Creation Wines in Hermanus: Africa’s Best Vineyard & Wine Tasting Experience

TheeHungryChef
May 23
7 min read

Updated: Jun 2

When people talk about South Africa’s top culinary and wine experiences, Cape Town often takes centre stage. But tucked away in the breathtaking Hemel-en-Aarde Valley of Hermanus lies a place that redefines what it means to sip, savour, and truly experience food and wine. I’m talking about none other than Africa’s number one Best Vineyard and one of the world’s top wine tasting destinations - Creation Wines. A breathtaking vineyard, officially ranked number three in the world by the World’s Best Vineyards Awards in 2024. After spending a glorious amount of time at this beautiful vineyard, I can tell you: the titles are well-deserved. This isn’t just a winery. Creation is a celebration of excellence, sustainability, nature, and next-level culinary creativity and I’ll tell you why.

A Taste of Heaven in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

From the moment you turn into the long, winding road leading up to the estate, you start to feel a sense of real tranquility. The noise of the world melts away, replaced by panoramic views of rolling vineyards, fynbos-covered hills, and distant mountain peaks. The Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, which fittingly means 'Heaven and Earth,' provides the perfect backdrop for this remarkable wine estate. The experience at Creation is as remarkable as the valley’s name suggests.

At Creation Wines, you don’t just visit. You arrive, you breathe, you savour, and you stay awhile. This is not the kind of place you rush through. Creation invites you to take your time because every detail, from the plating to the pour, deserves your full attention.

A Culinary Journey Like No Other

Let’s talk food, because as a chef on a culinary journey to showcase the finest food offerings, you know that’s was my main reason for visiting. Creation Wines offers a seasonally inspired A La Carte menu as well as a five-course pairing menu, which honestly, is a masterpiece. Each dish is beautifully curated with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that not only complement the wine but stand proudly on their own. This is fine dining with soul, and with sustainability at the core. What I love most? The culinary team is fearless. They’re not afraid to play with textures, flavours, and presentation. But it’s never over-the-top or pretentious – just thoughtful, balanced, and incredibly delicious is simply the way to describe it.

I experienced their Autumn pairing menu, and it felt like a love letter to the season. It was warm, earthy, comforting, and elevated. Think: King Oyster Mushroom, red onion, dairy-free hard cheese, radish with capers and shiitake carpaccio, all coming together in the most beautiful way, described as ocean’s gift. What about a delicious trout with fennel, chive celeriac, with bursts of caviar that sing praises to your palate? Imagine melt-in-your-mouth beef cheeks on radicchio, paired with a velvety polenta and pumpkin seed pesto toppings. Then a sweet temptation dessert that dances between sweet and sour, served on a beautifully decorated plate that displays culinary elegance. Every bite told a story. Every sip echoed it. And yes, I savored it all slowly, because that’s how it’s meant to be enjoyed.

Creative Wines That Speak for Themselves

Creation isn’t just known for food – their wines are stars in their own right. Their cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are celebrated globally, and I could taste why. I admit, it was really hard to pick a favorite as every wine I tasted offered something special, making it nearly impossible to choose a standout due to the fact that they were all equally delightful. Each wine reflects its terroir - complex, elegant, and perfectly expressive of the valley it comes from. I did a guided tasting, and the staff didn’t just pour and go. They took time to walk me through the notes, the pairings, the process, all with infectious passion and deep knowledge. From bold reds to crisp whites and playful rosés, every bottle is an experience. Even their non-alcoholic offerings are thoughtfully crafted with perfection for those who want to sip without the buzz.

Sustainability Meets Sophistication

One of the things that sets Creation apart is their commitment to healthy living and sustainability. This isn’t a buzzword here, it’s a lifestyle. From water conservation and eco-conscious farming to sourcing ingredients ethically and seasonally, Creation is serious about protecting the land they love. There’s a harmony between nature, people, and purpose. And you can feel it in every plate and pour. It’s not just the food and wine that leave an impression, it’s the people. Every single person I interacted with at Creation was warm, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable. From the host to the sommelier, you’re not just treated like a guest, you’re treated like family. They genuinely want you to enjoy yourself. Ask questions, take pictures, breathe in the moment. It’s an energy that is running thin in the present day food scene – unpretentious and rooted in genuine hospitality.

