In a newly established wine region near the small town of Vermaaklikheid along the Cape South Coast, the Joubert family has established themselves as pioneering wine producers with their unique range of Baleia Wines and Olive products.
It’s all in the name
Following their inaugural harvest on the farm Dassieklip in 2011, a brand name was needed to market their range of wines and olive products and they suitably came up with Baleia Wines. It was inspired by the Portuguese word for whale and is directly related to Dassieklip’s proximity to St. Sebastian Bay, affectionately referred to as “South Africa’s whale nursery” due to the annual presence of large numbers migratory Southern Right whales. It is also one of the best land vantage points from where to view these gentle giants of the ocean.
New Look
“Many things have changed since we launched our brand in 2011 and we had felt it time to change our look and feel as to match our evolved identity”, says Jan-Hendrik Joubert, owner at Baleia Wines.
The new look was designed by the capable team at Anthony Lane Design Consultancy. In their new design, the focus shifts from a visual conceptualisation of a whale, to the word Baleia combined with the Joubert family crest.
“Few truly realise the role the old Portuguese mariners had played in the establishment of the Cape wine culture,” explains the Anthony Lane team. “Not only did they pave the way for trade between Europe and the East, but in doing so, they also established the route the early Dutch and later French settlers followed bringing their winemaking traditions along. By focussing more on the word Baleia, we acknowledge the contribution made by the Portuguese.”
“We see this as a sustainable and credible differentiator for Baleia Wines. The meaning of the name being ‘whale’ can be part of the communication but not the sole associative element. We feel that a link to the Joubert family gives great sense of provenance and credibility particularly as they are farmers first and foremost,” says the Anthony Lane team.
The additional use of Portuguese tiles as frame is a very distinctive and powerful visual graphic element and also drives the blue colour palette which is both representative of the sea and the origins of the name.
The Farm
The farm Dassieklip, home to the Baleia Wines vineyards and olive groves, was specifically selected for its limestone rich soil and close proximity to the ocean. A delicate sea breeze regularly sweeps across the vineyards and groves; lowering the temperature and ensuring only the best quality fruit are grown here.
This perfect union of limestone rich soils and cool ocean air combines to ensure that each bottle of Baleia Wines and olive oil is testimony to their dedication and passion for a superbly crafted product. This passion was recently showcased by numerous awards fostering Baleia Wines as a newcomer to be reckoned with in the South Africa wine and olive industry.
Olives & Olive Oil
The first olive trees – for the production of olive oil – were planted in 2008. Baleia mainly grow Frantoio, Corantina, FS17 and Leccino.
The general opinion is that olive trees need not much attention, but Baleia believes the exact opposite. The more refined care and attention they put into their olive trees, the better the quality of the end-product. Baleia farms conscientiously – utilizing organic and biological methods as far as possible to ensure they consider the surrounding environment during any of their farming activities or with any decisions they make. The first Baleia olive oil was pressed and bottled in 2012. Their product range includes a 500ml bottle extra virgin olive oil and four different flavour table olives including plain, garlic, chilli and rosemary.
Awards:
• Silver at the 2013 & 2015 SA Olive Awards
• 2nd place in the Sol D’Oro International Competition: Southern Hemisphere
The Wine
Following careful consideration, the Joubert family planted Baleia Wines’ first block of Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Tempranillo in 2009. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay soon followed suit. As one of the first wine producers in their region, this pioneering estate learnt many valuable lessons. They soon realised that their specific terroir offers ideal conditions for the cultivation of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and in 2011 they expandedfurther focusing on these respective cultivars.
LaBella Restaurant & Deli
LaBella Restaurant & Deli, situated next to Baleia Wines cellar is owner run by Lizeth Joubert, the younger sister of Jan-Hendrik Joubert, owner of Baleia Wines. La Bella offers daily delicious homemade meals and freshly baked products in a child friendly environment suitable for a quick leg stretch or long lazy lunch while travelling along the beautiful Garden Route. The deli and curio section makes it a worthwhile stop and you can walk over to Baleia Wines to stock up on top quality, well priced wines and olive products.
Visit us
Baleia Wines cellar is conveniently located next to the N2, approximately 1km from Riversdale towards Mossel Bay.
Opening times:
Tasting Room
Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 13:00
LaBella Restaurant &Deli
Monday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00
Saturday 08:00 – 15:00
Sunday 08:00 – 16:00
Owned by the Joubert family, they began planting olives in 2008 and the first bottle of their extra virgin olive oil was produced in 2012.
- Packaging Perfection For Baleia Olive Oil - October 20, 2017
- Grind Your Gears At The Baleia Wines MTB Challenge & Trail Run - August 23, 2017
- The Food Fox & Heinstirred Partners With Baleia Olive Oil - August 26, 2016