that brings both Legacy and Alchemy together, celebrating memory and future possibilities.
Bringing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to Hermanus
To truly immerse visitors, the pop-up space features a bespoke illustration. Created by celebrated mixed-media artist Chris Slabber, this feature wall wraps the main space in the unique textures, light, and quiet artistry of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
The Valley Menu: A Taste of Local Culinary Heritage
Enhancing the wine experience is a specially crafted Valley menu. This menu was shaped in partnership with local artisans, reflecting the region's deep culinary heritage. Visitors can enjoy a selection of thoughtfully sourced Overberg favourites:
- Hand-crafted cheeses from Anysbos, Stonehouse, and Klein River.
- Artisan charcuterie from Richard Bosman.
- Estate-grown olives from Mardouw.
- Fresh baguettes from Oskar’s.
- Premium biltong from Van Blommenstein’s.
Roelf du Plooy emphasises this connection: “We are bringing the valley to your table – its coastal light, its deep roots, its geology, and its remarkable people.” The POP UP is truly more than a temporary space; it's a delightful preview of what's to come.
Plan Your Visit to the Bouchard Finlayson Pop-Up
“Care shapes everything we do,” Roelf du Plooy concludes. “How we honour the land, how we innovate with purpose, how we welcome with heart. We cannot wait to meet our neighbours in Hermanus and to share the next chapter of Bouchard Finlayson with visitors old and new.”
The POP UP by Bouchard Finlayson opened its doors on 12 December 2025 and will continue for the foreseeable future.
- Location: Ground Floor, Harbour Square Hotel, 5 Harbour Road, Hermanus.
- Opening Hours: 10h00 to 19h00, seven days a week.
About Bouchard Finlayson
Bouchard Finlayson is an award-winning estate situated in the renowned Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley. This picturesque location is just outside the coastal town of Hermanus, a mere 90-minute drive from Cape Town.
Guided by time-honoured Burgundian winemaking principles, the estate’s 25 hectares of vineyards are meticulously planted. This ensures they express the elegance, precision, and cool maritime character of this distinctive coastal terroir. The vineyards are embraced by a 100-hectare private conservancy, dedicated to protecting the endemic fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse regions on earth.
This profound sense of place shapes every wine Bouchard Finlayson creates. This includes its globally acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, alongside its expressive white and red blends. The estate remains committed to crafting wines of exceptional balance, refinement, and longevity, inspired by the land and made with care.
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