Named after the protective bay that shelters breeding Southern Right whales in the cool Cape winter months, Whalehaven in Hermanus is a boutique winery that creates a delightful array of wines that intrigue and tantalize the palate. The wines are hand-crafted to celebrate each harvest and to reflect the particular nuances of each varietal. Over time Whalehaven has gained a strong reputation for its French-styled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, creating South African wines which evoke the elegance and reserve of fine Burgundies. These classic Burgundian varietals are icons of the Hermanus region and are a long-standing tradition within the Whalehaven winery portfolio. These wines are rapidly sold out due to the limited size of the release.
A recent vintage of the Pinot Noir was given an impressive? award of 88 points by Spectator Wine Magazine. The Whalehaven wines are for the most part made from grapes from the family-owned Da Capo Vineyards in Stellenbosch but are vinified and bottled at the Whalehaven winery. For over a decade, the wines of Whalehaven have been acclaimed in the valley with as exceptional wines at exceptional value. In recent years the W Range Old Harbour and Crushed Velvet have been recognizsed as volume sell-out wines that appeal to consumers looking for soft tannins and ripe fruity wines at an accessible price. Equally, the Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier-Chardonnay are both highly regarded.