Crystallum Wines

Crystallum Wines is a boutique winery based in Walker Bay, one of the coolest winegrowing regions in South Africa.  Crystallum produces premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from Hemel-en-Aarde and has attracted considerable attention from international wine critics.

The Finlayson brothers, who established the brand, come from a family of winemakers who pioneered the production of Pinot Noir in the Hemel-en-Aarde ward, notably establishing Bouchard Finlayson. Crystallum's first vintage in 2007 was exclusively Sauvignon Blanc, but the following year Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were added to the wine portfolio. Crystallum now focuses on the Burgundian varieties.

Crystallum produces around 700 cases annually – about 60 percent red wine and 40 percent white. There are three Pinot Noir wines in the portfolio, sourced from vineyards around the region – Peter Max, Cuvée Cinema and Bona Fide. This is complemented by two Chardonnays – The Agnes and Clay Shales.

The winemaking at Crystallum is Burgundian in style. The grapes whole-cluster pressed, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in oak barrels before release. The Finlaysons' aim is to produce wines that have a classic, old world style that still reflect their new world context.