Just over a year ago, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley was cut off by extremely devastating storms. By December, the road had been repaired sufficiently to allow for one way traffic, and we decided to go to Creation Wines for a wine tasting. They were unable to seat us, so I decided to make a reservation for March. By then the weather would have cooled somewhat, and it would double as a birthday celebration for a friend.
Creation Wines
One can either do a set food and wine pairing starting from R1285 per person, or select meals off the menu, and choose your own wines. We decided to select the wines ourselves. And when we were ready for lunch we would place our order. Upon arrival we were shown to our table, where the options were explained to us, while we sipped on our welcome glass of the Peace Rose. This rosé wine was served with a tomato gazpacho.
The wines we selected
Wine tasting is charged per glass at a rate of R15 for the Estate Wines and R30 for the Reserve Wines. The Creation Art of Chardonnay & Art of Pinot Noir cost R70 each. Everyone at the table had a chance to select two wines. For the first round of white wines we had the Estate Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Both are described as ocean’s gift. Next came the Viognier labelled as Vivaldi in a Glass and the cool-climate Chenin Blanc (sunshine at the Atlantic). Our red wine selection included the Estate Syrah, and Grenache (oh so Umami). During lunch we each had a glass of the Creation Chic Chardonnay. There were mixed reviews of the wines, which is to be expected. Not everyone’s palate is the same. And the maxim is to drink what you enjoy.
Our meal to start
Overall, the food was really good. We started off with a harvest platter (R525) which was brilliant, but not quite enough for 4 people. Because of that we decided to order a second course. John had the quail which was served with aubergine, peas and herbs (R225) which he said was very tasty. I had the trout poke bowl (R185) which was excellent. Dave and Dorothy ordered the Cheese, Walnuts and Basil (R110). This was confused for the Pecorino, Walnuts and Basil and a sliver of cheese arrived at the table with a dusting of walnuts and basil. We immediately told them to take it away and remove it from the bill, as it was not an acceptable plate of food for that amount of money!
And the food to end off our day
The next thing the manager was at the table with a more generous cheese serving. Her explanation was that the staff were not sure which cheese dish had been ordered. Our intention was to have gelato (R40 per scoop) to end off our meal as the selection that day sounded amazing. We were told the gelato would be on the house but before it arrived, a dessert platter, including their friandise, was placed on the table. This was a birthday gift from Creation Wines to Dorothy, and it was amazing. Our gelato choices were vanilla, sour fig and cherry. I cannot wait to try and make the sour fig as it was so good.
Service and more
Until it came to the so called confusion with the cheese course, the service was excellent. And to be clear, we were not charged for the replacement cheese plates. Further, to apologise for this, we were each given a glass of the absolutely brilliant Reserve Chardonnay. I think this is what is to be expected from a world renowned establishment. The menu gives thanks to their suppliers, namely: Praise The Lard, Just Pure, Tesselaarsdal Water, Unified Biotics, Valley Farmstall, Potters Gallery, Van Blommestein Butchery, Hermanus Factory Shop, Le Marchand, Wild Peacock, B Bos Trout, Haygrove, Perola Shells, Fauxmage. All local to the wider winelands region of the Western Cape. Bookings are essential and Creation Wines can be contacted on +27 28 212 1107.
See the links below for blog posts I published on August 29:
- 2023: Garibaldi Biscuits
- 2022: Condensed Milk Cake
- 2021: The Final Twist
- 2018: La Mouette
- 2016: Berry Pavlova
- 2014: Pizza Dough
- 2013: Preserved Avocados
That sounds like a wonderful wine and dine experience!
Thank you, it really was 🙂
I’m in love with the sculptures! and that gorgeous one of the sitting woman on the table!
I love all her work!
maybe i missed it? who is the artist please?
Sorry, I don’t think I mentioned that it is Carolyn Martin 🙂
Hi Tandy, this all looks amazing. I never do meals with lots of courses because the more food there is the less I can eat. It is a strange thing but it overwhelms me.
I have that when there is a buffet!