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An aerial shot of Hamilton Russel Vineyards [FNB Wines2Whales]

The FNB Wines2Whales Wine Route – Hamilton Russell

By FNB Wines2Whales, 08/25/21, 5:30PM HST

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An aerial shot of Hamilton Russel Vineyards

Arguably the most iconic of the Hemel en Aarde, Hamilton Russel Vineyards is as synonymous with the valley as a wine region as it is with Pinot Noir in South Africa. The estate’s pioneering spirit led, in no small part, to the establishment of the Hemel en Aarde valley as a world-renowned wine region.

A wine cellar with a sitting area

Founded in 1975, Hamilton Russel is the oldest wine farm in the Hemel en Aarde valley. Purchased as undeveloped fynbos, by Tim Hamilton Russel, the estate was carefully chosen for its cool, maritime, climate and clay-rich, shale-derived, soil. Initially a broader approach to wine making was taken; but under current owner, Anthony Hamilton Russell’s, guidance the focus was narrowed to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Since 1991 Hamilton Russell Vineyards have specialised in those two varietals. “We are not so much using Hamilton Russell Vineyards to make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as we are using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to express the beauty and personality of Hamilton Russell Vineyards” Anthony Hamilton Russell has explained. “Our terroir, in effect, ‘chose’ these varieties as its most individual and beautiful expression.”

Shot of a farm across the river

Sister farms, Ashbourne and Southern Right Wines add Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc to the Hemel en Aarde Valley’s world-class wines. Though the main attraction for visitors on wine tasting tours surely remains the old dame of the region.

Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Location: Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Hemel en Aarde Road, Hermanus
Website: www.hamiltonrussellvineyards.com
Opening Hours: 09h00 to 17h00 on weekdays and 10h00 to 14h00 on Saturdays