Hemel en Aarde Valley is any wine lover’s ultimate destination. With the picturesque backdrop of the Babylonstoren Mountains and indigenous fynbos-covered hills, it is nothing short of breathtaking. Pair these incredible views with stellar-quality wines and delicious food for an experience worth gushing over!
What makes Hemel en Aarde so famous for its wine is them specialising in two of the world’s most famous and impressive grape varieties, namely Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Here are our Top 6 Wine Farms in the Hemel en Aarde Valley:
1. 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 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.
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2. Newton Johnson Vineyards
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.
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3. 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.
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4. Ataraxia
18min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (13km away)
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 more than 1000 million years ago!
5. Creation Wines
16min drive from Stonehaven Eco Cabins & Farm (14km away)
Creation is 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 the 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!
6. 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. Exclusive vintage tastings are also available upon reservation.
A few days are needed to explore the areas cellar and restaurant experiences, so make use of surrounding accommodations. Stonehaven Farm offers tranquil self-catering eco-cabins in the perfect location – at the foot of the Babylonstoren Mountain range. Get in touch with us to book your stay today. We cannot wait to have you stay!
Which two grape varieties is the Hemel en Aarde Valley most famous for?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Why is hemel en aarde famous for pinot noir?
Pinot noir is grown in the rich, granite soils of the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley which is approximately 4 to 8 km away from the Atlantic Ocean, offering a cool and temperate climate. The Parallel mountain ranges channel the southerly oceangoing winds through the appellation during the summer which in turn create regular sea mists and overcast conditions, moderating the temperatures in the upper valley. The annual rainfall is 850mm, with 50% falling in the winter months (May-August). These conditions are perfect for the thin skinned Pinot noir vine.
What is the healthiest red wine you can drink?
Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is considered the healthiest red wine you can drink. Unlike many of the reds on this list, Pinot grapes have a thin skin, so Pinot Noir has low tannins but high levels of resveratrol.
