Situated just above the idyllic coastal haven of Hermanus, the heavenly Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (formerly Walker Bay) is perfect year-round. Spot the playful Southern Right whales breaching during winter, or spend the summer on the stunning beaches and coves surrounded by a thriving local food & wine scene (don’t miss their Pinot Noir Festival every February!).
Explore every inch of the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven-and-Earth) Wine Route with the hop-on-hop-off wine safari (a must-try experience!) – start your full day tour at Whalehaven Winery, making your way up the valley at your own pace.
We recently found ourselves back in the gorgeous Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley (see our previous visit to Hemel-en-Aarde and the nearby Stanford area here), this time with all 3 generations of the WineTots family! Hop on and read along as we share our favourite TOP wineries along the R320 (Hemel en Aarde Road) just outside Hermanus.
Whalehaven
Snuggled at the foot of the valley, Whalehaven is the first stop of the Wine Hopper – savour complex, expressive reds balanced with velvety tannins, or coastal origin wines with a signature elegance and clean, precise flavours.
The clean, contemporary tasting room is a serene setting for a stunning wine tasting on a sunny summer’s day. Choose between a Classic Range Tasting @R100pp and a Reserve Tasting @R200pp (the icons of the Whalehaven range), or the delicious Wine & Floral Chocolate pairing @R180pp for a well-rounded experience.
Whalehaven also offers private wine tastings for groups of up to 16 people, with tailor-made tasting packages featuring unique, award-winning wines to cater to every palate. Bookings are essential experience@whalehaven.co.za.
Bouchard Finlayson
Embraced by the hills & surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy is one of SA’s leading family-owned boutique wine cellars, Bouchard Finlayson, renowned for their award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc. The Homestead stands atop a hill at the heart of the estate overlooking the cellar, with its white-washed walls and thatched roof drawing inspiration from the timeless Cape Dutch architectural style.
Savour tutored tastings in the intimate rustic cellar, the clean, minimalistic barrel maturation cellar, or outside on the sunny terrace. Choose from their 5 curated tasting options (ranging from R25pp to R350pp) including their iconic Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir. Bouchard Finlayson also offers an exclusive Vintage Tasting @R450pp – discover the variability & ageing potential of their wines in this varietal-specific tasting of 4 distinct vintages of the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, each thoughtfully paired with a tasting portion (reservation essential).
For a full-bodied experience, try the premium pairing @R225pp (premium wines paired with tapas), the Le Blanc pairing @R150pp (try their Blanc de Mer, Sauvignon Blanc & Sans Barrique Chardonnay alongside tapas), or the macaron pairing @R220pp (premium tasting paired with delectable macarons).
The estate is family-friendly & welcomes kids of all ages. Let the tots join in the fun with their very own juice & snacks pairing @R100pp (includes a special colour-in doodle to keep them entertained) or let them run wild on the grassy lawns & jungle gym while you enjoy a tutored tasting. Kiddies’ snack boxes are also available with a variety of yummy treats & ice cream.
Creation
Atop the undulating hills of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge in a remote corner of the Walker Bay Wine Region is the world famous Creation Wines, where wine and food lovers travel from afar to experience their award wining pairing experiences.
Try the finest of wines from their award-winning Estate & Reserve ranges to their renowned Art of Creation wines, starting at R15 per wine (Estate wines) to R70 per wine (Art of Chardonnay & Art of Pinot Noir – must tries!). For those who love their spirits, Creation also offers 3 different gins (Chardonnay Gin, Pinot Noir Gin, Marc De Pinot) distilled in collaboration with Triple Three Distillery.
Elevate your gastronomic experience with their Cultivating Creation Energy Wine and Food Pairing Menu comprising of 5 innovative courses paired perfectly with their portfolio (starts at R1185pp). Non-alcoholic and plant-based options available!
Dine from their a la carte menu for a taste adventure (each dish has a suggested pairing wine for the ultimate food & wine journey). Tots can choose from the young adult menu, catering specifically for the little ones. They were also one of the first SA wineries to have a room in which the little kids can keep themselves occupied with art, reading or creative play- particularly great for those rainy days!
