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	It appears that the Terroir debate will never end. Choosing the correct vineyard site is the first and foremost consideration in the search for great wines. Aubert de Villaine of the famous Burgundy house of DRC stated (As per Stephen Spurrier – Decanter June 07). “We aim to harvest at perfect ripeness and then do nothing“. Stephen Spurrier then counters “These wines do not happen by chance, however unique the terroir. They need dedicated perfectionists to practice good husbandry and avoid the temptation of exaggeration”. The obvious conclusion here is that terroir is an undeniable prerequisite for great wine but so is the need for infinite care and sensitivity. The two are inseparable! It is from this base that I permanently approach our quality perspective at Bouchard Finlayson. A Further chal- lenge is to recently read from Stephen Spurrier’s pen that he has only ever noted one SA wine amongst his global greats (an exercise seriously biased towards Bordeaux). Such is the crazy but challenging aspect of “face” in the wine world but fortunately for us mortals the modern benefit of electronic media has created a vast new horizon for wine lovers to break out and “blog” their opinions over the internet, thereby expanding the opportunity of expression covering the worlds top wines. (Hopefully with BF in the front line ). There is always relief in seeing the last grapes arriving at the cellar at the end of harvest. The long summer of 07/08 with its contagion of weather threats had its impact on soul and psyche. Certainly grateful was I to once again grab the opportunity to visit the US east coast directly after vintage in April this year. It was an enriching opportunity to secure our brand in Florida, Virginia and NY. In short the USA is heading towards top positioning in the worlds consumption of fine wine and we plan to be there to support this position. Where are we with the Tête de Cuvée label? After our plum in achieving Platter wine of the year 2008 we are now focusing on 2007 vintage which is due for release at year end. A great vintage with notable potential. Perhaps a surprise will be two cameo releases of a handful of cases of Pinot noir under the Tête de Cuvée label from vintages 2006 and 2002. In 2002 a cuvee of 65 cases was pressed “podiatrically” by Victoria Tollman’s three daughters. This wine has been fondly dubbed “ankles and toes“, and after six years will have its chance to emerge for sale from the cellar door only. Similarly from the 2006 vintage is also a very limited labeling of Tête de Cuvêe. A wine that has recently been awarded the Pinot trophy at the Old Mutual trophy wine show.
	Every Vintage is a pack of cards! In 2007 we were dealt the perfect hand and great wines followed. 2008 has presented different elements and challenges but has resulted in some outstanding wines – particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Having said this we had to play a tough poker game in the process! It was a testing vintage, unusual in that weekly rains fell throughout the growing season. Strong growth in the vines with abundant soil moisture crafted a generous vintage with surprisingly pleasing fruit. Grapes did display some symptoms of the weather but nothing to panic about, in our case as we applied early mildew control which saved the day. Our domain Chardonnay crop was markedly improved – reflecting against poor tonnages from 2007. Implication here is better supply of Missionvale for 2008. Pinot noir also presented an improved yield – perhaps ascribed partly to new vines coming into production. Sauvignon Blanc is much the same as for 2007 but quality very pleasing. The other varieties have managed to present rewarding wines. An overall characteristic will be lower alcohol levels predicted for 2008 wines.
	I have always maintained that winemaking is a sport. In particular it is a team sport and all the better when one has the “Dream Team”. I say this with the satisfaction of enjoying a great bunch of talented people around me. I once enjoyed a conversation with a prominent Californian vineyard owner who stated that at the heart of a great winemaker was a personality who was never satisfied, always living in advance of their subject. All the players in our “dream team” are “key players”. Namely Brian Stipp – Financial Manager; Craig Harris – Farm and Vineyard Manager; Karen Davison – Sales and Marketing Manager; Danél Theron – Sales and Marketing Assistant; Wendy Le Gros – Tasting room & Administration; Silke Austin – Accounts Assistant and Gilbert Muchanyara – Homestead caretaker and office housekeeper. Thanks to their team effort we are enjoying a productive and rewarding year! The core to our business is winemaking and perhaps the one person to give special praise to is Teresa de Villiers. Teresa is currently titled “junior winemaker” and carries the day to day responsibilities of managing the bump and grind of the cellar work. It is a physically challenging work encompassing long hours which often offer no recourse to taking at break even when desperately needed. Teresa is from a wheat farming family. She studied Oenology at Stellenbosch University, graduating in 2000, and then gained further experience through her extensive foreign winemaking adventures. California (Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards), New Zealand (Spy Valley), Italy (Tuscany’s Tenuta Di Poggio) and France (Pomerols, Chateau Beauregard). Our convincing collection of wines from vintage 2007 have made a statement in Teresa’s favour. This is a great joy for Bouchard Finlayson. There is no doubt that the 2008 wines, which still need to evolve, will once again reflect her on going commitment and focus.
