Hemel-en-Aarde
Heaven and Earth, where the Cape makes its finest Pinot beside the whale coast.
Hemel-en-Aarde: the home of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Its name means Heaven and Earth, and the Hemel-en-Aarde valley behind the seaside town of Hermanus makes South Africa's most convincing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Cooled by ocean air off the nearby Atlantic, it is a small, focused region of serious growers, and Hermanus is one of the best land-based whale-watching spots on the planet.
The wines
Cool-climate Pinot Noir, elegant and red-fruited, is the calling card, with taut, mineral Chardonnay alongside. The clay-rich soils and sea breeze give the wines a freshness uncommon in much of the warmer Cape.
Where to go
The valley runs inland from Hermanus in three tiers, each a little higher and cooler. The wineries are small and welcoming, and the town itself offers whale watching from the cliffs in season.
Eat
Fresh seafood from the coast and farm produce define the table. Pinot Noir with the local fish, or Chardonnay on a Hermanus terrace, are the easy pleasures.
Getting there
Fly into Cape Town, then drive about 90 minutes along the scenic coast. A car is essential, and the route pairs well with a wider Cape trip.
Know the wine before you go.
The app teaches you Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in five minutes, then helps you order it with confidence. Learn the grape, then come back and plan the trip.
Hemel-en-Aarde wine tours & tastings
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Hemel-en-Aarde, quick answers.
What wine is Hemel-en-Aarde known for?
Cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, widely regarded as among South Africa's best, grown near the coast behind Hermanus.
What does Hemel-en-Aarde mean?
It is Afrikaans for Heaven and Earth, the name of the valley behind Hermanus where the wineries sit.
Can I watch whales near Hemel-en-Aarde?
Yes. Hermanus, at the mouth of the valley, is one of the world's best spots for land-based whale watching, roughly June to November.
