Hermanus, South Africa – 7 March 2025 

Whalehaven Wines is proud to announce that its 2023 Sandstone Strata Chardonnay has been awarded a Gold Medal at the 2025 Berliner Wine Trophy awards in Germany. This adds another golden accolade to Whalehaven’s standing as a top South African Chardonnay producer. 

Held under the esteemed patronage of the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) and the UIOE (Union Internationale des Œnologues), the Berliner Wine Trophy is Germany’s most important international wine competition with over 14,000 entries submitted annually across its Summer and Winter editions, the competition brings together renowned producers, distributors, and expert tasters from all corners of the wine world.

Silvana Bottega, owner of Whalehaven Wines, noted “This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to small-batch excellence and the pure expression of Hemel-en-Aarde’s unique coastal terroir.”

The 2023 vintage of Sandstone Strata Chardonnay forms part of Whalehaven’s Terroir Series, a refined collection of wines that speak to the precision, balance, and minerality of the estate’s vineyards. Under the expert guidance of Master of Wine Richard Kershaw, the 2023 vintage showcases crystalline citrus fruit, flinty minerality, and a restrained elegance that is quickly becoming a signature of the Whalehaven style.

This Gold Medal from Berlin joins a growing list of accolades for Whalehaven’s Chardonnays, including recent recognition from Platter’s South African Wine Guide, Chardonnay du Monde, and the International Wine Challenge (IWC)—marking the winery’s continued ascent on the international stage.

As Whalehaven looks ahead, this award strengthens its vision: to craft world-class wines that capture the essence of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and resonate with collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

Whalehaven is available through HM Witt in Germany:
https://witt-bremen.de/whalehaven-winery

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For more information or collateral: kaylee@bottegafamilywine.co.za | +27 21 8523590