	It is always a triumphant experience when one is recognized for the hard work that was put in. Wine is an industry that requires patience, passion, integrity and true devotion, with awards often only received quite some time after production. They say patience is a virtue… In this instance it certainly was with Bouchard Finlayson’s 2005 Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir, the only Pinot noir to receivea ‘superlative’ 5-star rating in the 2008 Platter South AfricanWine Guide. This showpiece has also been selected out of over6000 wines to receive the coveted Platter ‘Wine of the Year 2008’award! Veteran winemaker and master Pinot noir crafter, PeterFinlayson: ‘The success of this 2005 vintage has been veryrewarding – from two perspectives. Firstly, during the earlydevelopment of this wine, I made the prediction that it was a knock-out vintage! This prediction has come true. Then secondly, there has been great personal comfort in this endorsement - while I am about to enter my sixtieth year there is youthful reward in being told one still has what it takes to produce the best! Most winemakers have thrown in the towel by this stage, in a sense I revel in the thought of more vintages ahead! The eagerly awaited Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2007 vintage will be released in December and is set to be a strong competitor for the 05 vintage! On the heels of winning 5 stars in The John Platter Guide 2008 for the Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2005 as well as Wine of the Year Award for the same wine, Bouchard Finlayson receives another wonderful award at the Old Mutual Trophy Awards 2008 for the Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2006 as best Pinot Noir on the Show. The Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show – now in its seventh year - is widely regarded as the country’s most credible wine competition. Judging for the 2008 competition took place at Grande Roche in Paarl from 5 to 8 May when the 9 panellists – including three from overseas - worked their way through the 1 024 submissions from 230 producers. The wines are served completely unsighted to ensure the judge’s opinion is based purely on the wines perceived merits, and not its image or reputation The winners were publicly announced on 2 June 2008. We received fabulous news from our Danish importer Tedeum Vin: The overall most exclusive Danish Wine and Food magazine “Smag and Behag” had a large scale tasting of the best Chardonnay from South Africa. Not only was Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair / Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 2006 the overall winner, it was also the only wine to receive maximum points! The Crocodile’s Lair/Kaaimansgat vineyard has played a much appreciated and valuable role in the development of our Bouchard Finlayson wine reputation. While the name is simply a fantasy arising from the crystal clear stream which runs through the property it does not detract from the thought of what could have been. Perhaps a more appropriate name should have been “snow line” – this owing to its 700 metre elevation. The vineyard is not irrigated which reinforces its remarkably consistant fruit quality. Fruit which ripens almost one month later than elsewhere in the Western Cape. The reason for this is due to the impact of parallel mountain ranges which reduce the length of the diurnal. Fermented in classic Burgundian fashion then matured “sur lie” for eight months in traditional 225 litres press. Bottled and matured for eighteen months before release. The wine reflects a traditional mineral quality which is symptomatic of the vineyards austere terroir. Fresh and fruity with green apple and citrus flavours. Enriched by guava and honeysuckle tones with vanilla and a hint of butterscotch flavour.
