Hermanus, South Africa, 31 March 2025

Whalehaven Wines, a boutique, family-owned winery nestled at the gateway to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, is proud to announce a new chapter marked by innovation, precision winemaking, and a deepened commitment to terroir expression. Long regarded as a hidden gem in South African winemaking, Whalehaven is redefining its vision with exciting developments that elevate its standing both locally and internationally. With recent praise from critics and wine enthusiasts alike, the latest accolades spark curiosity—what has been happening the last few years at Whalehaven?

The 2020 vintage of the new Whalehaven Terroir & Reserve Series wines, marked a pivotal shift in Whalehaven’s winemaking approach. Silvana Bottega, taking over the helm of the family business, had already asked their winemaking team to introduce a more refined style with heightened acidity and fresher fruit characteristics in line with the “fresh seaside” ethos of the property that is situated near the coast. The 2020 has performed exceptionally well and the 2021 vintage, that has even brighter acidity and balance, has taken these elements to new heights. The wine showcases an exquisite expression of the Hemel-en-Aarde terroir, delivering vibrant citrus notes of lime, lemon meringue pie, and a symphony of clean, bright elements that perfectly reflect the cool-climate, maritime influences of the valley. These elements create a wine of elegance and precision, with a long, satisfying finish that highlights its impeccable balance and structure. The 2021 Seascape Chardonnay exemplifies Whalehaven’s focus and commitment to crafting wines that balance elegance, minerality, and vibrant fruit, with a clear sense of place.

A Journey of Refinement and Excellence
The continued success of Whalehaven’s Chardonnays reflects a clear trajectory of refinement in both the flavour characteristics and winemaking techniques. Whilst the recent 5 Star Platters accolade for the 2021 vintage was a remarkable achievement in the local market, Bottega has a clear ambition to take this winery onto a world stage. One of the most significant recent changes is the appointment of renowned Master of Wine, Richard Kershaw, who joined Whalehaven in 2023 to lead the Whalehaven Reserve & Terroir Series. With his international pedigree and meticulous, terroir-focused approach,

Kershaw has brought new precision and clarity to Whalehaven’s wines, guiding the production of high-demand, small-batch Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that reflect the valley’s mineral-rich soils and coastal influence.
“Since Richard and his team joined us, we’ve fine-tuned everything—from the acidity profile to the textural integrity of the wines,” says Silvana Bottega. “We are committed to producing wines that not only represent the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, but also speak to global standards of excellence.”

Looking to the Future
Whalehaven is excited to continue showcasing its exceptional wines to collectors, sommeliers, and wine enthusiasts worldwide. With each new vintage, the winery’s reputation for quality and excellence grows, and its wines continue to gain recognition both in South Africa and around the globe.

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