Situated on the limestone-rich soils on the cliff banks of the Duivenhoks River, Baleia is a unique terroir standing alone on this beautiful, remote and largely unspoilt corner of the Cape South Coast. A stone’s throw away from Sebastian’s Bay and the towns of Vermaklikheid and Stilbaai, the wines smell of the ocean and overcome fierce elements to create fruit with singular character and depth of flavour.

Established in 2009 by the Joubert family, their winemaking style is inspired by the Mediterranean climate. Their ethos is to create wines that reflect the unique terroir and elements of their remarkable location. In fact, Baleia is the only winery on the Lower Duiwenhoks River in Vermaaklikheid. `Baleia` is Portuguese for `whale` and the striking labels are inspired by St. Sebastien Bay, the ‘Whale Nursery of South Africa’.

2020 was characterised as a temperate to warm vintage with a dry growing season on the Western Cape, resulting in lovely dark fruit flavours. The cool 2019 winter and a year of relatively low stress produced a softer fruit profile which elevates the mineral character in the wines.

Best enjoyed with a traditional indigenous curry or delicately spiced Karoo lamb.