The incredible Hemel and Aarde Valley is renowned for its towering mountain vistas, vast farmlands and of course - some of the most beautiful and top quality vineyards in the country. Located just behind the quaint seaside town, Hermanus, it makes for a fantastic getaway spot! Not only do you get to enjoy the ocean views but the cool air brought in from the sea creates an ideal and rather unique environment for grapes to thrive. Thus, making Hemel en Aarde home to some must-visit wine farms for tasting, dining and marvelling!
If you're a wine lover, visiting Hermanus and the Hemel en Aarde Valley should definitely be on your bucket list. With its stunning scenery and ideal climate, the region is home to some of the best wine farms in South Africa. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the best wine farms near Hermanus, the best wine farms with restaurants, and the most exquisite wine tasting experiences in the Hemel en Aarde Valley.
The Best Wine Farms near Hermanus
Hermanus is surrounded by some top-quality vineyards, tasting rooms and wine cellars who’s owners welcome locals and tourists alike with warm smiles and insightful stories about the history of the wine town with a rich and growing history. Whether you are looking to hop from farm to farm, tasting a few fine wines here and there, enjoy an afternoon lunch with delicious top chef cuisines, purchase wine in bulk to take home with you or even spend some time learning and taking part in the wine-making process. You can do it all and more in Hemel en Aarde. Here are some of the best wine farms near Hermanus that you won't want to miss:
01. Bouchard Finlayson
13min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (7km away)
Old World meets New World at Bouchard Finlayson estate! They pair traditional winemaking heritage with innovation. The farm founder, Peter Finlayson, has earned the farm a global reputation for crafting memorable wines and pioneering the production of world-class Pinot Noir in South African vineyards. Their Tête de Cuvée and Galpin Peak rank amongst the finest Pinot Noirs in the country. Taste and discover a total of eight different wines on the terrace, or for a behind-the-scenes perspective, book a cellar tour.
02. Spookfontein
14 min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (9km away)
This boutique wine estate’s name ‘Spook’ – Dutch for ‘ghost’- comes from the myth that one can discern a “spirit” within the swirls of the flowing spring. The farm originated in 1847 and is 313-hectare Fynbos heaven, with a magnificent mountaintop wine cellar surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. Spookfontein produced its first vintage in 2005 and is known for its robust wines grown from rocky soil and the cold Atlantic sea breeze.
03. Hamilton Russel
14min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (7km away)
Hamilton Russell Vineyards is known for its award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The farm is situated on a beautiful hillside and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards, taste some of the estate's wines, and enjoy a picnic on the grounds.
04. Creation
18min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (14km away)
Creation Wines is a family-owned wine farm that's famous for its excellent food and wine pairings. The estate's wine and food pairing menu is a must-try for anyone visiting the Hemel en Aarde Valley. The farm's Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are all highly rated by wine critics.
05. Ataraxia
19min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (12km away)
Ataraxia is a boutique winery that produces some of the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the region. The farm's tasting room is located in a beautiful setting with sweeping views of the valley. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic on the grounds.
Best Wine Farms with Restaurants near Hermanus
If you're looking for a wine farm with a restaurant near Hermanus, there are plenty of options to choose from in the Hemel en Aarde Valley. Here are some of the best wine farms with restaurants near Hermanus:
01. La Vierge Winery and Restaurant
11 min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (5km away)
This privately owned wine cellar and tasting room has been producing outstanding quality wines for over 10 years. La Vierge promises unique wines, breathtaking views of mountains and vineyards and a superb, French-inspired, culinary experience from starters to desserts. Their wine menu offers an array of red and white wines, each of which tells its own story. If you’re looking for the best the vineyard has to offer, look no further than the Apogee Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
02. Newton Johnson
12 min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (7km away)
After more than 20 years, Newton Johnson’s Vineyards is internationally recognised for their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah blends and Sauvignon Blanc. Their wines showcase a range of clay and granite soil qualities. The farm is led by Dave, who is a Cape Wine Master with a thesis on Pinot Noir and his wife, Felicity. The couple has passed down their love of winemaking to their sons, who have taken the family cellar to new heights. Visit the restaurant and enjoy contemporary French-inspired fine dining while overlooking the vistas of The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
03. Gabrielskloof
29 min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (30km away)
Gabrielskloof is a beautiful wine farm that's known for its excellent food and wine pairings. The estate's restaurant, Babel, serves a range of seasonal dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The farm's Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Viognier are all highly rated.
Best Wine Tasting near Hermanus
When it comes to wine tasting near Hermanus, you are spoilt for choice as almost all of the Hermanus wine farms offer an incredible wine-tasting experience. Some of the best wine farms in the Hemel en Aarde Valley offer excellent wine-tasting experiences, allowing visitors to sample a wide range of award-winning wines. In addition to wine tastings, many of these wine farms also offer cellar tours, where visitors can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the vineyards. Some wine farms even offer food and wine pairing experiences, where visitors can enjoy delicious food alongside their wine tasting. Overall, if you're looking for the ultimate wine-tasting experience near Hermanus, here are some of the best wine farms near Hermanus to visit:
- Bouchard Finlayson: This wine farm is known for its award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. They offer tastings and cellar tours, as well as a restaurant with a French-inspired menu. Exclusive vintage tastings are also available upon reservation.
- Ataraxia: Ataraxia means a state of serene calmness, and that is precisely how you’ll feel at this classy ‘Wine Lounge’ where you can taste wines of unparalleled quality. It is located in a beautiful church-like building close to the cold Atlantic Ocean and decorated tastefully with exciting works of art. Ataraxia’s vines are cultivated in an exceptional terroir, which can be traced to more than 100 million years ago. They offer tastings and cellar tours by appointment only.
- Creation Wines: This wine farm is known for its stunning views of the valley and its unique wine tasting experiences, which include wine and chocolate pairings, as well as wine and fynbos pairings. They also offer cellar tours and a restaurant with a seasonal menu that is paired with their wines.
- Hamilton Russell Vineyards: This wine farm is known for its high-quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are produced in limited quantities. They offer tastings by appointment only and also have a restaurant on-site.
- Newton Johnson Vineyards: This wine farm is known for its cool-climate wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. They offer tastings and cellar tours, as well as a restaurant with a seasonal menu that is paired with their wines.
All of these wine farms near Hermanus offer unique wine-tasting experiences and are known for their high-quality wines. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a casual wine lover, these wine farms are sure to delight your taste buds and provide a memorable experience.
Our Favourite Hermanus Wine Farm - Creation
Creation Wines
16min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (14km away)
Creation Wines is one of the best wine farms near Hermanus and offers an experience to remember for tasters of all ages. Make sure to stop by this wine farm’s charming Tasting Room, where there are eight wine pairing options. The 10 AM Brunch Pairing and the Paradoxical Chocolate Pairing will be a unique wine-tasting experience you won’t forget!
Creation also offers the Non-Alcoholic Tapas and Tea Pairing for all designated drivers. Don’t leave the young ones at home for this one; the Surprise Pairing for Kids is a fantastic addition that will make Creation a special place in your heart! Learn more about Creation Wines Here
Looking to plan your next family holiday, couples getaway or friends weekend get together in Hermanus? Stay with us at Stonehaven Farm in the beautiful Hemel en Aarde Valley. Choose between three gorgeous luxury eco-cabins inspired by nature, each with their own private hot tub!