	There is continuous excitement at Bouchard Finlayson with various activities and new developments occurring year round. 2007 welcomed the first small bottling of our own Bouchard Finlayson olive oil. Each year as the olive trees mature we will see an increase in production. Due to the limited stock available of this savoury, peppery and deliciously intense rocket flavourful olive oil, it will only be available in small quantities from our tasting room in a few months time. With development comes growth and therefore a necessity to provide a larger tasting room to fulfil the growing increase in visitors from colourful and exciting places across the globe. The Hemel en Aarde Valley in the Walker Bay ward leading up from Hermanus which is perhaps better known for it’s small remote fishing village full of heart and charm, is no secret anymore. Peter Finlayson, the first modern day wine maker in this valley, and recognised as the pinot pioneer in South Africa, realised this regions Terroir perfection of the growing and production of various varietals, especially Pinot noir’s and Chardonnays of world class standard. With that in mind Bouchard Finlayson was established in 1989. Since then – not too many years ago – further wineries have been established which have created a visual and culinary wine experience in the valley, and has become one of the most popular destinations in South Africa. With the Hemel en Aarde Valley offering the most superb wine and gastronomic meander, it is no small wonder that visitors frequent this spectacular part of the Western Cape. Our international markets have also expanded with far reaching developments in the USA. The charm of our old world tasting facility will continue throughout the expansion with an added area dedicated for a more formal tasting session. Excavation started 5 months ago and we eagerly await completion towards our summer season. We look forward to welcoming all lovers of wine and sharing our piece of “heaven and earth”! The landscaping of the garden surrounding the Homestead is to include a variety of mature apple and pear trees. This will create a quaint orchard around the Homestead and the fruits to be enjoyed by those that visit us during harvest time around Summer and Autumn when the vine leaves start to turn a firey hue.
	We are excited to announce the release of the following new vintages available through our agents, various specialist wine shops, popular restaurants and cellar. Our current range includes The Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2006, our Italian, French red blend - Hannibal 2005, our domain Chardonnay the Missionvale 2007, The Crocodile’s Lair / Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 2006, the unwooded chardonnay Sans Barrique 2007, Walker Bay Sauvignon blanc 2007 and the Blanc de Mer 2007. We are excited to release the following new vintages. With the fantastic response received for our Blanc de Mer 2007 vintage, Winemaker Peter Finlayson has decided on the 2008 vintage with a blend of 49 % Riesling, with Viognier at 22 %. The rest is Chenin Blanc 15 % and Sauvignon Blanc 12 %. The fifth component is just a small portion of Chardonnay 2 %. Blanc de Mer is probably the only white blend from the Cape which predominantly has Riesling as its principal component. This cuvee is distinguished by excellent fruit balance with no single element dominating. It is simultaneously luscious in the mouth, yet clean and refreshing on the finish. Fruit flavours dominate with kiwi, peaches, pineapple and honeysuckle presenting strong palate influence. Delicious with Oysters! I clearly remember my first tasting experience of Sauvignon Blanc, a Californian wine presented by a visiting American grower at the wine college in Geisenheim on the Rhine River in Germany. This was one overriding flavour being “guava” which stood out in a triumphant and commanding way. Later at the fledging Boschendal winery I managed to secure a trial batch of grapes from an old vineyard in the Paardeberg. This was thirty years ago which reflects on how Sauvignon Blanc has rapidly expanded to its present strength of being the most popular wine in the local market. Vintage 2008 threatened to be serious poker game! This as a result of repetitive summer rains. The question was what pack of cards would finally land on our laps? The seasons weather was taunting and as the harvest drew nearer no consolement was in sight! Finally when February did arrive we managed to take advantage of the better than expected fruit. In fact the end result was massively encouraging. Full and firm on the palate with a strong fruit melange, dominant in guava, pear, blueberry and citrus. Long and confirmed finish with every hint of spice making it ideal for early drinking. This will be the 15th vintage of one of our most appreciated contributions to the Bouchard Finlayson label – The Crocodile’s Lair / Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 2007. These grapes from the Elandskloof Valley behind the village of Villiersdorp have consistently played a key role in making Bouchard Finlayson Chardonnay the respected and acknowledged label that it is. This is very much a terroir specific wine. Most vintages show enhanced mineral quality which profiles well in best French oak barrels. Fermentation is a classic Burgundian copy where the wine is matured “sur lie” for eight months in traditional 225 litre “pieces” with twenty five percent being first fill barrels. 2007 is a great vintage where clean fruit offers a tight but full flavoured peachy wine which elicits a hint of oak, vanilla and green apple. A natural match with poultry, casseroles and richer fish dishes. The birth of “Hannibal” in 2002 was the culmination of a nearly 30 year wait to arrive at what has popularly become respected as a unique “South African multi cultivar Tuscan Blend”. My first desire to bring Italian cultivars to South Africa had its origin after sailing home from Europe in 1975. It was on the last voyage of the Italian liner Europa where the ships cellars were being emptied and the envious opportunity arose to share in some great Italian vintages. It was only years later that it became relatively easy to import the grape varieties Sangiovese and Nebbiolo into South Africa. The concept of Hannibal stands by its original design synergy between French and Italian grapes. On this case of vintage 2006 we still have five cultivars involved in the blend with Sangiovese (34 %) once again playing the pivotal role. Petite Syrah (31 %) now takes up second position while Pinot noir constitutes 20 % of the mix. The balance is Nebbiolo at 13 % and Mourvedre at 2 %. An austere vintage with a defined and concentrated age-able character. Excellent structure from small barrel ageing showing nervous fruit with a great bouquet. It is long and harmonious – mature for 2 – 8 years and appreciate while savouring Italian food and hearty meat cuisine.
