Pinot Noir Celebrations - Hermanus
Celebration of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay in the Heart of Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus, South Africa -
Powered by Yoco
Date: Saturday, 25 January 2025 - Venues: Nidderdale Farm(day time) & Bientang’s Cave, Hermanus(evening)
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 - Event Itinerary
9:00 AM | 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.
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.
10:00 AM - 12:45 PM | Morning Vinous Voyages & Deep Dives
Explore, Taste, and LearnKick 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:
1:00 PM | 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.
3:00 PM - 5:45 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.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Break
Take a short break to freshen up and relax before the evening festivities.
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, but there's nothing a few strong winemakers can't do!
Tickets
Your all-inclusive ticket for R3995 covers all tastings, Deep Dives, lunch, and the evening after-party. Light snacks will be provided throughout the day. Please note: Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the venues.
Participating Wineries:
Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Bouchard Finlayson, Cap Maritime, Hasher Family Wines, Bosman Wines, Newton Johnson Vineyards, Storm Wines, Restless River, Spookfontein, Whalehaven, Ataraxia, Creation, Tesselaarsdal and La Vierge.
Powered by Yoco
Date: Saturday, 25 January 2025 - Venues: Nidderdale Farm(day time) & Bientang’s Cave, Hermanus(evening)
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 - Event Itinerary
9:00 AM | 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.
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.
10:00 AM - 12:45 PM | Morning Vinous Voyages & Deep Dives
Explore, Taste, and LearnKick 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:
- 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.
1:00 PM | 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.
3:00 PM - 5:45 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.
- 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.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Break
Take a short break to freshen up and relax before the evening festivities.
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, but there's nothing a few strong winemakers can't do!
Tickets
Your all-inclusive ticket for R3995 covers all tastings, Deep Dives, lunch, and the evening after-party. Light snacks will be provided throughout the day. Please note: Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the venues.
Participating Wineries:
Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Bouchard Finlayson, Cap Maritime, Hasher Family Wines, Bosman Wines, Newton Johnson Vineyards, Storm Wines, Restless River, Spookfontein, Whalehaven, Ataraxia, Creation, Tesselaarsdal and La Vierge.
EVENT ITINERARY - 28th Jan, 2023
Registration will take place at the newly established Hasher Family Estate in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley from where the celebration will commence.
The day will start with a beautifully curated Long Table Brunch amongst the vineyards with their ripening grapes, complemented by Hemel-en-Aarde Cap Classique and Methode Ancestral.
From your brunch table you will be swept off to our three Hemel-en-Aarde appellations for a personalised tutored tasting of the 2021 Pinot Noir vintage. All guests will be divided into 3 smaller groups to enjoy a leisurely and intimate day with our winemakers, owners and winery representatives. Each appellation’s visit will conclude with a brief recess and the serving of a Small Plate, designed to complement the flavours associated with the appellation’s Pinot Noir.
After your third and final appellation tasting you will be transferred back to Hasher. You will have the option of either relaxing on the dam’s edge with a game of boules and a crisp Old Harbour beer, or take a short breather to go home and freshen up before our dinner finale.
We will welcome you to dinner with the pouring of our current vintage of Chardonnay accompanied by fresh West Coast oysters and tantalising appetizers.
The main feast will be old world inspired, but with a unique and modern twist to mirror the wine that will be served. We will use this unique opportunity to showcase a selection of our unobtainable older vintages and unique bottles of foreign and local expressions worthy of sharing amongst Pinot Noir lovers. For this feast we encourage you to bring your own beloved bottle of Pinot Noir worthy of celebrating the Prince of Reds.
A true celebration awaits - only 85 tickets are available and with previous track records we urge you to not wait to book your spot.
9:00 Arrive at Hasher Family Estate for registration
9:30-11:00 Champagne Brunch amongst the ripening vineyards
11:30-17:00 Appellation tutored tastings in the three appellations
17:00-17:30 Guests move back to Hasher
17:30-18:30 You are welcome to hang around at Hasher, play boules, lounge around the dam’s edge and listen to some music. Other guests may wish to leave to freshen up for the evening event.
