Hemel en Aarde Wine Route | Our favourite Farms worth visiting 2023

The Hemel en Aarde Valley in South Africa's Western Cape is a renowned wine-producing region, known for its cool climate and unique terroir. This valley is home to some of the country's finest wine farms, each offering a unique experience for visitors. From boutique estates to larger, more established wineries, there is something for every wine lover in the Hemel en Aarde Valley. In this blog post, we'll be sharing our favourite wine farms in this region, highlighting their unique features, exceptional wines, and why we think they are a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the best of the Hemel en Aarde Valley, a short drive outside of Hermanus. 
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1. Creation Wines 

Creation Wine Estate is a renowned winery located in the heart of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus, South Africa. The estate offers visitors the opportunity to experience its award-winning wines through an array of tastings. The tastings range from the classic tasting, which includes a selection of five of the estate's wines, to the premium and reserve tastings, which feature exclusive wines and library vintages. For a truly unique experience, visitors can also partake in the "Art of Wine and Food Pairing" tasting, where wines are paired with small plates of food created by the estate's executive chef. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking to explore the world of wine, a visit to Creation Wine Estate promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Open Daily: 9am - 5pm
Book A Table
Call: +27 28 212 1107
Website: https://www.creationwines.com
Address: Hemel & Aarde Rd R320, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa
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2. Bosman Hermanus 

Image Credit: Bosman Hermanus

Bosman Hermanus is a boutique wine and tapas bar located in the heart of Hermanus, South Africa. The bar is situated in a historic building that dates back to the 1800s, and its interiors blend contemporary and traditional elements seamlessly. The bar offers a range of wines from the Bosman Family Vineyards, a renowned producer of sustainable, eco-friendly wines that are crafted with care and attention to detail. Visitors can indulge in a variety of tapas dishes, made using locally sourced ingredients and designed to complement the wines perfectly. In addition to wine and tapas, Bosman Hermanus also offers a selection of craft beers, gin and tonics, and other artisanal drinks. 

​*Special Feature: Guests can book one of their exclusive huts for a private 'picnic'
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Open: Tues-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
Call: +27 (0)76 3000 819
Website: https://bosmanhermanus.com/​
Address: Bosman Hermanus, De Bos Farm, Karwyderskraal Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
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4. Newton Johnson

Image Credit: Newton Johnson / Website

Newton Johnson is a family-owned winery located in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley of South Africa's Western Cape. Established in 1995, the winery is known for producing premium, terroir-driven wines that express the unique characteristics of the region. The team at Newton Johnson is dedicated to sustainable farming practices, utilizing biodynamic and organic methods to cultivate their vineyards. The winery's portfolio includes a range of red and white varietals, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, which are all crafted with care and precision by the skilled winemaking team. Visitors to the winery can enjoy tastings, tours, and other experiences, including a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases local ingredients paired with Newton Johnson's exceptional wines.

​Open: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm (closed on Sundays)
Call: +27 28 312 3862
Website: https://www.newtonjohnson.com/​
Address: R320, Hemel-en-Aarde Road. Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, 7201, South Africa
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5. Spookfontein

Image Credit: Spookfontein / Website

Spookfontein is a boutique wine estate situated in the heart of the Walker Bay region of South Africa. The estate was founded in 2007, and since then, it has gained a reputation for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area. Spookfontein's vineyards are situated on the slopes of the Kleinrivier Mountains, where they benefit from cool maritime breezes and an abundance of sunlight. The estate specializes in producing premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah varietals, which are all handcrafted using traditional winemaking techniques. Visitors to the Spookfontein tasting room can enjoy guided tastings of the estate's wines, paired with delicious local cheeses and other snacks. The tasting room is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century barn, which provides a cozy and intimate setting for wine lovers to enjoy Spookfontein's exceptional wines.

Open: Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun: 10am-4pm
Call: +27 (0)73 067 7936
Website: https://www.spookfontein.co.za
Address: 33 Hemel en Aarde Rd, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa
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7. Bouchard Finlayson

Image credit: Bouchard Finlayson / Instagram

Bouchard Finlayson is a renowned wine estate located in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in South Africa's Western Cape. The estate was established in 1989 by Peter Finlayson, a pioneer of the region's winemaking industry. Today, Bouchard Finlayson is known for producing some of the country's finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, as well as other varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. The estate's vineyards benefit from the cool maritime climate and unique soil composition of the valley, which together contribute to the complex and elegant flavor profiles of Bouchard Finlayson's wines. Visitors to the estate can enjoy guided tastings of the wines, as well as tours of the vineyards and cellar, and dining experiences at the onsite restaurant, which features a menu of locally-sourced, seasonal dishes paired with Bouchard Finlayson's exceptional wines.

​Open: Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun: 10am-4pm
Call: +27 (0)28 312 3515 
Website: https://bouchardfinlayson.co.za/​
Address: R320, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa

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