Discover the Magic of Creation Wine Farm

I’ll just say it straight up. I am absolutely in love with Creation. We spent an entire Friday at this beautiful wine farm recently and I’d like to show you why Creation has taken South Africa (and the world) by storm. For those who have never visited, here’s a glimpse into what makes Creation Wine Farm a must-visit.

Nestled in the heart of Hermanus’ Hemel-en-Aarde, Creation is more than just a winery as it also provides visitors with gourmet food pairings, vineyard tours, and nature walks. Additionally, Creation integrates fine art and creative cuisine, offering a comprehensive sensory adventure that captivates all your senses and makes this wine farm visit unique.

No matter where you’re coming from, the drive to Creation will completely blow you away as Hemel-en-Aarde is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Translating to “Heaven and Earth,” the area offers a cool climate and diverse soils ideal for viticulture, particularly for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Hemel-en-Aarde is a part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, known for its rich biodiversity. It also offers picturesque landscapes, hiking trails, and a variety of wine estates that attract visitors from around the world.

Creation was established in 2002 by Swiss winemaker, JC Martin, and his South African wife Carolyn, when they discovered fifty hectares of virgin soil in Hemel-en-Aarde and decided to build an estate from scratch.

The name ‘Creation’ pays homage to the exceptional wine-growing conditions of the farm and the pioneering spirit of establishing the first virus-free vineyards on the property. It also embodies their relentless commitment to innovation and renewal.

In the past two decades, Creation’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, earning numerous awards for Jean-Claude and Carolyn. Recently, Creation secured a spot in the Top 10 of the prestigious ‘World’s Best Vineyards’ list, as voted by 500 leading global wine experts. Ranking 10th, it was also the highest-ranked wine farm in all of Africa, showcasing just how exceptional this wine farm truly is!

That said, Creation Wine Farm isn’t about flashy opulence or ostentatious displays of luxury. Yes, it offers premium wine and dining, but what truly stands out is its down-to-earth, charming, and homely vibe! It’s all about personalised experiences, innovation, and a deep connection to heritage and the land, celebrating food, wine, art, and people. Add in the most friendly staff on the planet and Creation becomes a truly special place.

Creation has just one main building which doubles as a tasting room and dining space. If you happen to arrive on a sunny day without much wind, they open their outside grassy area which is magnificent, as you can sit at tables surrounded by vines, beautiful sculptures and mountains.

Inside, the decor exudes modern warmth with wood accents, exposed brick, and an inviting open fireplace. The mixture of table sizes creates an informal, intimate atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, enhancing the welcoming vibe.

It’s the thoughtful details that stand out: cellar tours, the use of recycled materials, serving wines in varietal-specific glasses, and replacing cutlery and glasses with each course or tasting. Their attention to detail is truly remarkable.

For me, one of the most impressive aspects of Creation are the staff. They are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They’re excellent at their jobs and they love working at Creation. When you have staff that are deeply engaged and passionate about their work, you feel that in every aspect of the experience.

We were lucky enough to enjoy our wine and food pairing with two of the best in the form of Louis and Stephan. These two gents educated and entertained us for nearly four hours. They were so incredibly patient with us as we documented the entire experience on camera and I can’t sing their praises highly enough.

Creation articulates the wine and food pairing perfectly on their website: “Our fine wine and food alchemy is a rare blend of art, science, our people, and a sense of place. We love to share this with you.”

Over the next four hours, we were treated to five different meal courses and six wine pairings. You have to understand, these menus take the team at Creation around two to three months to plan and they think deeply about which wine will go with each dish.

From the first course to the last, every mouthful was a taste sensation, harmoniously blending flavors and textures that tickled us pink. The wines elevated each dish, creating a symphony of tastes that transported us to a realm of culinary bliss. Creation’s dedication to perfection shone through, making this meal an unforgettable adventure in gastronomy.

My partner, Nicole, who is a vegetarian and a professional chef, opted for the plant-based version of the wine and food pairing. While many restaurants treat vegetarian or plant-based options as an afterthought, Creation put the same meticulous effort into each course. In the end, Nicole had nothing but the highest praise, noting how every course was crafted with care and attention to detail.

Creation produces several ranges: their signature Creation wines, Reserve wines, and the exquisite ‘Art Of’ wines. Although Creation specialises in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they also have all your other red and white varietal favourites. All wines are estate grown with the exception of their Chenin, which comes from a nearby farm with 26 year old vines.

While I am an avid wine drinker, I don’t claim to be an expert who can describe each wine’s “elegance and structure” in detail. What I can say is that every glass at Creation made me do a little happy dance, and it’s easy to see why they’ve won so many awards.

I have to give special mention to their “Reserve Chardonnay”. I almost NEVER order chardonnay but this one definitely won me over.

Some wine farms just have that special something, and Creation is one of them. It’s more than just a destination; it’s a truly remarkable South African experience where award-winning wines, breathtaking landscapes, and innovative cuisine come together.

The dedication of the Creation team is evident in every detail, from exceptional personal service and thoughtful touches to innovative food pairings and beautifully crafted wines. Whether you’re young or old, in a small group or large, Creation offers something for everyone.

This article serves as my love letter to Creation. I hope it entices you to visit and if you do, I hope you love the Creation experience as much as we did!