18:30-22:30 Return to Hasher Family Estate | Dinner Feast Finale
Registration will take place at the newly established Hasher Family Estate in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley from where the celebration will commence.
The day will start with a beautifully curated Long Table Brunch amongst the vineyards with their ripening grapes, complemented by Hemel-en-Aarde Cap Classique and Methode Ancestral.
From your brunch table you will be swept off to our three Hemel-en-Aarde appellations for a personalised tutored tasting of the 2021 Pinot Noir vintage. All guests will be divided into 3 smaller groups to enjoy a leisurely and intimate day with our winemakers, owners and winery representatives. Each appellation’s visit will conclude with a brief recess and the serving of a Small Plate, designed to complement the flavours associated with the appellation’s Pinot Noir.
After your third and final appellation tasting you will be transferred back to Hasher. You will have the option of either relaxing on the dam’s edge with a game of boules and a crisp Old Harbour beer, or take a short breather to go home and freshen up before our dinner finale.
We will welcome you to dinner with the pouring of our current vintage of Chardonnay accompanied by fresh West Coast oysters and tantalising appetizers.
The main feast will be old world inspired, but with a unique and modern twist to mirror the wine that will be served. We will use this unique opportunity to showcase a selection of our unobtainable older vintages and unique bottles of foreign and local expressions worthy of sharing amongst Pinot Noir lovers. For this feast we encourage you to bring your own beloved bottle of Pinot Noir worthy of celebrating the Prince of Reds.
A true celebration awaits - only 85 tickets are available and with previous track records we urge you to not wait to book your spot.
9:00 Arrive at Hasher Family Estate for registration
9:30-11:00 Champagne Brunch amongst the ripening vineyards
11:30-17:00 Appellation tutored tastings in the three appellations
17:00-17:30 Guests move back to Hasher
17:30-18:30 You are welcome to hang around at Hasher, play boules, lounge around the dam’s edge and listen to some music. Other guests may wish to leave to freshen up for the evening event.
18:30-22:30 Return to Hasher Family Estate | Dinner Feast Finale
Previous years
Celebrations of Pinot Noir
Celebrations of Pinot Noir
EVENT ITINERARY 2020
FRIDAY, 24th JANUARY 2020
16:00 - 17:00 - Welcome to Pinot Paradise
Oysters, bubbly with registration at Nidderdale Farm
17:00 - 20:00 - Among Pinot Friends
Hemel-en-Aarde proprietors and winemakers welcome you for an exclusive evening of older Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir vintages, carefully selected International Pinot Noir and selections from private cellars.
SATURDAY, 25th JANUARY 20208:30 - 9:00 - Parking and Pastries
Guests arrive at central parking point from where transport is provided for the day’s excursions. Coffee and Jason’s Bakery pastries on arrival.
9:00 - 17:00 - The Great Pinot Appeal
Embark on a journey through the three Hemel-en-Aarde wards. Tour through the vineyards and taste the most recent Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir vintages in their respective wards.
13:30 - 14:30 - From Nature’s Pantry
A harvest table-style feast served at your second location of the day perfectly paired with crisp new vintage Chardonnays from Hemel-en-Aarde.
17:00 - 18:30 - Time Out
Freshen up for the grand finale.
18:30 - 19:30 - Many Pinots, One Love
Arrive to winemakers pouring their best. Ponder over a day of great tastes.
19:30 - Pick of the Pinots
Join us for an exclusive Hemel-en-Aarde charity auction with one-of-a-kind lots.
20:00 till late - A Taste of Hemel-en-Aarde
Acclaimed Chef Jason Lilley showcases some of the best Hemel-en-Aarde produce available. Guests are treated to four food stations, four Hemel-en-Aarde wine bars and amazing local live acts, amongst many other delights.
