Best wineries to visit in Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus

Hemel-en-Aarde is slightly further from Stellenbosch or Franschhoek from Cape Town but well worth the visit especially if you like Pinot Noir and Chardonnays. Here’s the list of producers and wineries worth visiting in Hemel-en-Aarde:

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Historical estate and winery that basically pioneered the wine industry in the area. Adorable tasting cottage area where you can taste their Burgundy inspired Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs. They only make 1 bottling of each (vs. multiple vineyard bottling), wines have a good balance of fruit, dark, and spicy elements.

Bouchard Finlayson

Another historical winery where Peter Bouchard from Burgundy partnered with Peter Finlayson. Their wines reflect old world style in a new world soil and it was a treat to taste through their Chardonnays and Pinots. Overall felt like their wines were the most similar to Burgundy style wines.

Ataraxia Wines

Such a cute spot on top of the hill, in an old white chapel. Super fun “black” Chardonnays and different Chardonnays and Pinots made from whole cluster and de-stemmed methods.

Storm Wines

I didn’t get to actually visit but had a couple different bottles of their wines at restaurants and enjoyed them! Would have loved to visit to taste their full lineup

Creation Wines

Casual spot where you can have breakfast or lunch along with wine tasting. You can actually pick a taster pour for any wines on their list so it’s all personalized for your taste. Nice view of the vineyards!

Hermanus, which is the main town near Hemel-en-Aarde wine region was the most adorable town to stay in. Highly recommend the trip from Cape Town! Read more about wine country trip from Cape Town here or see my Instagram highlights here.

Best wineries to visit in Franschhoek

Franschhoek is a lovely “French Corner” in the Cape Winelands with ~50 different wineries. Here are some of the best and recommended wineries depending on what you are looking for.

Unique wine experience

  • Grande Provence: wine Blending experience

  • Wine tram: Not exactly a single winery but you can hop on and off at several wineries in the area

Great Wines

  • Lynx: Refreshing whites and rosés

  • Anthonij Rupert: Good Bordeaux blends and sparkling

  • Leeu Estates: Good Bordeaux blend

Wineries for lunch

  • Grande Provence: Oyster station!

  • La motte: Lovely patio and food

  • Haute Cabrière: Personally haven’t been but was told to have great views and food

Most Instagramable Wineries

  • La motte: As the name suggests, lovely ground that feels like part of a castle.

  • Le Lude: White interior of the dining room is unique and fun

  • Leeu Estates: The ground with artwork, interior, and the view is amazing

See more wineries and wine travel tips @fine.vining

Wine travel guide to Cape Town, South Africa - Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Hermanus

I recently traveled to a beautiful wine region near South Africa, Cape Town. Often referred as Cape Winelands, there are several wine regions within 1-2 hours drive from Cape Town. This was my second visit to the area and while Franscchoek and Stellenbosch are the most well-known area, my favorite part of the trip was Hermanus. I recommend spending at least 2-3 nights in each town to visit wineries in the area, relax at the pool with vineyard views, and check out a few different restaurants.

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are only ~30minutes away by car so you can technically pick one and do day trips. We opted to stay in both for change in scenery: staying walking distance to the main street in Franschhoek while doing a more resort style vineyard stay in Stellenbosch. Here are quick notes about each region:

Franschhoek

Franschhoek means “French corner” and it is such a cute wine town. You can even see lavender fields while driving around! You can typically find various red blends, whites like Chenin Blancs, and traditional method sparkling wines here.

  • Try the famous wine tram that stops by a number of wineries in the area.

  • Try more remote wineries that are not on the wine tram route. They tend to be more quite and small vs. large wineries on the tram route. Ubers are readily available in the area.

  • Walk around the cute main town. The main street and town is very walkable and you can find cute restaurants, shops, and wine bars.


Stellenbosch

Certain areas in Stellenbosch is high in elevation with visible mountain ranges around the town. You can find similar wine varietals as Franschhoek. If Franschhoek is like a little French town, you can feel more Dutch influence in this town.

  • Stay at a vineyard hotel. We had beautiful view of the mountain and vineyards with infinity pool.

  • Lots of wineries in the area have amazing view due to the mountain range!

  • It’s a college town and there are more restaurant options in the main town compared to Franschhoek.


Hermanus (Hemel-en-Aarde)

Hermanus is a coastal town and considered a cooler region, producing varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnays.

  • Take a day trip to Hemel-an-Aarde, wine region famous for Pinots and Chardonnays.

  • Go whale watching. During the season (early JUNE to end of NOVEMBER), Hermanus is considered the best place to watch whales from the land!

  • Hermanus town is artsy and super cute. I loved taking morning walks around the town exploring small alleys.

  • Enjoy amazing seafood at any of the restaurants with a view. Most of the town is surrounded by the coast and there are many restaurants with a direct view of the ocean!

Follow @fine.vining on Instagram and stay tuned for more detailed guide on where to eat, drink, and stay!