	I have recently returned from a wonderful marketing and flag waving trip to the east coast of the USA. Our distribution in the USA is divided between two importers where the south east is handled by Terry Seitz Inc, while the rest of the country is managed by Leucadia Wine Cellars. South African wines have traditionally been a novelty in the US but due to currency and international dynamics the badge of South Africa is gradually emerging as a respected wine opportunity in the USA. This marketing synergy with two competent operators did not (and did) happen by chance. In the case of Leucadia their key man Gerard Yvernault visited SA at end 2006, called on 16 wineries and only selected two houses to work with. The meeting of Terry Seitz was more protracted and somewhat indirect but roughly goes along the following lines; Some ten years ago our then assistant winemaker, Norman Hardie, while on safari in South Africa’s Eastern Lowveld met up with another tourist, Terry Seitz. The consequent introduction to our Galpin Peak Pinot noir was at the time, unbeknown casting the die for a wine import business into Florida USA. Well the test of time has taken me on my second visit to Florida where the exuberant Linda Bragaw has purposefully taken Terry’s business to the front lines of the Florida wine markets. Florida is the winter home for millions of Americans in search of endless summer. It is also globally famous for hurricanes, alligators and manatees, but perhaps for wine this is true restaurant land –or restaurant heaven. Our Galpin Peak Pinot has triumphed the wine list at the famous Giko’s restaurant at Disney’s Orlando Africa Theme Park where it has been recently nominated to be served by the glass. Another coup is to have two restaurant accounts in Fort Myers, selling only SA wines from Terry Seitz and naturally including all BF Labels. Then the Chesterfield Hotel in Palm Beach boasts having our label as their main attraction. The Chesterfield happened to be my first stop after landing in Miami. It is an exquisite cameo of a hotel run by the enchanting Francine Boissonneault who arranged a gourmet six course winemakers dinner on my second day in town. The central focus of my visit to west coast Florida was an invitation to participate in the “Florida Winefest and Auction at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Sarasota.This wine show was vibrant with constant activity reflecting why Florida is the second biggest wine market in the USA. The Saturday afternoon children’s charity auction was an eye opener. Simply to get past the door costs $2500? Obviously no playground for the poor! Between events in Florida I also spent two days in Virginia visiting new territory in the capable hands of Sabine Mueller. With ten days in South East I moved north to meet up with George Palmieri who is sales manger for Leucadia Wine Cellars in NE USA. George is the ideal ambassador to be the host for Italian restaurateurs in the big apple. Leucadia is headed by veteran wine trader Gerard Yvernault who has put a dynamic team together to float this new business which includes the Californian vineyards of Pine Ridge and Archery Summit in Oregon. My time in the NE was precious and well managed with the first day covering Connecticut where I once again met up with Jim Brewer and his gang at the Winebow offices. For the Wednesday and Thursday there after we walked the streets of NY. Visits included the famous wine shop, Zachy’s, had lunch at Porterhouse in Columbus Circle, met with delightful restaurateur Marco Maccioni at Circo, visited Xai Xai a south African wine bar and many others. Also ended with an interview with Julie Coe of American Express “Departures” magazine. Leucadia Cellars have their headquarters in San Francisco which means they cover both the west and eastern hubs of the USA. New York has a magnitude which is bewildering, it has statuesque splendour and a grasp on the brain which cannot be entertained in simple descriptions, this feeling is even more emphasized through my visit to “ground zero”, a troublesome emotion to say the least . I left for home basking in the satisfaction that the US has been alerted to our BF wines and thank all those now at work supporting us. I also noted some personal weight loss which is veiled evidence of time well spent.
