Western Cape Wine Estate
Whalehaven Winery
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At a glance
Region
Cape South Coast
Established
1995
From Cape Town
91 km
Tastings
Available
What you can do here
Principal cultivars
Price sheets & menus
Wine Lists & Menus
Download the latest wine lists and menus from Whalehaven Winery.
The inside track
The estate
Whalehaven Winery is a boutique estate located at the gateway to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, renowned for its French-styled, site-specific Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate offers an intimate tasting room experience featuring award-winning wines and signature chocolate pairings.
Whalehaven Winery, named after the safe cove that protects breeding Southern Right whales during the frigid Cape winter months, is a small winery in Hemel-en-Aarde that produces a beautiful assortment of wines that surprise and tantalise the palate. The Whalehaven Winery and Tasting Room is right at the foot of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley just a 10-minute drive outside Hermanus, and we invite you to come and taste our selection of hand-crafted wines.
Gallery
About
Wine
The Bottega Family has owned the winery since 2003 and it is the third oldest wine producer in the Hemel-en-Aarde region, having meticulously crafted wines since 1995. The artisan winery has a solid reputation for producing classic wines created mostly from French single varietals, including world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The wines of coastal origin have a certain elegance, with a soft tannic structure and clean, precise flavours. Their white wines have lovely minerality, and their red wines boast fruit that is expressive, rich, and balanced with soft tannins. Whalehaven offers a diverse selection of wines under the Old Harbour, Whalehaven, Abalone, and Conservation Coast labels. Whalehaven has a select number of wine-tasting experiences available, including a chocolate paring that explores the fruit and flowery flavours brought out in the various wines. Jams and chocolates can also be purchased at the winery.
Dining
While Whalehaven Winery may not host an on-site restaurant, the charming town of Hermanus, in which it is located, offers a delightful array of dining options. From seaside bistros to cozy cafés and fine dining establishments, the culinary scene here is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Whether you’re in the mood for freshly caught seafood, locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine, or international flavors with a South African twist, Hermanus has something to satisfy every palate. So, while you savor the exceptional wines at Whalehaven Winery, rest assured that a culinary adventure awaits just beyond its vineyard gates in the vibrant and diverse eateries of the Hermanus area.
Wine Tasting
Embarking on a wine tasting experience at Whalehaven Winery is a journey of the senses that captures the essence of the Cape’s winemaking mastery. Nestled in the heart of Hermanus, this winery welcomes guests to explore their meticulously crafted wines in a serene and picturesque setting. Guided by knowledgeable experts, the tasting adventure allows you to immerse yourself in the rich flavors and aromas of their diverse wine portfolio.
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Food & Wine Pairing
Within the realm of Whalehaven Winery, alongside their extensive range of wines, visitors can partake in guided Wine & Jam or Chocolate & Wine pairings. These pairings feature locally crafted Golden Country Botanical Fruit Jams and Floral Chocolates.
Where to find us
More to explore
More estates in Cape South Coast
Explore the region
Discover more in Cape South Coast
Explore Cape South Coast with a day built around Whalehaven Winery and its neighbours.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Many estates welcome walk-ins for a casual tasting, but the popular experiences — guided cellar tours, food pairings and heritage tastings — book up fast, especially in season. We'll reserve everything for you as part of your tour.
Custom tour
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