Creation: Hand in hand with nature

Welcome to the place where every dawn brings an exciting new challenge and innovation is a way of life

A made-for-instagram meandering cruise along the R320, just outside of Hermanus, through the Hemel-en-Aarde valley takes you to the Creation vineyards, tasting room and restaurant. This 40 hectare farm is a picture-perfect, idyllic slice of wine heaven.

The farm has been owned by Jean-Claude and Carolyn Martin since 2002. Jean-Claude comes from Switzerland where his family owned a wine estate and Carolyn grew up in the Stellenbosch winelands surrounded by family firmly entrenched in the wine industry. They bought the farm on the advice of Carolyn’s uncle, Peter Finlayson – one of the pioneers of winemaking in this region. 20 years later Creation is widely regarded as one of the top wine farms in South Africa and was recently included in a very prestigious list of the top 50 wineries in the world.

LOCATION
Set in the stunning Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, the farm is 255 metres above sea-level and less than 9km from the Atlantic ocean, as the crow flies. The soils consist of clay and loam derived from decomposed Bokkeveld shale which allows them to grow their vines without irrigation. Creation is committed to protecting nature and the environment and follows sustainable farming methods. They were the first producer to plant virus-free vines in the area and they are a member of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative and have received EnviroWines accreditation which further confirms their dedication to conservation.

Creation is widely regarded as one of the top wine farms in South Africa

BEST CONDITIONS FOR BEST WINE
The vines of Creation Wines grow on the slopes of the Babylon Gate Mountain. The sunlit slopes, cool winds from the Atlantic and clay soils provide the best conditions for the grapes. Temperatures rarely exceed 30°C, so they don’t have to endure heat.
The cellar, which was built in 2007, features state-of-the-art technology such as pneumatic immersion systems for the must, stainless steel tanks and temperature controls. The estate’s red wines are aged exclusively in French barriques.

A TEAM DRIVEN BY PASSION
Carolyn Martin and Jean Claude Martin are the formidable co-owner and husband and wife team that have taken Creation to the lofty heights of the wine world. In 2018 they appointed talented winemaker, Gerhard Smith, to their team. Carolyn jokes that she is often asked if everyone who works at Creation is related to them because of their complete and total dedication to the same level of excellence and innovation that she and Jean-Claude have embraced from the start of their journey. She chuckles at the suggestion and then explains that it does really feel like they are all one big family, pursuing a common goal together!