	Our Junior Winemaker – Teresa De Villiers represented Bouchard Finlayson at the London International Trade Wine Fair in May. To get maximum exposure over this ten day excursion, various other events were organised to promote the Bouchard Finlayson brand. Teresa’s first stop was Edinburgh. The Great Grogg Fair was organised by Richard Meadows (the owner) and Seckford Agencies and took place at the Merchants Hall in Edinburgh. It was a very busy night and most succesful! Richard expected 150 guests and 250+ arrived to savour the wines on offer. Teresa noted the customer’s intense friendliness, knowledge and passion for wine. Whilst in London, Teresa hosted a Wine Dinner at the Mayfair Chesterfield Hotel (A property of the Red Carnations Hotel Group and under same ownership as Bouchard Finlayson). Guests enjoyed a delightful five course meal while enjoying Bouchard Finlayson wines paired according to each course. The London International Trade Wine Fair took place over three consecutive days which included meeting new customers, catching up with existing clients and buyers and discussing our wines and Peter Finlayson’s philosophy behind his worldwide acclaimed Pinot noir. Teresa had the honour of presenting a Wine Dinner at Vivat Bacchus which was most certainly the highlight of her trip! The five star five course meal was prepared by chef Robert Stagemann and the cuisine complemented our fine wines perfectly! To celebrate a busy and satisfying three days after the LIWTF, Seckford Agencies took all their producers out to dinner at the B Bar Restaurant. The final day included Teresa presenting Bouchard Finlayson at SH Jones 150th anniversary tasting in Banbury. There was a genuine interest in our wines! Indeed a very rewarding trip.
	All five senses are heightened when the red wine barrel cellar of Bouchard Finlayson comes alive with the sound of one of the many talented performers chosen by the Hermanus Music Society. To savour one of Winemaker Peter Finlayson’s master wines, like pure velvet; to capture the vibe and energy of the Dixie Swingers performing in January; to be entranced by the music created by pianist Anthony Hewitt in February; to be engulfed by the aroma created by the ageing wine in the French oak barrels and to be all encapsulated with the serenity that the evenings have to offer. Once again, a portion of the proceeds from the Hermanus Music Society evenings held at Bouchard Finlayson have been donated to a Charity cause. As a very generous show of appreciation and heart, the Hermanus Music Society donated R8000 to the Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust, (a very fitting allocation from funds raised in a cellar!) What better way to feed the soul in the New year of 2008 than with the Dixie Swingers as the first performance! They are an acoustic jazz band made up of five professional musicians on the saxophone, banjo, trombone, clarinet and trumpet. This was a fabulous evening filled with fun and enjoyed by all! Anthony Hewitt, international award winning pianist performed in February. Anthony has performed in Wigmore Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York. The violin and piano duo – Anouk Smit and Madeleine du Toit entranced the audience in March with renditions from Handel, Beethoven, Shopin, Brahms and Bartok. Puccini’s 150th anniversary took place in May with operatic arias from Puccini’s favourite operas; La Boheme, Tosca, Turnadot, Madame Butterfly and others. The upcoming programme is as follows: 25th July Magda de Vries – A brilliant virtuoso on the marimba, Magda is the recipient of many overseas scholarships and has performed internationally. 26th September Ace Quartet – Carina Bruwer acclaimed charismatic flute player joined by two violinists and cellist to form her quartet. 28th November Zoe Beyers – currently living in England and has played in the major violin concertos with international orchestras world wide. For further information please contact the Hermanus Music society directly on + 27 28 312 3006. A heart warming story is certainly one which takes place yearly prior to Christmas. The Christopher Duigen Charity concerts which are supported by Charles Lloys Ellis who is instrumental to this event taking place. Charles is the largest contributor by a private individual through music at Bouchard Finlayson. Helen Gardiner is key to it’s success, spending three weeks of hard effort selling tickets and which is to be repeated again at year end. Christmas 2007 saw close on R40 000 being raised in support of the local Cansa Association. We wish them every success and are only too overjoyed to be able to offer our support via the ambience of the barrel cellar.
