The Wine Routes We Explore

THE HEMEL-EN-AARDE VALLEY

Explore wineries on the Hemel-en-Aarde valley wine route in South Africa. Only a few kilometers inland from the quaint seaside town of Hermanus, the vineyards extend for 20 kilometers towards Caledon. The region is known for its unique terroir and maritime character, which derive maximum benefit from the high elevation and cool sea breezes.

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley wine route includes 17 wineries which gives visitors an idea of the diversity of wines that are produced in the area. Wine Hoppers guests will start at Whalehaven and then choose from 9 of these other wineries that we visit:

Whalehaven Wines

Whalehaven wines was started in 1995 and is part of The Bottega Family portfolio and is located right at the beginning of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The newly renovated artisan winery offers an array of hand-crafted wines. Winemaker, Reino Thiart, has been with the Bottega family for many years.

SIGNATURE WINES
Whalehaven Reserve Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Cabernet Franc.

HPF 1855

Hermanuspietersfontein is a well-known wine cellar in the Walker Bay wine region producing Wines of Origin Sondagskloof. Hermanuspietersfontein produces two Sauvignon Blancs (Kaalvoet Meisie and Platter 5 star Kat met die Houtbeen), two Bordeaux varietal blends (Kleinboet, and Die Arnoldus) a single varietal Shiraz (Skoonma), a Merlot (Posmeester) and Cabernet franc (Swartskaap).

Bouchard Finlayson

Bouchard Finlayson is globally acclaimed for producing the best Pinot Noir in South Africa, as well as exceptional Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyards are surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy alive with birdsong and wildflowers.

SIGNATURE WINES:
Galpin Peak Pinot Noir

La Vierge

La Vierge is a private cellar focussing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a range of award winning wines. Nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley lies the beautiful and bright wine estate.

SIGNATURE WINES:
The Affair Pinot Noir & Redemption Chardonnay

Bosman Wines

The Bosman Family Vineyards tasting room, known as the Frame House, is situated in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde. A wood and canvas structure belonging to Bosman Family Vineyards with a 360 degree view of the Hemel-en-Aarde. Corlea Fourie is head of wine and viticulturist for these delightful wines.

SIGNATURE WINES:
Cinsault and Nero

Newton Johnson

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards is owned and managed by the Newton Johnson family. The farm is based in the upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. It is not only home to this special family but, in the words of Neal Martin, “to some of the best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs you will find in the Capelands”.

SIGNATURE WINES:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Syrah

Spookfontein

Spookfontein is a boutique wine estate in the Hemel and Aarde Valley. The name ‘Spook’ – Dutch for “ghost” – derives from the myth that one can discern a “spirit” within the swirls of the flowing spring. The farm, originating in 1847 is a Fynbos heaven, with a mere 14 hectares under vine and Olive trees.

SIGNATURE WINES:
Pinot Noir & The Phantom

Ataraxia

In 2004, this 47-hectare prime vineyard property was bought by winemaker, Kevin Grant. The landscape in which Ataraxia is situated is unique, lying as it does on the most elevated section of the Hemel-en-Aarde area.

SIGNATURE WINES:
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Serenity

Creation Wines

In 2002 Jean-Claude (JC) and Carolyn Martin established a winery in a remote corner of the Walker Bay Wine Region. The 40 hectares of undulating land on the lofty Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge transformed into a model wine farm – Creation Wines. Swiss born Jean-Claude Martin is a wine maker and viticulturist.

SIGNATURE WINES:
Art of Pinot Noir