Rotondo is Italian for round with the offshoot tondo meaning a circular artwork – usually a sculpture or a painting.  The shape of the tondo may have evolved from the symbolic birth plate or tray given in celebration of the successful birth of a baby during medieval times.

Italian painter best known for his Birth of Venus, Sandro Botticelli, was amongst the first artists to respond to the challenge of the tondo to create a clear structure in a round space. His tondi can be viewed in one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the world, the Uffizi in Florence.

Hemel-en-Aarde winery Bouchard Finlayson and owners, the Tollman family,

recognised the opportunity to put oak barrels to use on expiry of it’s primary benefit of ageing Pinot Noir. Not only are barrels given a second chance at being masterpieces but deserving artists are also awarded and the winery has a fitting exhibition.

The Tollman Bouchard Finlayson Art Award forms part of the Hermanus FynArts Festival. 124 entries of circular art works were received for the 2015 competition giving the judges a difficult task to select 40 finalists. The winners were announced at the Hemel-en-Aarde cellar where art enthusiasts could enjoy a glass of wine while appreciating the circular designs.  Winemaker Peter Finlayson mentioned that art and wine share many similarities in production and appreciation and is an appropriate add-on to Bouchard Finlayson’s wine business.