Explore SA's coolest wine regions
On a mission to broaden your horizons? Start by experiencing the cool-climate wines of the Elgin and Hermel-en-Aarde regions in the Western Cape.
Cool Elgin facts
Elgin's unique terroir makes it South Africa's coldest wine region known for producing fresh, flavourful, well-balanced wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The region has very cold winters and rarely experiences summer temperatures over 30°C. Afternoon coastal breezes help maintain acid levels in the grapes, leading to complex flavours, and the Cape's infamous south-easter cools the vineyards and often brings cloud cover, blocking sunlight and slowing ripening of the grapes. Late ripening means later harvesting well into autumn, and cooler, shorter days slow down sugar development, contributing to flavour, aroma and higher acidity.
Winemaker Catherine Marshall has specialised in producing Pinot Noirs in Elgin for more than two decades and believes this varietal is the most versatile for your cellar. "The thing about Pinot Noir is that it's a red wine that really wants to be a white. The best pairings are salmon, lamb and coq au vin. Pinot also rocks all Japanese food - my favourite."
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Winemaker Catherine Marshall has specialised in producing Pinot Noirs in Elgin for more than two decades and believes this varietal is the most versatile for your cellar. "The thing about Pinot Noir is that it's a red wine that really wants to be a white. The best pairings are salmon, lamb and coq au vin. Pinot also rocks all Japanese food - my favourite."
SEE THE ELGIN MAP
Cool Hemel-en-Aarde facts
More than 2o wine producers are easily accessible on an 18.5km-long stretch of the R320 that runs through the Hemel-en-Aarde valley near Hermanus. Here, the Benguela current brings breezes from the Atlantic Ocean and average summer temperatures, around 25°C, are cooler than in most South African wine regions. Clouds are hemmed in by the mountains, trapping cool air and moisture in the narrow valley, where vineyards stretch up the mountain slopes, up to 350 metres above sea level. Long ripening periods produce grapes with concentrated flavours and good acidity, exactly what you want in your glass.
Winemaker Natasha Williams of Bosman Family Vineyards says Chardonnay is her favourite Hemel-en-Aarde grape: "I appreciate its elegance and versatility. Bosman's X-factor is that it is situated in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley ward, known for its granitic soils. The vineyards are four kilometres from the Atlantic as the crow flies, and moderate temperatures and influence from the ocean breeze allow us to produce wines with lively acidity.
Fancy a grand tour of the region? Hermanus Wine Hoppers stops at different farms on different days of the week. Book your ticket and spend the day sipping and eating your way through the valley. The safari-style vehicles arrive and depart at the stops on your chosen route every 45 minutes. Call 076 991 2498 to find out more, and don't miss tasting the wines at the iconic Bosman, Creation and Ataraxia tasting rooms.
Winemaker Natasha Williams of Bosman Family Vineyards says Chardonnay is her favourite Hemel-en-Aarde grape: "I appreciate its elegance and versatility. Bosman's X-factor is that it is situated in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley ward, known for its granitic soils. The vineyards are four kilometres from the Atlantic as the crow flies, and moderate temperatures and influence from the ocean breeze allow us to produce wines with lively acidity.
Fancy a grand tour of the region? Hermanus Wine Hoppers stops at different farms on different days of the week. Book your ticket and spend the day sipping and eating your way through the valley. The safari-style vehicles arrive and depart at the stops on your chosen route every 45 minutes. Call 076 991 2498 to find out more, and don't miss tasting the wines at the iconic Bosman, Creation and Ataraxia tasting rooms.
