The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is spectacularly beautiful
The name says it all and it was once said that “so high are the hills, which closely embrace the valley all around, that they seem to touch the sky and you cannot see anything but Heaven and Earth”.
Hermanus has many wine shops and tasting rooms where visitors can try the wines from the valley and further afield. Most restaurants also stock most of the valley’s wines, but head up the R320 and explore the vineyards for yourself.
The valley is on the fringe of Hermanus, enfolded by the Babylonstoring and Raed-na-Gael mountains and unites three wine wards. It has a reputation for exceptional quality, small production and cool-climate wines and is well known for Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay varietals. The road running through the Hemel-en-Aarde valley is also an alternative route to Caledon, linking Hermanus and the surrounding areas to this town.
It is also famous for its uninterrupted views of the valley from any one of the superb restaurants, deli’s or stalls, all of which give you the choice of world-class wines and meals. You can also enjoy a more thrilling experience by taking a tour of the valley via horseback at Cloud’s End, or you can choose to enjoy an adrenaline-pumped afternoon of paintball wars, quad bike or zip-line tours at Hermanus Forest Adventures. There are also hiking and mountain biking trails on offer from other adventure businesses.
The valley is, therefore, an escape from the norm of city life and should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Wine farms of the valley:
1.Hermanuspietersfontein, 2.Whale Haven, 3.Southern right, 4.Hamilton Russel, 5.Ashbourne, 6.Bourchard Findlayson, 7.La Vierge, 8.Sumaridge, 9.Newton Johnson, 10.Spookfontein, 11.Ataraxia, 12.Mount Babylon, 13.Creation, 14.Domain Des Dieux, 15.Jokob’s Vineyard, 16.Seven Spring Vineyards, 17.Restless River Estate Wines