Hemel-en-Aarde

Hemel-en-Aarde stands out as the most internationally recognized among this coastal region. Translating to ‘Heaven on Earth’ it’s another of those places in South Africa that amazes with its natural beauty. 

This striking valley is divided into three distinct sub-regions: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, and Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

Situated due north over the coastal range behind the charming fishing village of Hermanus, Hamilton Russell Vineyards played a pioneering role in establishing viticulture and winemaking in the Hemel-en-Aarde. Their vision began in 1975 when Tim Hamilton Russell acquired an untouched 425-acre property and began planting vineyards. His son, Anthony Hamilton Russell, took the reins in 1991, focusing exclusively on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and officially registered Hamilton Russell Vineyards as an Estate, committed to showcasing the unique terroir of their vineyards. Today, Anthony, alongside his wife Olive, winemaker Emul Ross, and viticulturist Johan Montgomery, wholeheartedly devote themselves to capturing the essence of the region in their wines.

Anthony and Olive have worked tirelessly for decades to grow awareness of their wine and region. Since Apartheid ended (1994) they have travelled extensively to share their story and that of South African wine, bringing international appreciation to remarkable heights. They also researched the region and its soils and microclimate extensively, which led to the official demarcation of the three subregions mentioned above. Truly, if it weren’t for this duo, there’s no way the quality of the region, and possibly all of South Africa, would be as high or internationally appreciated as it is today.

In addition to Hamilton Russell Vineyards, other esteemed wineries have contributed to the allure of Hemel-en-Aarde. Bouchard Finlayson, a renowned estate, has made significant contributions to the region’s winemaking landscape. Embracing the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, Bouchard Finlayson produces a diverse range of wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Their commitment to sustainable practices and respect for the environment is reflected in the quality and finesse of their wines.

Bartho Eksteen, an accomplished winemaker with a passion for crafting artisanal wines, has also left an indelible mark on Hemel-en-Aarde. His eponymous boutique winery showcases his expertise and dedication to creating small-batch, handcrafted wines that embody the essence of the region. With a focus on sustainability and minimal intervention, Bartho Eksteen wines capture the pure expression of the grapes and the unique terroir of Hemel-en-Aarde.

Newton Johnson Vineyards

Further up the valley, in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde, Newton Johnson has become the reference point for what the highest and coolest of the three subregions can do. The family arrived in 1995, when Dave Johnson, a Cape Wine Master who wrote his thesis on Pinot Noir, went looking for the right place in South Africa to grow it. He and his wife Felicity Newton built a cellar first, planted their first vines in 1997, and bought the virgin land that became the main estate in 2001. The name is simply the two family names put together.

Today it is a second-generation operation. Gordon Newton Johnson makes the wine alongside his wife Nadia, a sixth-generation winegrower from Robertson with an oenology degree from Stellenbosch, while his brother Bevan runs the commercial side. The approach is deliberately light-handed: hand picking, hand sorting, whole bunch pressing, spontaneous fermentation on native yeasts, very little new oak, no fining. They also went to considerable lengths at planting to source virus-free material, which is a large part of why the vineyards perform the way they do.

What sets Newton Johnson apart is how far they have pushed the idea of site. The estate’s porphyritic granite sits four to eight kilometers from the Atlantic, and the family has spent two decades separating out what each slope and aspect does, bottling single vineyards such as Seadragon and Windansea rather than blending the differences away. They were also the first producer in South Africa to plant Albariño, in 2013, a Galician grape that turned out to feel entirely at home in granite soil under sea mist.

Other important producers from the region are Restless River, Crystallum, Storm, Domaine des Dieux, and Creation (just to name a few).

Hemel-en-Aarde Subregions

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

This is the first appellation as you leave Hermanus and enter Hemel-en-Aarde. It is home to the first vineyards planted in the area (Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson). In Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, vineyards are found at lower elevations, ranging from approximately 330 to 660 feet above sea level. The valley benefits most from its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which brings cool maritime breezes, ensuring a slow and even ripening process. The predominantly clay-rich shale soils offer excellent drainage, promoting healthy vine growth. This subregion ripens first of the three and is known for its expressive Pinot Noir and vibrant Chardonnay, showcasing delicate fruit flavors, high acidity, and a richer mouthfeel.

Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

This is the second appellation encountered as you proceed northeast up the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. This is the largest of the three sub-regions. Vineyards are located at higher elevations, ranging from 660 to 1,310 feet above sea level. The slightly higher elevation provides cooler conditions, allowing for extended hang times and the development of complex flavors. The ridge showcases clay, sandstone, and decomposed granite. The cool Atlantic winds influence the region’s climate here, but less so than the Valley. The wines here are extremely complex where Pinot Noir shows red fruit notes and fine-grained tannins, while Chardonnay displays crisp acidity and rich, tropical fruit flavors.

Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

This is the smallest sub-region of the three. At the highest elevations within the Hemel-en-Aarde appellation lies the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Vineyards in this area are found between approximately 1,310 and 1,640 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views and the latest ripening of the entire region. The soil composition varies, featuring a mix of decomposed granite, clay, and shale. Pinot Noir from this subregion showcases remarkable concentration, layers of red fruit, and a refined earthy character. Chardonnay expresses bright citrus flavors, lively acidity, and a distinctive mineral edge. This subregion offers, in general, the longest aging potential. Newton Johnson and Restless River are among the best known estates working here.