A Celebration of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
For the past 10 years, this iconic celebration has been dedicated to showcasing Pinot Noir, a variety that flourishes in the unique terroir of Hemel-en-Aarde. This year, for the first time, we proudly expand the celebration to include Chardonnay, solidifying our position as South Africa’s premier wine-growing area for these two noble varieties. Join us for an extraordinary one-day event, offering a rare opportunity to experience the very best of Hemel-en-Aarde’s wines, its people, and its breathtaking natural beauty.
Saturday, 25 January 2025
Nidderdale Farm & Bientang’s Cave, Hermanus
Full day experience R3995 per person
25 January 2025 Itinerary
Arrival at Nidderdale Farm
The day begins with a warm welcome at Nidderdale Farm. Guests will enjoy light morning snacks and refreshments, setting the tone for the day’s festivities. You’ll be introduced to the Hemel-en-Aarde Passport, a guide to your Vinous Voyage through our three unique appellations, where you can track your tastings and experiences as you explore the area’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
9:00 AM
Morning Vinous Voyages & Deep Dives
Explore, Taste, and Learn
Kick off your Vinous Voyage with leisurely tastings from the finest producers in Hemel-en-Aarde. Discover the nuances of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay across our three distinct appellations, as you meet the winemakers and enjoy the relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Enhance your experience with Deep Dive Masterclasses, where you’ll attend up to two small-group sessions. Each masterclass is designed to showcase the exceptional terroir and craftsmanship behind Hemel-en-Aarde’s celebrated wines, offering unique themes that will tantalise every wine curiosity.
As you move through the day, take time to relax in our cozy seating pods and chill areas. Whether you’re looking to unwind, mingle, or just soak in the atmosphere, we’ve set the stage for you to enjoy it all. Fun activities and live entertainment will keep the energy flowing, ensuring that the celebration is as lively and engaging as it is elegant. This is your day to savour, and we’ve crafted every moment to make it unforgettable.
Morning Deep Dive Masterclasses:
10:00-10:45 Cool, Calm, and Chic: The Art of Cool Climate Chardonnay
Delve into the elegance of cool-climate Chardonnay and explore how the unique conditions of Hemel-en-Aarde shape this sophisticated variety.11:00-11:45 The Hemel-en-Aarde Trio: Exploring Terroir through Pinot Noir
An exploration of Pinot Noir from each of the three appellations, showcasing how terroir shapes the character and style of this celebrated variety.12:00-12:45 Riedel’s Glass Symphony: A Sensorial Wine Experience
A unique opportunity to experience how glass shape and design influence wine perception. This sensorial journey with Riedel will reveal why the right glass is essential for fully enjoying your wine.
10:00 AM - 12:45 PM
Afternoon Vinous Voyages & Deep Dives
After lunch, continue your Vinous Voyage or join one of the afternoon masterclasses. Each session provides an in-depth exploration of various aspects of winemaking and tasting, designed to appeal to both seasoned wine lovers and the curious enthusiast.
Afternoon Deep Dive Masterclasses:
15:00-15:45 Golden Years: Chardonnay Through the Ages
A journey through different vintages, showcasing the ageing potential and evolving character of Chardonnay from the Hemel-en-Aarde area.16:00-16:45 The Time Travellers: Ageing Gracefully with Pinot Noir
Discover the ageing potential of Pinot Noir, tasting through older vintages and learning how time influences the complexity and depth of these wines.17:00-17:45 Cork Uncorked: The Fine Wine Essential
An engaging session on the art and science of corks, their impact on wine, and why they remain an essential element in fine wine production.
Farm Harvest Lunch
Enjoy a wholesome farm-to-table lunch in a picturesque setting, celebrating the freshest local produce. This sit-down meal, perfectly paired with a selection of wines, offers a relaxing break from the tastings. For those who like to graze, light bites and nibbles will be available throughout the day, both before and after lunch.
1:00PM - 2:45PM
3:00PM - 5:45PM
Break
Take a short break to freshen up and relax before the evening festivities.
6:30 PM-7:30 PM
Ocean-Side After Party at Bientang’s Cave
The celebration continues at Bientang’s Cave with a relaxed seafood feast by the ocean. Guests are invited to bring a special bottle of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay to share with fellow wine lovers, while our producers will pour rare, large-format bottles to cap off the day in style. Enjoy live music and entertainment, and get ready to be part of the show – we’ll have a few surprises up our sleeves to ensure this is a night to remember.
PLEASE NOTE: Bientang’s Cave has no wheelchair access.
