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Hemel en Aarde Valley wine route

The cool maritime climate and the right soil composition combine to make the Hemel-en-Aarde valley the ideal location for the fussy Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay vines. In this picturesque valley wine lovers can treat themselves to a unique wine tour among the southernmost vineyards in Africa. Bouchard Finlayson has taken quality wine making into a new era. Just a stones throw from the sea with frost free, soft, beneficial weather and the most rugged vineyard soils, Peter Finlayson makes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines of great complexity and finesse. The estate is situated in the Hemel en Aarde valley 6km from the intersection of the R43 and R320 roads. Open for tastings and sales from 10h00 to 17h00 during the week and from 09h30 to 12h30 on Saturdays. Closed Sundays and Public holidays. The tasting room at Hamilton Russell Vineyards,the oldest winery in the valley, is open to the public daily. just follow the signs to the cellar. Whalehaven Wines is situated only 150 metres from the intersection of the R43 and the R320 on the Caledon road. Visit this impressive winery and view the ocean, the mountains, the maturation and the production cellar while sampling the wines. Winemaker Storm Kreusch has produced six wines comprising the Whalehaven range - Sauvignon Blanc; a fruity Beaujolais style blend aptly named Baleine Noir; Chardonnay; Pinot Noir; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Visit Whalehaven for tasting and sales from 09:30 to 17:00 weekdays and between 10:30 and 13:00 on public holidays. Cape Bay wines is also situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. It is open for tasting Mon - Fri 09:00-16:30 and Sat 09:00-12:30. Sumaridge, the Hemel en Aarde Valley's newest winery produces a range of premium quality wines exclusively from the farm's own vineyards. Visit the tasting room on weekdays from 9 to 5, and enjoy spectacular views in a truly beautiful setting. The tasting room of Bartho Eksteen, producer of some outstanding quality wines, is in the center of Hermanus. Open daily during business hours for tasting. All the wines from the valley are available at the Wine Village. The Wine Village has the most comprehensive collection of internationally acclaimed white and red South African wines in the largest wine shop in South Africa. The elegant displays boast wines from more than 310 estates and cellars. A selection of wine is opened daily for tasting Beaumont Wines - Unique handcrafted wines in historic wine cellar. 25km from Hermanus, follow R43 to Bot River, take the N2 into Bot River. The farm is on the right opposite the hotel.