FRIDAY, 24th JANUARY 2020
16:00 - 17:00 - Welcome to Pinot Paradise
Oysters, bubbly with registration at Nidderdale Farm
17:00 - 20:00 - Among Pinot Friends
Hemel-en-Aarde proprietors and winemakers welcome you for an exclusive evening of older Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir vintages, carefully selected International Pinot Noir and selections from private cellars.
SATURDAY, 25th JANUARY 20208:30 - 9:00 - Parking and Pastries
Guests arrive at central parking point from where transport is provided for the day’s excursions. Coffee and Jason’s Bakery pastries on arrival.
9:00 - 17:00 - The Great Pinot Appeal
Embark on a journey through the three Hemel-en-Aarde wards. Tour through the vineyards and taste the most recent Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir vintages in their respective wards.
13:30 - 14:30 - From Nature’s Pantry
A harvest table-style feast served at your second location of the day perfectly paired with crisp new vintage Chardonnays from Hemel-en-Aarde.
17:00 - 18:30 - Time Out
Freshen up for the grand finale.
18:30 - 19:30 - Many Pinots, One Love
Arrive to winemakers pouring their best. Ponder over a day of great tastes.
19:30 - Pick of the Pinots
Join us for an exclusive Hemel-en-Aarde charity auction with one-of-a-kind lots.
20:00 till late - A Taste of Hemel-en-Aarde
Acclaimed Chef Jason Lilley showcases some of the best Hemel-en-Aarde produce available. Guests are treated to four food stations, four Hemel-en-Aarde wine bars and amazing local live acts, amongst many other delights.
Previous years
Celebrations of Pinot Noir
Celebrations of Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir Celebrations in Hermanus
3rd annual Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir Celebration was on -
Friday 29th & Saturday 30th, January 2016
The Friday’s tasting will again be the most comprehensive tasting of Pinot Noirs from the three appellations of the Hemel-en-Aarde area. This year Greg Sherwood MW will be facilitating proceedings.
A gala dinner will be prepared by three talented local chefs to complete the Friday's activities. A series of individual events will be held on the Saturday on the properties in the Hemel-en-Aarde area. The programme for the Saturday
3rd annual Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir Celebration was on -
Friday 29th & Saturday 30th, January 2016
The Friday’s tasting will again be the most comprehensive tasting of Pinot Noirs from the three appellations of the Hemel-en-Aarde area. This year Greg Sherwood MW will be facilitating proceedings.
A gala dinner will be prepared by three talented local chefs to complete the Friday's activities. A series of individual events will be held on the Saturday on the properties in the Hemel-en-Aarde area. The programme for the Saturday
For the 14th year in a row, we are honoured that the influential John Platter Wine book of South Africa, has listed us, as the ONLY Wine Tour Guides in Hermanus that John Platter recommends; check us out on page 669 of the new 2025 book - or by checking out John Platters website -
http://www.wineonaplatter.com/blog/page/1219
http://www.wineonaplatter.com/blog/page/1219
The Hermanus wine region is an easy 1 hour drive from Cape Town and is called Walker Bay (check out the Google Map below) and covers towns and areas from Elgin and Grabouw, thro' Botrivier to Hermanus and the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, onwards to Stanford and Elim - close to the southern tip of Africa - Cape Agulhas.
This region is highly influenced by the cooling Atlantic Ocean that sweeps up past Cape Town and brings with it a satisfying cool breeze that cools down the grapes that are grown here. So the predominant grape types (cultivars) that grow very well here are mainly French, German and northern Italian - such as - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah (Shiraz), Mourvedre, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage (a South African creation, by grafting 2 vine cultivars together - Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, also known as Hermitage). While there are some interesting little surprises too, like - Grenache, Semillion, Petit Verdot, Viognier, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Riesling and many other wines to tantilise your senses. Staying over-night in the pretty seaside town of Hermanus is advisable, as there are 100's of other Activities to see and do - Whale watching (June to Dec), Great White Shark cage diving and many chilled-out pursuits too............. |
|