Bouchard Finlayson
Hermanus, Western Cape
A vineyard between heaven & earth
Cradled amid the hills of the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) valley,
Bouchard Finlayson is widely acclaimed as one of South Africa’s leading boutique wine cellars.
With a terroir defined by both ancient soils and a cool maritime climate, the vineyards of Bouchard Finlayson are famous for producing award-winning
Pinot Noir, elegant Chardonnay and terroir-driven Sauvignon Blanc, while inspired blends showcase the depth of skill and innovation in our winemaking team.
The Bouchard Finlayson cellar is conveniently located a scenic 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, close to the world-famous whale-watching centre of Hermanus.
Custom commissions
Local to the area, Rick is available for commissions should any guest wish to request a painting. If so, we can arrange a time for guests to meet Rick, either in the castle or in his home studio.
The Gallery
A number of Rick's original paintings hang in our Gallery – a space located across from The Boutique at Ashford Castle. Each image displayed here is available for guests to purchase should they find something that will remind them of their visit.
Notable works
Queen Elizabeth II collects Rick Lewis' work and in 1990 wrote to Rick to personally acknowledge her admiration for his work, which she prizes in her private collection at Buckingham Palace. The Queen Mother commissioned Rick to sculpt her grandson, Prince Charles, portraying his inauguration as Master of the Royal order of the Bath. What sets this commission apart is that it was the only time Prince Charles sported a moustache.
The Nixon administration commissioned Rick to sculpt three sets of life size ‘Peace Swans’. President Richard Nixon presented one pair, as a gift to the American people, to Chairman Mao, The Chinese Premier. The second pair was presented to Pope Paul and are on permanent display in the Vatican Museum while the third pair are on permanent display in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
During his esteemed career in New Zealand, Rick sculpted a kingfisher for Lady Diana and Prince Charles, which was presented to them during their state visit to the country in 1983.
Rick was commissioned to create several other works of art as state gifts for many distinguished world leaders such as President George Bush and the King of Malaysia. He was also called to commemorate in bronze the achievements of Mark Todd, New Zealand’s double Olympic gold medalist at the three-day event.
His most notable work for the people of New Zealand is his Kiwi which resides permanently in the ‘Beehive’; the centre of Government in Wellington. Now known as ‘Proud Kiwi’, and image of this sculpture adorns gold coins produced by the New Zealand Mint. He was later presented with the M.B.E. and A.R.A. for his contribution to fine art and design in New Zealand.
Get in touch
If you would like us to request a commission or would like us to put you in touch with Rick personally, please send us a message through our contact form.
Contact us