Heaven on Earth – Crush visits the picturesque Hemel & Aarde Valley in Hermanus
Hemel & Aarde Valley
Tucked away in the most heavenly valley is a wine route that will offer you an unforgettable wine experience. The Hemel en Aarde valley near Hermanus is one of the most popular wine routes in the Western Cape and boasts wines that are unique to South Africa and similar to that of Northern France.
A fresh cool sea breeze and clay soil produce some of the most premium wines in the country. From Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, each sip is heavenly.
Crush took a trip to this blissful corner of the Cape and we chose our favourite spots to visit and why. Here is our guide to Heaven on Earth…
Whalehaven
A boutique winery based in the Hermanus region of Walker Bay, Whalehaven is a stunning winery renowned for it’s elegant and unique wines. The farm is situated in an area on the coastline which is not only a sanctuary for migrating whales, but also offers a cooler climate. A modern, sleek interior with an exquisite tasting room adorned with clean wooden finishes. The cool space sets the scene for a relaxing, yet elegant, experience.
Whalehaven offer some very unique chocolates and jams to pair with their delicious wines. Flavours of rich chocolate and tart jams infused with hints of floral flavours make for a tasty pairing. The chocolates and jams are produced specifically for Whalehaven winery by Golden Country in Greyton. The gorgeous packaging alone is enough to make your sensations tingle.
Hemel-en-Aarde Road, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Monday – Friday from 09h30 to 17h00
Saturday from 10h30 to 16h00
Southern Right
Just a few kilometres from the sea, in the picturesque Hemel en Aarde Valley, you may be welcomed to a charming farm called Southern Right by a troop of baboons. A welcoming and pretty ‘stoep’ leads into a large and captivating tasting room where you can unwind and sip on their great wines.
The farm is internationally known for producing the area’s best-selling Sauvignon Blanc. Southern Right’s wines are named after the rare Southern Right whales, which frequent the cool South Atlantic Walker Bay just three kilometres away from the vineyards. With each bottle sold, Southern Right makes a contribution to their conservation or to conservation in the area.
Off Hemel-en-Aarde Rd, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Monday – Friday from 09h00 to 17h00
Saturday from 09h00 to 13h00.
Ashbourne
Ashbourne wine estate, Hamilton Russell’s second property, is nothing less than picturesque. There is a quiet serenity to the farm with its single building overlooking a nature lover’s paradise. Sit and have a tasting outside and enjoy the lovely, tranquil view of the lake, trees and lush green lawns. It’s simply a stunning and relaxing venue to pair with such a unique wine.
Off Hemel-en-Aarde Rd, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Monday – Friday from 09h00 to 17h00
Saturday from 09h00 to 13h00
Closed on Sundays
La Vierge
Driving up to the next farm you will greeted by a happy pop of pink as you approach the gorgeous La Vierge wine farm which boasts one of the most breathtaking views in the valley. Situated 300m above sea level, the sight of the brilliant ocean is framed by the verdant, rolling vineyards, setting the scene for a stunning wine experience. Their lush, green vines are thanks to the natural climatic elements of the valley. The vines are planted, grow and ripen grapes each year, without the addition of irrigation or any alterations to the terroir.
The restaurant and tasting room décor is simultaneously rustic and modern. An eclectic space that provides a unique wine tasting experience.
La Vierge’s restaurant has a stunning 360-degree view of the vineyards and makes the perfect venue for any occasion, from weddings to a sunny, weekend lunch on the deck. Open for lunch daily, you can enjoy a wine tasting and some delicious food on any day of the week. Chef Wayne Spencer provides fresh and seasonal dishes with locally sourced ingredients. The food is comforting and the light lunches are perfect after a morning of wine tasting. Think mezze platters to share, delicious lamb burgers or for lovers of seafood; prawns and West Coast mussels. Post-lunch, take part in a fun game of Boule while you sip on some bubbles. La Vierge restaurant makes an ideal spot to celebrate a day in the winelands.
Off Hemel-en-Aarde Rd, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Daily 09:00 – 16:00
Ataraxia
Ataraxia means an untroubled and serene state of mind that is free from worry. This is perfectly captured at the beautiful Ataraxia wine farm. A charming little white chapel sits by itself on top of the hill, amongst green vineyards with the great Babylon Toren Mountain behind it – a peaceful, yet dramatic sight.
Step inside this lone little chapel and you will find a stunning, modern interior. White walls with pops of colour from the exquisite artwork by Tay Dall embellish Ataraxia’s tasting room – The Wine Lounge. Sit back, relax and take in the stunning views as you sip on Ataraxia’s wines made by the very talented winemaker and member of the Cape Winemakers Guild, Kevin Grant.
Off Hemel-en-Aarde Rd, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Monday – Friday 09h00 to 16h00
Saturday and public holidays 10h00 to 17h00.
Closed on Sundays
Creation Wines
Hit the rustic, dusty road and find a beautiful creation awaiting your arrival. A contemporary, yet natural and earthy building fits perfectly into its surroundings. This piece of paradise is home to one of the Cape’s trendiest wine farms – Creation. A tribute to Mother Nature – its flourishing vines are the stunning centerpiece to the foothills of the Babylon Toren Mountain. Not only are the terroir-rich wines delicious, but Creation also has a selection of exciting activities designed specifically for wine lovers. A magical destination celebrating the creation of wine.
Food and wine is a match made in heaven and at Creation you can savour the magnificent wines paired with delectable food platters. The small canapés have powerful flavours in every bite that play wonderfully with the expressive wines.
The activities on this stunning wine farm are endless. Take a tour around the land, or discover Creation’s biodiversity on foot before a magical wine tasting under the ‘Big Tree’. It doesn’t end there – you can also take part in the fine art of wine blending, from Bordeaux to Rhône blends. You will be enriched and challenged to create your very own individual blend.
Off Hemel-en-Aarde Rd, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Monday – Saturday 10h00 to 17h00
Sundays 10h00 to 16h00
Domaine des Dieux
Our last stop but by no means the least, Domain des Dieux, which means place of the Gods. Nestled at the foothills of the highest peak in the valley is a heavenly wine farm that is beautifully rustic and quaint, complete with a cottage and enclosed pavilion as a tasting room. Don’t let its size fool you, the charming farm boasts some delicious wines, including two refreshing and crisp bubblies – the first Méthode Cap Classiques to be made in this region.
Domaine des Dieux has managed to find an area of cooler temperatures and maritime breezes in this sunny region. In order to maximize the soil potential, they have planted virus-free vineyards with cultivars that have been carefully chosen to match the terroir – creating unique, award winning wines.
Off Hemel-en-Aarde Road, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
November to February, Mondays to Sundays 11h00 – 16h30
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