Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Celebration

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

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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.

Visit our event webpage for detailed information.

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 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:

• 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 offers a relaxing break from the tastings and will be perfectly paired with a selection of Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Adding to the exclusivity, the Reciprocal team will pour select Burgundy wines, showcasing how these noble varieties express themselves in the renowned French region. Guests will savour this exceptional pairing in Riedel glasses, enhancing every nuance of the wines.

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.

• 15:00-16:15 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.
• 16:30-17:45 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.

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, big bottles to cap off the day in style. Adding to the excitement, Great Domaines will be showcasing an exceptional selection of Burgundy wines, offering a unique opportunity to taste some fine examples of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that they import from this iconic region. 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.

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.

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