It was in 2002, that Swiss-born winemaker Jean-Claude Martin and his South African wife, Carolyn discovered their little piece of paradise on the cool-climate, Hemel-en- Aarde Ridge of South Africa’s acclaimed Walker Bay. Here, in one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, virus-free vines climb the steep foothills of Babylonstoren Mountain, flourishing in ancient quartzite and clay-rich soils, cooled by breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Nature is the very inspiration and innovation that is Creation.

Their winemaking philosophy of 'expressing the beauty of nature' embraces sustainability to produce a distinctive portfolio of terroir-reflective and site-specific fine wines, notably from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. As WWF Champions and Carbon Heroes, it is their intention to secure their natural heritage for future generations. Their deep-rooted sense of social responsibility has seen talented young people from surrounding communities become highly skilled team members. Their wines receive world-wide acclaim, and Creation was named No. 1 in Africa and No. 3 globally at the 2024 World's Best Vineyards Awards.

Hemel-en-Aarde, meaning “Heaven and Earth” in Afrikaans, is a cool-climate wine region situated just inland from the Atlantic Ocean near Hermanus on South Africa’s south coast. Strong maritime influence from the nearby Walker Bay moderates temperatures, bringing cool breezes and morning mists that extend the growing season and help retain acidity. Summers are generally mild, though occasional heat spikes and high winds can present challenges, and rainfall during the growing season can increase disease pressure.

The region is divided into three wards — Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge — each with slightly different elevations and soil types. Overall, soils are predominantly shale- and clay-based with varying amounts of granite and iron-rich sandstone. These well-drained but water-retentive soils help regulate vine vigour and contribute to structure and complexity in the wines.

Hemel-en-Aarde has become renowned for its Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pinot tends to produce elegant, perfumed wines with red cherry, raspberry and subtle earthy or savoury notes, while Chardonnay offers vibrant citrus, white peach and mineral flavours often balanced with refined oak and a creamy texture.

Among the most awarded and highly regarded producers in the region are Hamilton Russell, Restless River, Newton Johnson, Storm, Creation and Ataraxia, all of which have helped establish Hemel-en-Aarde as one of South Africa’s premier cool-climate wine regions.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular and versatile white grape varieties, originating from the Burgundy region of France. It is a relatively adaptable vine, thriving in a range of climates and soil types, making it widely planted across the globe. Chardonnay ripens early to mid-season and is known for its ability to express terroir, as well as respond well to a variety of winemaking techniques, including oak ageing and malolactic fermentation.

Today, Chardonnay is grown in nearly every major wine-producing country. In France, it shines in Burgundy’s Chablis (crisp, mineral-driven) and Côte de Beaune (rich, complex), and is also a key component of Champagne. In the New World, regions like California, Australia (Yarra Valley, Margaret River), New Zealand, and Chile produce diverse expressions, ranging from lean and citrusy to full-bodied and buttery.

Cool-climate Chardonnays tend to show green apple, lemon, and flinty notes, while warmer regions yield riper flavours like tropical fruit, peach, and melon. Oak-aged Chardonnays may exhibit vanilla, toast, and nutty characteristics, while unoaked versions highlight freshness and purity of fruit.

This remarkable flexibility makes Chardonnay a favourite among winemakers and wine lovers alike, offering a wide spectrum of styles and flavours.