The Best of the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Region

Just outside Hermanus, where mountains roll toward the Atlantic Ocean and vineyards sit between pockets of fynbos, you’ll find one of South Africa’s most beautiful wine regions.

The Afrikaans speakers amongst us will know that Hemel-en-Aarde translates directly to “Heaven and Earth”, and the name feels pretty accurate once you arrive. Compared to the busier routes around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, the atmosphere here feels quieter and more relaxed. 

But although it’s quieter, it’s by no means a “lesser” wine region. The scenery is dramatic and beautiful, the cooler climate wines are exceptional, and there’s a bit of a sense that you’ve stumbled upon one of the winelands’ last few hidden gems.

Hemel-en-Aarde has become internationally famous for cool-climate wines, especially pinot noir and chardonnay.

The valley sits close to the ocean, and those cool maritime breezes help grapes ripen more slowly. The result is wines that feel elegant, fresh, and balanced rather than overly heavy.

Despite having gained international acclaim for the quality of the wines, it’s a little more off the beaten path than Franschhoek or Stellenbosch. Because of that, the visitors are mainly locals rather than international visitors. Hemel-en-Aarde still feels authentic and you don’t feel overwhelmed by the level of tourism here. If you enjoyed the winelands a couple of decades ago before trams and fine dining, this is the place for you.

The region is divided into three wards:

• Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
• Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
• Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

Each has slightly different growing conditions and elevations, which creates subtle differences in wine styles across the valley.

So, where do you start? Here are some of the highlights.

Hamilton Russell is probably the estate most responsible for putting Hemel-en-Aarde on the global wine map.

The estate has become internationally known for its pinot noir and chardonnay, and visiting feels almost like experiencing a piece of South African wine history.

The tasting room itself is understated and elegant, allowing the wines and scenery to speak for themselves.

Creation is probably one of the valley’s most well-known wine farms, both locally and internationally. It’s also one of the area’s standout experiences, especially if you love combining food and wine. 

The estate’s pairing menus are beautifully done, with dishes designed specifically around the wines. Expect fresh local ingredients, beautifully plated courses, and some of the best valley views in the region.

Make sure you have a glass (or two, or three…) of the acclaimed sauvignon blanc. You’ll quickly understand why the critics love it so much! 

Newton Johnson combines exceptional wines with one of the most beautiful restaurant terraces in the Cape. Not just the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, but the entire Western Cape – it’s a bold claim, but I think you’ll agree when you visit! 

Overlooking vineyards stretching toward Walker Bay, the terrace restaurant menu changes regularly depending on seasonal ingredients, and the food style perfectly suits the region’s cool-climate wines. Fresh seafood, lighter dishes, and beautifully balanced flavours dominate. 

There’s a sophistication to Hemel-en-Aarde, but it never feels pretentious, and Newton Johnson is the perfect example of this. Don’t be surprised if you order an extra bottle and spend two hours longer than you planned for!

Ataraxia is one of the most peaceful estates in the valley. The minimalist tasting room looks like it could’ve been transported out of a design magazine. It sits dramatically against the mountainside, with huge views across vineyards and fynbos-covered hills. The wines are elegant and restrained, perfectly reflecting the cooler climate of the valley itself.

Even the name, Ataraxia, refers to a state of serene calmness – which sums up exactly how it feels to spend an afternoon here. 

Going against the grain, Bouchard Finlayson is less about the cold climate whites and more about the Italian reds. It helped establish the valley’s reputation for world-class pinot noir, one of the lightest red wines around. If you want a summer-drinking red wine, theirs is hard to beat.

The atmosphere is relaxed and quietly sophisticated, with tastings that encourage people to sit, slow down, and properly experience the wines. I also love how personal many of the tasting experiences still feel here compared to some of the larger wine routes.

One of the best things about Hemel-en-Aarde is how easy it is to combine wine tasting with everything else Hermanus offers. 

During whale season, between roughly June and November, southern right whales can often be spotted directly from the shoreline. So, if you time it right, you can spend the morning exploring vineyards and then head to the coast for whale watching, cliff walks, beaches, or seafood dinners overlooking the ocean.

That combination of ocean and wine country makes the region feel very different from the traditional Cape Winelands experience. I often think that’s why so many people end up falling in love with Hemel-en-Aarde. 

Ready to book your trip? Chat to a Flight Centre agent to get their insider tips and help you book a dreamy heaven on earth escape. All you have to do is worry about whether you’ll pick red or white.