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Western Cape Wine Estate

Whalehaven Winery

Cape South Coast · Overberg · Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
4.6145 reviews·Est. 1995·91 km from Cape Town
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Whalehaven Winery — Cape South Coast wine estate, Western Cape

At a glance

Region

Cape South Coast

Established

1995

From Cape Town

91 km

Tastings

Available

Restaurant: None Child-friendly Pet-friendly 4.6 · 145 reviews

Principal cultivars

ChardonnayPinot NoirSauvignon BlancMerlotCabernet FrancViognierPinotage

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.

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

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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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