Bosman Family Vineyards
In the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, just off the Hemel-en-Aarde Pass, lies Bosman Family Vineyards, one of the latest additions to the wine region. A wood & canvas structure known as the Frame House is perched on the horizon, housing the wine tasting venue with a 360° view of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
The Frame House serves as a refreshment station where guests can soak up the summer rays from the veranda or, for the more adventurous, amble up the mountain for a phenomenal view across Walker Bay to Gansbaai and Hangklip. Delight in a tailor-made wine tasting of 5 wines @R100pp or treat yourself to scrumptious tapas-style treats to complement your tasting.
Spend the day at the relaxed tot-friendly Bosman Family Vineyards with their characterful wooden jungle gym, for peaceful isolation & picturesque panoramic views. No wonder it’s been voted as Winery of the Year 2024 by the Platter Guide!
When in Wellington, visit their second location (see blog here) for a historic and intimate wine tasting, accompanied by cheese platters & bitterballen, under the shady trees on the green expansive lawns.
La Vierge
La Vierge, meaning ‘The Virgin’ in French, is a private cellar focussing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & a range of award-winning wines. Their vineyards are home to 10 different varietals ranging from Sangiovese to Riesling.
Their wine cellar forms part of the entrance leading into the extravagant tasting room & restaurant, giving guests a view into the year-round activities of the cellar. The bright, cheerful tasting room boasts breathtaking views of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
The tasting room offers a wide array of wine tasting & pairing options for every palate - Estate Wine Tasting @R80pp (featuring the Original Sin Sauvignon Blanc - a firm favourite among guests), Premium Wine Tasting @R150pp (includes top of the range premium Apogée wines), Chardonnay Wine Tasting @R100pp, Pinot Noir Tasting @R120pp (features their flagship La Vierge Noir), Apogée Chardonnay Vertical Tasting @R170pp, Apogée Pinot Noir Vertical Tasting @R170pp, and La Vierge Noir Vertical @R80pp. For total tastebud tantalisation, try their Chocolate & Nougat Pairing @R110pp, Macaron Pairing @R120pp, Bruce’s Chocolate Delights @R140pp, or Olive Pairing @R100pp.
B’s Stro, the onsite bistro-styled steakhouse run by the famous steak-master Bruce, offers top-notch steak dishes that pair beautifully with La Vierge’s wines. Relax and nibble on mouthwatering canapés out on the open-air deck or dine inside surrounded by amazing artworks & floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the glorious valley.
Hermanuspietersfontein
At the entrance to the lower Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Region lies Hermanuspietersfontein, a homely wine estate with a friendly atmosphere.
Sample their wines by the glass (R10 per glass) in the contemporary cellar or soak up the sun rays outdoors. There is no onsite restaurant but be sure to visit on a Saturday for the weekly market where all wine tastings are complementary!
Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, Hermanuspietersfontein holds a mini food & wine market ‘Die Markie’ where local producers showcase a range of artisanal foods and beverages alongside lovely local wines, live entertainment and more. Sit back, kick off your shoes & savour sumptuous wines in the sun while your tots entertain themselves with a game of Jenga for the perfect family day out.
Newton Johnson
Based in the Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley is Newton Johnson Vineyards, masters of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, with sprawling views over the valley & Atlantic Ocean beyond.
Enjoy a casual tasting in the spacious contemporary tasting room or drink in the heavenly views of the valley, mountains, and sea from the comfort of the pavilion lounge. Sample the Newton Johnson Family Vineyards range (a select combination of vineyard parcels to produce the most distinctly characteristic wines that represent the farm), the Newton Johnson range (specialty wines), or the Newton Johnson Single Vineyards range (wines made from some of their oldest vineyards) – there’s a wine for every palate!
The Restaurant, a modern eatery offering diverse lunch dishes made from the freshest local produce & estate-grown ingredients, overlooks the vineyards below.
* Please note: the restaurant is CLOSED during August.
Spookfontein
Burrowed between the Kleinrivier & Babylonstoren is Spookfontein, a Fynbos haven with a mere 14ha under vine & olive trees.
