Proud as they are of their natural heritage on the lofty Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Jean-Claude (JC) and Carolyn Martin go to great lengths to preserve it.
“With Heritage Day (24 September) approaching, we like to reflect on our unique heritage here on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge,” says Creation co-owner Carolyn Martin who was born and bred in the Cape Winelands. As the granddaughter of Maurice and Eleanor Finlayson of Hartenberg fame and the daughter of Cape wine pioneers, Walter and Jill Finlayson, she certainly has an impressive winelands legacy to uphold. And so does her Swiss-born husband JC who also comes from wine pioneering stock spanning three generations. His grandfather, Jules Martin, painstakingly established the family winery on the steep banks of Lake Bienne way back in 1935. In 1970, JC’s uncle Alfred took over and JC was only 14 years old when he worked his first full harvest.
“From the outset we have committed ourselves to conserving our natural heritage by implementing long-term biodiversity as well as sustainability programmes at Creation,” comments Carolyn.
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Heavenly Heritage Day Menu
In addition to their comprehensive wine and food pairing offerings, the Creation Culinary Team will be serving four special treats in honour of Heritage Day. Chef Francois Hugo recommends his Smoked Kudu Loin with Paprika and Butterbean Purée, Bouquet of Fine Beans, Dehydrated King Oyster Mushrooms, Red Onion Jus and Clover Leaves with the Creation Bordeaux-style blend. Click here for the recipe. And his Ostrich Carpaccio with Smoked Artichoke Cream, Wholegrain Mustard, Tapioca Chip, Cured Egg Yolks and Nasturtium is perfect with the Creation Merlot. Click here for the recipe. Chef Eleanor Niehaus’ Deconstructed Malay Hertzoggies, Apricot Jam and Chilli Jelly, Apricot Sorbet, Coconut Crisp, Snapdragons, Fresh Coconut and Gluten-free Shortbread are truly delightful with the Creation Viognier. Click here for the recipe. And last but not least you can enjoy Chef Bianca de Gois’ irresistible Milktart Truffles with your coffee. Click here for the recipe.
A Hint for Heritage Day
“Go where the whales go, and where the wine is oh so good” – this is the heading of an article by Avukile Mabombo, Group Marketing Manager of Protea Hotels by Marriott. A seasoned traveller, Avukile rates Hermanus as one of his favourite small town destinations.
He strongly recommends visiting the Hemel-en-Aarde over the Heritage long weekend, writing: “When on a wine tour, sampling some of South Africa’s finest, make sure that when you break for lunch, the tasting continues. Creation . . . is perfect for this.” Click here to read more.
