Hemel-en-Aarde
Hemel-en-Aarde
Translating from Afrikaans as Heaven-and-Earth, Hemel-en-Aarde is a prestigious sub-region located in Walker Bay on the southern coast of South Africa. Its proximity to the coast provides the region with a pronounced maritime climate, with cool breezes tempering the warm summers. Located in a valley that extends eastward from the coast, vineyards stretch from the valley floor into the foothills of the Kleinrivier and Babylonstoren mountains. The altitude of the vineyards reaches 375 metres, and the climate creates cooler summers than those found further north in Stellenbosch, with slow ripening grapes developing concentrated flavour and lively natural acidity. The exposed northern vineyard slopes produce excellent wine made from Pinot Noir, while Chardonnay flourishes on the more shaded southern slopes of the valley. Soils are made up of sandstone and shale with some granite of the foothills, with an underlying clay base that has drawn comparisons with the Cote d'Or vineyards of Burgundy.