Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality regional South African wines. Hailing from South Africa’s Southern Cape, we are thrilled to welcome Baleia Wines to the Roving Sommelier portfolio. 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 Duiwenhoksrivier in Vermaaklikheid.

Did you know? ‘Baleia’ is Portuguese for ‘whale’ and the striking labels are inspired by St. Sebastien Bay, the ‘Whale Nursery of South Africa’.

The true essence of the Baleia property lies in the soil, which consists largely of pure, solid limestone with a very high mineral content. This aspect, along with their proximity to the sea, creates a particular mouthfeel to the wines, reminiscent of chalky minerality and maritime salinity.

At Baleia, the winemaking cycle begins with consistent attention to detail in the vineyards. They believe healthy soil promotes healthy roots and vine wellbeing, that produce beautifully balanced fruit. Their philosophy is all about portraying the characteristic aspect of the site; making wines that are true to their terroir and can be identified by their very specific mineral and maritime character in a blind tasting. These inherent qualities are allowed to take centre stage in the wines through minimal intervention in the cellar, to ensure that they do not cloud the natural beauty. In their own words, ‘when you savour a glass of Baleia, you’ll known the circle is complete.’

Stepping into the unknown can be daunting, but as we discovered by planting vines in this remote, wild corner of the Cape South Coast – breaking the mould can be infinitely rewarding…and exciting. Here, sea, soil and fierce elements combine to create fruit with rare depth and dimension, like a blacksmith forging steel from fire. Baleia is about finding harmony between self, others, and nature in pursuit of life’s perfect equilibrium.

Made from Tempranillo and Syrah grapes grown in pure limestone soils, that are so hard and rocky that the vine struggles to grow and thus yields a small, concentrated crop. We respect the fruit by making use of amphorae and large wooden foudres in the cellar, which highlights the unique minerality and makes for a tantalizing wine bursting with character.

Best enjoyed served at room temperature, either on its own or with food, and always within a convivial atmosphere.