The Finlayson family is synonymous with the modern era winemaking in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Three generations of Finlayson’s have played a shaping role in steering the Cape wine industry in the direction of the international wine world.
Current leading Cape winemaker, David Finlayson, was born into a winemaking family with his grandfather Dr. Maurice Finlayson, a well-known pathologist originally from Inverness in Scotland started the family wine business at Hartenberg farm in Koelenhof, Stellenbosch.
The property has shale soils, unique to this particular part of Stellenbosch, and has proved to give wines with excellent structure, classic style, and minerality. Initially, David invested his time and energy in ensuring that only the best vines were planted, nurtured, raised onto the trellis, and started producing fine wines. Walter oversees the daily management of the vines and wines. As a combined force, they produce wines that show the essence of who the family is and what they stand for in making classic wines suitable for maturation, not merely for winning shows. The first wines from Woodlands Farm have been named Edgebaston.
Interestingly several coincidences have made the name a distinct choice for the Finlayson Family's new release. The properties' original land title is registered as Edgebaston, and the official registration with the SA Wine Services for the property is still Edgebaston. Edgebaston, UK, is also where David's Maternal Grandfather, Gordon Egerton, was born and raised. With the Paternal side of the family from Inverness, it was then decided to depict the Scottish heritage of the family and what better way than to use the family's unique design of the Scottish Thistle in the logo.
While many winemakers have been forced out of the Stellenbosch area to places where the land is cheaper, the Finlayson's have never believed in taking the easy route. Due to their firm belief that Stellenbosch always has and will remain South Africa's finest winemaking region, they want to create wonderful wines for the discerning wine collector. The wines currently produced are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre/Tannat/Syrah, Chardonnay, and in 2008 there will be a Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend released.
Current leading Cape winemaker, David Finlayson, was born into a winemaking family with his grandfather Dr. Maurice Finlayson, a well-known pathologist originally from Inverness in Scotland started the family wine business at Hartenberg farm in Koelenhof, Stellenbosch.
The property has shale soils, unique to this particular part of Stellenbosch, and has proved to give wines with excellent structure, classic style, and minerality. Initially, David invested his time and energy in ensuring that only the best vines were planted, nurtured, raised onto the trellis, and started producing fine wines. Walter oversees the daily management of the vines and wines. As a combined force, they produce wines that show the essence of who the family is and what they stand for in making classic wines suitable for maturation, not merely for winning shows. The first wines from Woodlands Farm have been named Edgebaston.
Interestingly several coincidences have made the name a distinct choice for the Finlayson Family's new release. The properties' original land title is registered as Edgebaston, and the official registration with the SA Wine Services for the property is still Edgebaston. Edgebaston, UK, is also where David's Maternal Grandfather, Gordon Egerton, was born and raised. With the Paternal side of the family from Inverness, it was then decided to depict the Scottish heritage of the family and what better way than to use the family's unique design of the Scottish Thistle in the logo.
While many winemakers have been forced out of the Stellenbosch area to places where the land is cheaper, the Finlayson's have never believed in taking the easy route. Due to their firm belief that Stellenbosch always has and will remain South Africa's finest winemaking region, they want to create wonderful wines for the discerning wine collector. The wines currently produced are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre/Tannat/Syrah, Chardonnay, and in 2008 there will be a Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend released.