A weekend at Creation Wines

View of Creation Restaurant from the Voormanshuis Cottage at dawn.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of being invited to Creation Wines to experience their food and wine pairing and to stay at their Voormanshuis Cottage on the farm. Creation Wines is situated in the heart of the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge – a coastal wine region close to Hermanus with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Cape Floral Kingdom. They have just been ranked the top vineyard in South Africa in 2022’s World’s 50 Best Vineyards (and placed 38th in the world ranking) as well as receiving the Great Wine Capitals 2023 Wine Tourism Restaurant award and Arts and Culture award.

I’ve been meaning to visit the Hemel-en-Aarde valley for the longest time. Although I have built up a clear perception of the quality of the wines made in this region, I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the surrounds. Creation is nothing less than pristine – a destination suited to discerning visitors who value quality, innovation and authenticity.

Being known for their immersive food and wine pairing, I dove into that experience first. The team at Creation is headed by owners Carolyn and Jean Claude Martin. Their dedication to the land, their pursuit of excellence and their passionate ability to inspire their team are tangible.

Take a look at my pictures – it represents my first hand experience on the farm and I encourage you to do the same. Take the drive, experience the pairing, let the impeccable views and authentic hospitality wash over you. This team is a beacon of light in the South African wine and hospitality industry – a true inspiration to so many others of what can be achieved when pure dedication, superb terroir and a quest for excellence meet. Note: I didn’t take photos of every dish I encountered, the pairing menu is vast and you have to be present to enjoy it to the fullest! See the menu below for the full experience. Vegan options also available.

Left: View of the Voormanshuis Cottage from Creation Restaurant. Right: The lawn area at Creation Restaurantl
The restaurant interior – relaxed and representative of the blue ocean and green Cape Floral Kingdom.

 

Left: Seared Hake, Peas, Cape Gooseberry, Popcorn with Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Right: Abalone Sushi, Gochujang, Sesame Seeds, Sorrel with Creation Viognier Roussanne.
Left: Belnori Goat’s Milk Cheese, Butternut and Beetroot with Creation Pinot Noir. Right: Springbok Tartare, Truffle with Creation Reserve Chardonnay.
The striking exterior of the Voormanshuis Cottage at Creation.
The interior of the Voormanshuis studio cottage – an achitectural marvel from the outside, filled with the most beautiful art pieces, larger than life views through the windows, an indoor fireplace, and everything you could need for a comfortable self catering stay.
The deck area at Voormanshuis Cottage, where I enjoyed a charcuterie and cheese platter for dinner with the most exquisite views.
A misty morning greeted me after a night’s rest. The Voormanshuis Cottage is perched on a hill amongst the pristine vineyards and indigenous fynbos.
Left: Poached egg on a croissant for my breakfast companion (a member of Creation’s marketing team). Right: My choice of a freshly baked croissant for breakfast with mature cheese, preserved and butter. Totally delicious!
After a short drive and some leisure time on the farm, I settled back in at the restaurant for some chicken liver paté from their A la Carte Menu (highly recommended!). On the right is the view of the farm dam.
On my last morning, I woke up to clear skies and took a few photos of the award-winning vineyards right next to the cottage. Also, take a look at the iconic steel sculpture called “Stairway to Heaven”, right next to the cottage deck. It looks 3D, but it is cleverly designed and mostly 2D.

Creation is a world class wine, art and hospitality destination and a must-visit on your next trip to the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. I really appreciated their attention to detail, as well as the passion and care that they applied in putting together their food and wine pairing menu – complete with sensory elements like a sea shell to cup against your ear. The wines are fully representative of the exquisite terroir of the Hemel-en-Aarde ridge – do take the time to taste the full range when you’re there. Check out their website for more info on their restaurant offerings, wines and accommodation.

Contact Creation here. Shop Creation Wines here.

Thank you very much to Carolyn Martin, Michael Farr and the team from Creation for your generous hospitality and for an unforgettable visit.

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