Wine tasting in the city

A SMALL cellar dedicated to the quality production of pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, Bouchard Finlayson Vineyard was established in 1989 in the temperate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, near Hermanus.

It’s well worth a day trip out there, not only for the gorgeous wines but also nature walks – with a guide or on your own with a map; but, if time is of the essence, winemaker Chris Albrecht will be hosting a tutored tasting at Open Wine in Bree Street on August 15 at 5.45pm.

The fun, informal event can accommodate only 18 guests and is open to everyone from wine novices to oenologists. Nine vintages of the unique red blend Hannibal will be tasted, alongside a few other Italian varietal examples, and sampled with delectable canapés from Open Wine. The cost is R300 a person.

Albrecht is celebrating his seventh vintage at Bouchard, which is situated on 125 hectares of Walker Bay’s prime viticultural land. Owned by the Red Carnation Hotels’ Tollman family and under the leadership of Victoria Tollman, founder Peter Finlayson and Albrecht, 25ha are currently under vine with 50% devoted to the varietal for which Peter is most acclaimed – pinot noir.

Booking for the tasting is essential: call 028 312 3515 or email info@ bouchardfinlayson.co.za. Should you miss out, the winery is open Mondays to Fridays from 9am till 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am till 1pm.

For more info go to www. bouchardfinlayson.co.za