Welcome to the Western Cape Wineries - a kiwi's opinion blog

I originally set up this blog to help foreigners have an enjoyable experience when visiting the western cape wineries in South Africa.

I realised that it is very difficult for a tourist to choose where to go and which wineries to visit, when you have 600+ wine producers to choose from.

When I first moved to SA December 2010, my palate struggled to adjust to SA wine, b
ut after living here for a while and after visiting over 100+ wine estates, I have found many wines which I really like and can highly recommend.

Admittingly, when you come from another country it is hard not to compare the wine in SA to what you are used to back home. However, once you realise they are not the same (they have their own characteristics due to the different soil, climate etc) and appreciate their wines for being SA wines, it will improve your opinion and experience of the wines immediately.

If you are staying in SA for a while, don't dispair, your palate will change, and you will soon find yourself liking SA wine over your home countries wine!!

I hope my blog will help wine lovers have an enjoyable wine experience while in SA.

Please note: I am not a wine connoisseur. The comments I write about the wine is mostly for my own benefit of having them on record.



Thursday 29 December 2016

Bouchard Finlayson





I have had an interesting relationship with Bouchard Finlayson winery. The first time we visited was around 5 years ago, and it wasn't a great experience. Then through SASA I attended a Bouchard Finlayson tasting with Peter Finlayson and it was amazing. We tried 12 different wines, some the same wine from different vintages, some of his CWG wines and some international wines for comparison.

Mr Finlayson was so kind, informative and generous. We tasted wines in four flights and with canapes courtesy of The Open Door.


After such a great experience, I decided to go back to the winery again. The place was busy as it was over Christmas but we had a great tasting and the Pinot Noirs really stood out for me. I also loved the Crocodiles Lair Chardonnay.

My thoughts on this winery has changed. If you are really in to your wine go here. Buy wine to age and to enjoy with food. Buy the wine to enjoy at special ocassions and with special people. These wines are classic and a must have in your cellar.





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