	It is with gratitude and heartfelt thanks to our Local and International Agents and global customers for their continued support for our Bouchard Finlayson brand. It is through this support that we continue to experience increased demand for our product worldwide. We welcome all friends of Bouchard Finlayson to experience our beautiful surroundings with us… The Homestead was completed in November 2005. Toni Tollman and architect Anton De Kock’s stunning combination modern influences on timeless Cape Dutch styling has rendered a home that is not only beautifully appointed, but also ties into the Bouchard Finlayson Philosophy of superlative wine making. Architectural and décor elements have been used in such a way as to simply augment the famously picturesque Walker Bay Wine Valley. It is here that we host our valued Agents, Journalists and people with a great love and interest in wine to a South African culinary delight. The extensive list includes visitors from Germany, Holland, Ireland, Sweden, USA and the UK. We had the pleasure of hosting the Leathersellers Livery company to a wine tasting in January. The group consisted of 25 members and included Derek Smedley – a Master of Wine – who was instrumental in organising the wine tour to South Africa. The Leathersellers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, ranked fifteenth in the order of Precedence. It was founded by royal charter in 1444 with authority to control the sale of leather within the City. The Company no longer has this regulatory role. The Leathersellers’ Company remains actively involved with the British leather industry providing funding for technical education, research and the conservation and display of historic leather items, and supplying representatives to sit on the boards of various industry bodies as well as devoting its energies to support charity. The Company is governed by an elected Master and three Wardens and the Court of Assistants. The current Master is Anthony Ralph Collinson , who was admitted to the Leathersellers Livery in 1971. Early March, we welcomed The Merchant Vintners Company to a wine tasting and took advantage of the Crayfish season to serve a scrumptious Seafood Bouillabaisse. The Merchant Vintners Company is owned in equal shares by 22 Member firms. It was founded in 1965 to find a means by which independent family owned wine merchants could help each other prosper and expand whilst preserving their individuality in face of the giant groups. From this small beginning, stems today success. The most obvious benefit is to combine purchasing power to achieve the best terms. Information is shared freely amongst members who enjoy a wonderful rapport amongst themselves. There is a great sense of selflessness within the group. A comprehensive range of carefully selected wines and spirits exclusive to the Group is available to Members either for immediate collection from the Group’s central bonded warehouse or for collection direct from Group suppliers abroad or in the UK. This was a fine day, enjoying all that Walker Bay has to offer….a nature walk in Fernkloof Nature Reserve hosted by Botanist Frank Woodvine, delicious wines from Peter Finlayson and catch of the day fresh from the ocean.
	A word from our resident Botanist "Although the buzz of activity from vineyard and cellar has quieted down, elsewhere on the estate the buzz continues.” This, from the unique Cape Honey Bee. Exceptional and different, because of the 20 000 species of bee found worldwide, ours is thought to be the only one in which worker bees, during a queenless period can lay eggs which will develop into workers or queens. In other races, the eggs laid by workers produce only unfertilised or drone eggs, leading to the colony dying out. This adaptation is thought to be a response to the high mortality rates of queens during mating flights, possibly caused by strong swirling winds, a feature of the Cape climate , or perhaps as a result of the high rate of predation from flocks of Alpine Swifts, a common resident and summer visitor. There are many age-old threats to the survival of our bees, including man and also the Honey-badger, (Ratel), the fiercest of small animals with a thick coat impervious to stings. Internally, the hive is threatened by the Wax-moth. To counter these and other threats bees have become industrious and aggressive. This is particularly so with the Cape bees up-country cousin, Apis mellifera scutellata, which not only holds the world record for honey production but has also gained notoriety as the "killer-bee". Introduced to South America to boost production, escapees have spread widely, creating many problems. The Cape bee, gentler and less productive is claimed by wags to mirror its human counterpart. Of concern for commercial beekeepers is that with an ongoing campaign to reduce the spread of Blue-gum trees, (Eucalyptus species,) responsible for 80 % of the country's honey crop, production will plummet. This has huge implications for the agricultural sector, dependent on bees for pollination of a wide range of crops. Fortunately, this does not affect the wine industry, with vines wind-pollinated. The few hives we have can happily survive on the many flowering species found in the fynbos, which covers some 80 % of the estate. Sit at the top of a boulder-strewn slope and watch the bees, pollen bags on their legs loaded, as they industriously flit from flower to flower. (Sensibly, they locate their hives below, flying up on empty and gliding down with a full load). Plants such as the appropriately named Sugarbush, (Protea repens), occur on our mountain in their thousands, each flower producing up to half a teaspoon of nectar, ample reward for it's pollinator. We are even considering marketing our own fynbos honey, dark -coloured and with it's unique flavour, under the Bouchard-Finlayson label, to complement our fine wines."
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