WHALEHAVEN STRIKES GOLD IN BERLIN:
2023 SANDSTONE STRATA CHARDONNAY WINS GOLD
AT THE BERLINER WINE TROPHY 2025
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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WHALEHAVEN ACTIVITIES
EXPLORE
THE VALLEY
Nestled at the foot of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Whalehaven Winery and Tasting Room offers a perfect starting point for an unforgettable adventure through one of South Africa's most stunning wine regions. To truly experience the valley’s unique terroir and explore the diverse flavors from its boutique wineries, embark on a HOP-ON HOP-OFF safari-style wine tour.
This one-of-a-kind experience invites you to hop between wineries at your own pace, all while taking in the breathtaking beauty of the valley. Our fleet of safari-style vehicles adds a distinctively South African touch, creating an immersive journey through world-class vineyards, each offering their own interpretation of the Hemel-en-Aarde terroir. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable escape, this tour offers the perfect blend of exceptional wines and the stunning landscapes that define the valley. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in a way that’s as unforgettable as the wines themselves!
Alberto Bottega, founder of Bottega Family Wines that owns Whalehaven, has been a long-time investor in the area since the early 90s. He kindly invested in the Wine Hoppers to support local employment and enhance wine tourism, all while showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
VISIT OUR WINERY
R43, Hemel-en-Aarde Road,
Hermanus, South Africa
CONTACT US
+27(0)28 050 1301
experience@whalehaven.co.za
OPENING TIMES
Mon - Fri 9:30 - 17:00
Sat - Sun 10:30 - 16:30