As part of the festival, organisers have invited artists to submit their creations in a ‘Space and Spaces’ themed art competition, sponsored by SANSA (South African National Space Agency). The top 20 artists will be exhibited on barrel heads in Bouchard Finlayson’s wine cellar throughout the festival. To kick off the exhibition Bouchard Finlayson will host a function on Friday 7 June at 12 noon for the 20 finalists plus invited guests, who will be able to enjoy the latest Bouchard Finlayson Blanc de Mer and Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal releases. The prestigious judging panel is led by Marilyn Martin, former Director of the South African National Gallery and currently Director of Art Collections for Iziko Museums. Her fellow judges are acclaimed South African artist Louis van Heerden and Curator Kirsty Cockerill, who is the Director of Cape Town’s AVA Gallery - the oldest non-profit art gallery showcasing contemporary South African art in all media. Visitors to the festival are invited to take advantage of the complimentary FynArts/Hermanus Wine Route shuttle, which stops off at the Hemel and Aarde farms every 30 - 45 minutes. Bouchard Finlayson will offer complimentary wine tastings throughout the festival, also opening on Sundays (9 and 16 June), from 10:00 – 15:00. Guests may peruse the works of art on display while tasting Bouchard Finlayson’s lauded wines, including the Bouchard Finlayson Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2009; Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2011; Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal 2009 and 2011; Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Limited Edition Chardonnay 2010; Bouchard Finlayson Sans Barrique Chardonnay 2012; and the Bouchard Finlayson Sauvignon blanc Reserve 2010 and 2012. The 10-day Hermanus FynArts Festival is packed with further art exhibitions in the town’s galleries, on various wine farms and in the old synagogue. The Marine Hotel will take centre stage, with an Ardmore Ceramics exhibition and Dylan Lewis sculptures on its lawns. The programme will also include concerts and soirées with top musicians, including famous conductor Richard Cock; the doyen of opera in South Africa, Angelo Gobbato; and renowned singer Zanne Stapelberg. The opening concert will see Baroque Ensemble Camerata Tinta Barocca perform with a 16-piece strong orchestra. Other festival highlights include food and wine tastings and pairings; high tea; kids’ activities; screenings of vintage South African and international films; and illustrious talks - land artist Strijdom van der Merwe; Fee Halstead from Ardmore Ceramics; and the ‘Giggling Gourmet’ Jenny Morris have all been confirmed as guest speakers. For further information visit Hermanus FynArts.