7:30 PM
Deep Dive Masterclasses celebrating Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the finest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from all the Hemel-en-Aarde producers, along with various activities. To truly showcase the potential of these noble varieties, we’ve designed five unique, educational, and engaging Deep Dive Masterclasses. These sessions will be led by experts and will run concurrently with the main event at a smaller venue, just a short walk from the main tent.
Each masterclass offers a deep exploration of either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, providing you with a richer understanding of these varieties and the Hemel-en-Aarde area.
Each guest can select up to two masterclasses to attend in smaller groups. When booking your main event ticket, you’ll be asked to reserve your preferred sessions. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to book early to secure your spot. Our goal is for you to leave the event inspired, more in love with these varieties, and with a deeper appreciation of what makes Hemel-en-Aarde so unique.
Masterclass 1
10:00-10:45: Cool, Calm, and Chic: The Art of Cool Climate Chardonnay
In this masterclass, we explore how the cool climate of Hemel-en-Aarde and other regions influence the elegance and longevity of Chardonnay. Through wines from different climate regions, we’ll showcase how temperature, wind, and terroir affect flavour profiles and wine quality.
Key Points
- Explore the cool climate’s impact on Chardonnay.
- Taste examples from Hemel-en-Aarde and other climate regions.
- Learn how climate shapes flavour complexity and structure.
A deep dive into the three distinct appellations of Hemel-en-Aarde—Valley, Upper Valley, and Ridge—through Pinot Noir. Guests will sample two wines from each appellation, gaining insight into how the specific soils and elevations of each site shape texture and flavour. A tactile experience with soil samples makes this a multi-sensory exploration of terroir.
Key Points
- Discover the unique terroirs of the Hemel-en-Aarde appellations.
- Taste two Pinot Noirs from each appellation.
- Explore how soil, elevation, and terroir influence flavour and texture.
11:00-11:45 The Hemel-en-Aarde Trio: Exploring Terroir through Pinot Noir
Masterclass 2
Masterclass 3
12:00-12:45 Riedel’s Glass Symphony: A Sensorial Wine Experience
A full sensorial experience, this masterclass highlights how Riedel’s expertly crafted stemware elevates the tasting experience. Guests will discover how the right stemware enhances aroma and flavour, while also exploring how the senses of smell, taste, and touch come together to shape a complete wine experience.
Key Points:
- Learn how Riedel’s stemware elevates the wine experience.
- Understand how stemware impacts aroma, taste, and texture.
- Experience how the senses influence your overall perception of wine.
15:00-15:45 Golden Years: Chardonnay Through the Ages
Masterclass 4
This masterclass focuses on the longevity of Chardonnay, highlighting different aged vintages and discussing the factors that allow this wine to develop complexity over time. Guests will taste the evolution of flavour, from fresh to aged, and uncover the secrets behind Chardonnay’s ability to age gracefully.
Key Points:
- Taste a selection of aged Chardonnays.
- Understand how Chardonnay develops depth and complexity over time.
- Learn what makes Chardonnay from Hemel-en-Aarde unique for ageing.
Masterclass 5
16:00-16:45 The Time Travellers: Ageing Gracefully with Pinot Noir
Journey through time with Pinot Noir, exploring its ageability through older vintages. Guests will taste how the structure and flavours of Pinot Noir evolve, while learning about the factors that allow this varietal to stand the test of time.
Key Points:
- Explore the ageability of Pinot Noir through older vintages.
- Discover what makes Pinot Noir suited for ageing.
- Hear stories from Hemel-en-Aarde’s vineyards and their unique history.
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
•
Bouchard Finlayson
•
Cap Maritime
•
Hasher Family Wines
•
Bosman Wines
•
Newton Johnson Vineyards
•
Storm Wines
•
Restless River
•
Spookfontein
•
Ataraxia
•
Tesselaarsdal
•
La Vierge
•
Creation
•
Whalehaven
•
Hamilton Russell Vineyards • Bouchard Finlayson • Cap Maritime • Hasher Family Wines • Bosman Wines • Newton Johnson Vineyards • Storm Wines • Restless River • Spookfontein • Ataraxia • Tesselaarsdal • La Vierge • Creation • Whalehaven •
Participating Wineries
Purchase your Tickets
Tickets
Your all-inclusive ticket for R3995 covers all tastings, Deep Dives, lunch, and the evening after-party. Please note: Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the venues.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Celebration!
After a decade of celebrating Pinot Noir, this year’s event brings Chardonnay into the spotlight alongside it. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the best of Hemel-en-Aarde in one spectacular day.
Booking & Information
Secure your ticket today. Spaces are limited!
Helping us pour the perfect experience.
We are proud to have partnered with Yoco, a leading fintech company in South Africa, to make this event truly unforgettable for our guests.
Adding Magical Touches to Our Event
