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Unwinding under Pinot skies Writer Hedda Mittner
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t was a wonderful way to kick off the new year and the 2020 harvest! That is how Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager, Frieda Lloyd, summed up the seventh Hemelen-Aarde Pinot Noir Celebration, entitled ‘Under Pinot Skies’ which was presented by the Hemel-en-Aarde Winegrowers’ Association this weekend. The event was, by all accounts, a roaring success.
“The format of the event was a little different this year, showcasing not only our iconic Pinot Noir wines, but also the wider spectrum of culinary delights that are grown and produced in our region, such as olive oil, artisanal bread and craft beer. It also provided an opportunity for our local chefs to demonstrate their culinary skills and talents. In that sense, the Pinot Noir Celebration was perfectly in line with the Overstrand’s Unesco designation as a Creative City of Gastronomy,” said Frieda.
Creation, Kevin Grant of Ataraxia, Megan Parnell of Domaine des Dieux and Christo Kotze of La Vierge. At each venue, the guests were taken on a journey from soil to glass by the passionate and inspired winemakers, viticulturists and guest speakers, ending with a tutored tasting of the appellation’s most current vintage Pinot Noir. The harvest tables that were laid out for lunch provided a feast of local produce to sustain guests on their extended wine-tasting adventure. The atmosphere was re1 laxed and informal as guests enthusiastically shared their mutual love of Pinot Noir in picturesque surroundings.
The two-day event culminated in the ‘Taste of Hemel-en-Aarde’ dinner at Nidderdale on Saturday evening 25 January, where guests were welcomed by a magical enclave of oak trees festooned with fairy lights, open fires, food stations, wine bars and live music. Along with guest chef, Jason Lilley from Jason’s Bakery, several local chefs cooked up a delicious array of dishes, including Rickey PHOTO: Karen Winter Broekhoven from Newton Johnson, Petri Photography Hendriksz from Char’d and Pear Tree, and the culinary team from Creation. The evening’s enterKicking off on Friday 24 January, guests from all tainment also included an exclusive Hemel-en-Aarde charity over South Africa and overseas, including the UK, Canada, auction with one-of-a-kind lots of rare wines. Germany and Italy, were welcomed to Nidderdale Farm with bubbly and oysters, followed by a presentation of Hemel“The Hemel-en-Aarde Winegrowers’ Association did a en-Aarde Pinot Noir wines, including older vintages and fabulous job of hosting a home-grown event that is spotselections from private cellars. on when it comes to the global tourism trend of offering visitors an authentic, personal and interactive experience,” The wine safari on Saturday saw guests divided into three said Frieda. “It goes to show that we are not only known as a groups for an exciting excursion up the valley to explore whale-watching destination and that there is so much more and celebrate our iconic Pinot Noir, and the proprietors to enjoy in the region.” and winemakers behind them. After meeting for a quick breakfast at Whalehaven, the groups were bussed to each of the three Hemel-en-Aarde wine appellations for 2 staggered sessions that were hosted at La Vierge, Restless River and Creation. Each of these venues hosted a group of guests at 10:00, at 12:30 (including lunch) and at 15:00. At La Vierge, they were welcomed by Anthony Hamilton Russell of Hamilton Russell Vineyards and Peter Finlayson of Bouchard Finlayson, representing the Hemelen-Aarde Valley appellation; at Restless River their hosts were winemakers Natasha Williams of Bosman Hermanus, Walter Pretorius of Sumaridge, Gordon Newton Johnson of Newton Johnson Wines, and Craig Wessels of Restless River, representing the Upper Hemel-enAarde Valley; and at Creation they were introduced to the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge appellation by JC Martin of
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PHOTO: Taylum Meyer
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PHOTO: Karen Winter Photography
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PHOTO: Karen Winter Photography
1. Guests enjoying a tutored tasting at Creation Wines. 2. Ria de Olim, Jackie and Deanna Rodokanakis from Joburg. 3. The two-day Pinot Noir Festival culminated in a 'Taste of Hemelen-Aarde' dinner at Nidderdale Farm on Saturday evening. 4. Peter Finlayson and Anthony Hamilton Russell with wine aficionado Roland Peens of Wine Cellar. 5. The harvest table at Restless River. 6. Di Rattle serving Old Harbour Beer on tap.
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