This small winery was established in 2007 by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson. Their father, Peter, was a pioneer in the production of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Bouchard Finlayson, so after university, it seemed the natural thing for the boys to return home and source some fruit from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to start their own label.

Today, Crystallum is one of the most highly regarded wineries in South Africa and is at the forefront of the ‘New Wave’ movement. Peter-Allan is always on the lookout for new vineyards and with each vintage, he strives to make even better wines. The winemaking has evolved over the years and all of the wines are now wild fermented and the use of new oak has been reduced to help the bright fruit shine through.

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.