The newest wine route in the Cape is the Hermanus Wine Route, linking the 15 boutique wineries along the picturesque R320 in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. Hemel-en-Aarde, which means Heaven and Earth, is aptly named with the valley offering truly spectacular views, and the route is a must-do whether you’re a wine enthusiast or not.

The Wine Village on the R45 into Hermanus forms the gateway to the rest of the route. Within walking distance from the Wine Village are Whalehaven and Hermanuspietersfontein. Every Saturday morning there is a fresh produce market at Hermanuspietersfontein offering wine and food tastings and all sorts of goodies to take home.

Travelling along the Hemel-en-Aarde Road you will come across the vineyards of Southern Right, Hamilton Russell Vineyards and Bouchard Finlayson, followed by La Vierge, Sumaridge and Newton Johnson. Further along are Ataraxia, Creation, Mount Babylon, Domaine Des Dieux and Jakob’s Vineyards.

Some of the highlights of the route include biltong and cheese platters at Southern Right and good old fashioned food at Salt of the Earth farm stall. At La Vierge take in the stunning views while enjoying a glass of bubbly or stop for lunch at their restaurant Temptation. Sumaridge is run by Warwick Chef School and visitors are treated to a culinary experience, while at Newton Johnson Chef Bruce runs the Heaven kitchen.

Further along is the Ataraxia Wine Lounge with a variety of art on display and a majestic backdrop of the Babylon’s Toren Mountain. At Creation sublime food platters and wine pairings can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors alongside the fynbos garden.