A Celebration of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

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Saturday, 25 January 2025

Nidderdale Farm & Bientang’s Cave, Hermanus

R3695 (all-inclusive)

A Celebration of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay in the Heart of Hemel-en-Aarde

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.

09:00AM

25 January 2025

10:00 AM - 12:45 PM

Arrival

📍Nidderdale Farm

The day begins with a warm welcome at Nidderdale Farm. Here, guests will be introduced to the day’s festivities, which will take them on a journey through the vineyards, the wines, and the stories of the Hemel-en-Aarde area.

This year’s expanded event celebrates both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, allowing you to experience the diversity and excellence of our world-class appellations.

1:00PM - 2:45PM

3:00PM - 5:45PM

6:o0PM - 7:30PM

7:30PM

Vinous Voyages & Deep Dives

📍Nidderdale Farm

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.

Morning Deep Dive Masterclasses

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

📍Nidderdale Farm

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.

Afternoon Vinous Voyages & Deep Dives

📍Nidderdale Farm

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Break

Take a short break to freshen up and relax before the evening festivities.

Ocean-Side After Party

📍Bientang’s Cave

The celebration continues at Bientang’s Cave, where you’ll enjoy 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.

The sound of the waves and the stunning setting will make this ocean-side party the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

Deep Dives 

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. However, to truly showcase the potential of these noble varieties, we’ve designed six unique, educational, and entertaining masterclasses running concurrently with the main event at a smaller venue, just a short walk from the main tent. These Deep Dives will give you a deeper understanding of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the Hemel-en-Aarde area.

Each guest can select 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 understanding of what makes Hemel-en-Aarde so unique.

Masterclass 1

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.

Masterclass 4

Golden Years: Chardonnay Through the Ages

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 2

The Hemel-en-Aarde Trio: Exploring Terroir through Pinot Noir

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.

Masterclass 5

Cork Uncorked: The Fine Wine Essential

In partnership with Amorim, this educational masterclass explores cork’s essential role in preserving and enhancing fine wines. We’ll delve into the sustainability benefits of cork, its role in reducing the wine industry’s carbon footprint, and the science behind why cork is chosen for the finest wines. This masterclass is a deep dive into the nuances of cork as a closure and preservation system.

Key Points:

  • Learn the sustainability benefits of cork and its impact on carbon footprint.

  • Explore the different types of cork used for wine preservation.

  • Understand how cork enhances the quality and longevity of fine wine.

Mastercall 3

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.

Mastercall 6

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.

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 at [insert ticketing website]. Spaces are limited!

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