The cellar, made extensively from natural materials, embraces nature with its curved organic design and large wrap-around windows that offer guests breathtaking vista views. Spookfontein aims to cater to all tastebuds, from a poised Pinot Noir to a cheeky Merlot Rosé; not forgetting their Bordeaux-style blend, Phantom, perfect for wine afficionados. Tastings include the Bordeaux @R80pp and the Cape Ruby @R25pp, or a selection of 5 wines @R95pp.
Spookfontein Restaurant, an authentic, creative culinary destination, offers a limited lunch menu to indulge the senses. Delight in a long, lazy lunchtime meal that showcases modern food preparation methods while retaining a classic elegance.
Ataraxia
Proudly positioned on the most elevated part of the Hemel-en-Aarde winelands is Ataraxia Wines with jaw-dropping views of the underlying valley and surrounding mountains.
Relish in the stunning sights of the surrounds from the comfort of their chapel-like Wine Lounge, a tranquil space exuding the indigenous architectural style of the Overberg region. Sample their 4 delicious wines – an unwooded Sauvignon Blanc, a wooded Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Serenity (a red blend) – for only R60pp (waived at purchase of wine)! On Saturdays, guests can enjoy a 5th wine (the Young Blood Pinot Noir) for a total of R75pp.
* Please note: although Ataraxia doesn’t serve drinks (other than their wines & water) or food, it still makes for a memorable experience! There are also no kids’ facilities on the estate, other than the sprawling lawn, so bring some games along for the little ones.
Domaine des Dieux
Domaine des Dieux, a boutique wine farm producing small volumes of superior wines, was the first producer of MCC in the Hemel-en-Aarde region and is home to the Hemel-en-Aarde Cap Classique (& been awarded the best South African MCC both locally & internationally). The Claudia and Rose of Sharon have been some of my absolute favourite MCCs over the years!
The quaint tasting room, perched atop a hill, has a romantic atmosphere with the perfect view. Choose from a variety of reds, whites & MCCs and savour a refreshing glass out on the deck or lawn terrace. Their tasting room is quite small so book to avoid disappointment.
* Please note: their tasting room is TEMPORARILY CLOSED until 1 September 2024
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
One of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa is Hamilton Russell Vineyards, specialising in highly individual Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. Guests can choose between the Pinot Noir Vertical tasting & the Chardonnay Vertical, allowing enthusiasts to uncover these fine vintages through its various life stages.
The land is also used to produce dark, complex honey and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, alongside mushrooms & traditional herbs.
* Hamilton Russell Vineyards is the only winery currently NOT included in the Hermanus Wine Hopper Tour
*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication, 2024. See websites below for up-to-date info!
Contact Me – Hilary - at hello@winetots.com for more details on your favourite Wineland spots to visit & to book a personalised tour of your own – behind the scenic routes of the Plett & Cape Winelands & beyond!
Please register on www.winetots.com to stay up to date with new discoveries and ideas for Wineland adventures!
Click here to check out our previous blog “Captivating Wineries along the 2024 Cape Epic Cycle Route”!
Important info:
Whalehaven: https://www.whalehaven.co.za/ ; experience@whalehaven.co.za ; 028 050 1301
Bouchard Finlayson: https://bouchardfinlayson.co.za/ ; info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za ; 028 312 3515
Creation: https://www.creationwines.com/ ; info@creationwines.com ; 028 212 1107
Bosman: https://bosmanwines.com/ ; taste@bosmanhermanus.com ; 076 300 0819
La Vierge: https://lavierge.co.za/ ; info@lavierge.co.za ; 028 313 0130
Hermanuspietersfontein: https://www.hpf1855.com/ ; kelder@hpf1855.co.za ; 028 316 1875
Newton Johnson: https://www.newtonjohnson.com/ ; wine@newtonjohnson.com ; 028 312 3862
Spookfontein: https://www.spookfontein.co.za/ ; james@spookfontein.co.za ; 028 125 0128
Ataraxia: https://ataraxiawines.co.za/ ; info@ataraxiawines.co.za ; 028 212 2007
Domaine des Dieux: http://www.domainedesdieux.co.za/ ; info@domainedesdieux.co.za ; 028 313 2126
Hamilton Russell: https://hamiltonrussellvineyards.com/ ; info@hamiltonrussellvineyards.com ; 028 312 3595
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