What Sets Creation Wines Apart from Other Wine Estates

In a region filled with beautiful vineyards and award-winning estates, Creation Wines still manages to stand out and not just because of its accolades. Sure, being crowned the Number 1 Best Vineyard in Africa and number 3 in the world is no small feat, but the real magic of Creation lies deeper than the titles. It’s in the way they approach wine, food, people, and the planet, with intention, innovation, and heart. Here’s a summary of what truly sets Creation Wines apart from the rest:

A Deep Commitment to Sustainability – Unlike many estates where sustainability is a buzzword, at Creation it’s woven into every layer of the experience. From regenerative farming practices and water-wise viticulture to supporting local producers and reducing their carbon footprint, Creation is actively protecting the environment they call home. They don’t just grow wine, they nurture the land for generations to come.
World-Class Wine with a Cool-Climate Edge – The Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge offers one of the most unique terroirs in the world, and Creation makes the most of it. Their cool-climate wines (especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) have earned international acclaim for their complexity, finesse, and purity. The wine isn’t just made – it’s crafted to express the story of the land.
Culinary Innovation That Matches the Wine - Creation doesn’t just pair wine with food, they create an experience where both are equal stars. Their seasonal, locally inspired menus change every few months, always celebrating what's fresh, local, and in season. The result? A menu that’s alive, creative, and designed to enhance the tasting journey – not overshadow it.
A Space for Slowness, Wellness, and Stillness - Where other wine farms focus on grandeur and spectacle, Creation offers something even more valuable: tranquility. With panoramic views, quiet luxury, and a naturally calming energy, it’s a space that encourages you to slow down, breathe deep, and savour. Whether you’re sipping wine or reflecting by the vineyard, there’s a peacefulness here that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Unmatched Hospitality and Personal Connection - At Creation, you’re not just another guest, you’re welcomed like a friend. The team is knowledgeable without being snobby, warm without being overbearing. They go out of their way to ensure every visitor feels seen, understood, and celebrated. It’s hospitality that feels human – which is something that’s becoming rare in today’s world.
Wellness Beyond the Glass: "The Perfume of Wine" Collection - One of the most unexpected yet beautiful offerings at Creation Wines is their exclusive lifestyle range: With the Perfume of Wine. Rooted in their passion for wellness and the natural essence of their surroundings, this collection features waterless hand wash, nourishing hand cream, and elegant room mist, each infused with the aromatic notes inspired by their wines. It’s a subtle, sensory extension of the Creation experience, designed to bring the vineyard’s purity and personality into your everyday rituals. This thoughtful range reflects their deeper philosophy: that wellness isn’t just about what you taste, it’s also about how you live, breathe, and care for yourself and the planet.

Useful Info to Help You Plan Your Visit to the Best Vineyard in Hermanus:

Location: Creation Wines, Hemel & Aarde Rd R320, Hermanus, 7200, Western Cape
When to Go: Year-round – the menu changes every season!
Time Required: At least 2 to 3 hours (trust me, you’ll want to stay longer)
Dress Code: Smart-casual works best. Bring a light jacket if you’re going in the cooler months as the valley breeze can surprise you.
Must-Try: The seasonal four-course wine pairing experience
Dietary Needs? They cater to most dietary preferences – just give them a heads-up when you book.
Reservations : Book your table here

After dining and spending quality time at the estate to truly immerse myself in what this magnificent vineyard represents, I can tell you this: Creation Wines is more than just a wine estate. It's a living, breathing experience built on values, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I had a full-body, heart-filling, soul-satisfying experience. A place where food and wine meet art, nature and hospitality walk hand in hand. You get welcoming people who transport you on a remarkable culinary journey, with every detail handled with care.

Let’s be real, holding the title of Africa’s Best Vineyard for multiple years isn’t just for show. Creation Wines lives up to the title, and then exceeds it. If you’re planning a trip to the Western Cape for stillness and indulgence, or even if you’re a local looking for a fresh food and wine escape, Creation Wines is your non-negotiable destination. The vineyard delivers, and then some.

Click here to browse and shop Creation Wines.

Still haven’t been to the number one vineyard in Africa? This is your sign to go. Book the table. Make the trip. Let yourself be enchanted by the valley where heaven kisses earth - and when you do, be sure to share your experience as I’d love to hear all about it.

Find and Connect with Me on:

using my handle @theehungrychef across social media platforms. Come along for more food finds, hidden gems, and culinary adventures across the Western Cape and beyond.

Disclaimer:

Theehungrychef has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, I do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Time of publication: 23 May 2025