South African wine farm, Creation Wines, located in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley near Hermanus, has been ranked as the seventh-best vineyard in the world, surpassing many older establishments.
At the 2025 World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards, Creation Wines was awarded the high position, right below Klein Constantia Wine Farm at sixth place, also a South African vineyard.
The top 50 global list was compiled from votes from 700 participants, including sommeliers, travel and wine tourism experts and wine trade enthusiasts.
The experts evaluate each estate based on a range of criteria, including the overall visitor experience, ambience, scenery, gastronomy, service, sustainability practices and international reputation.
The Creation wine farm is located in a cool climate, a couple of hours from Cape Town, and produces fresh, refined Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
The estate was chosen not just for its “burgeoning winemaking reputation” but for the location’s “sheer natural beauty.”
The vineyard’s location on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge places it at about 290 metres, boosting the wine’s acidity and freshness.
The estate also offers a seasonal, locally-sourced, à la carte menu and food pairings, such as a chocolate experience.
“It’s an honour to be named among the best, and our lucky number 7,” said Carolyn Martins, co-founder of the vineyard.
“This year inspires us to keep innovating and striving for excellence,” she added.
“We also congratulate Klein Constantia on their 6th place ranking and recognition as Africa’s Best Vineyard and Highest Climber – a powerful reflection of the dynamism of South African wine on the global stage.”
The story of Creation
JC and Carolyn Martins. Photo: Creation
Swiss winemaker JC Martin and his South African wife, Carolyn, discovered the 40 hectares of virgin soil in the valley in 2002. They were taken by the area’s natural beauty and unique soil properties.
“Memorable wine, food, and hospitality come from fostering genuine connections – to our land, our people, and our community,” said Carolyn.
“Our sensorial menus, dynamic tasting journeys, and collaborations with local producers and artists offer guests an authentic expression of terroir and a true sense of place.”
Both JC and Carolyn came from wine-pioneering families, spanning at least three generations.
They decided to build their own wine estate from scratch. They grew the area’s first virus-free vines and made the decision to name the estate ‘Creation’ – a tribute to its natural splendour.
At the time, there were no other vineyards nearby or infrastructure to use. The first few years required ingenuity and fortitude, but the couple said they thrived in the challenge.
Creation’s first harvest took place in 2006. The land and its unique elements, and the winemakers’ alchemy, delivered a spectacular bounty.
The estate’s tasting room opened in 2008, and soon, Carolyn’s flair for wine and food pairing became the foundation for award after award.
“The fresh, locally foraged produce that graces the creation tables is then paired with the estate’s exceptionally food-friendly wine,” the wine farm said.
Creation has just recently released its summer menu for 2025/2026. “Every moment at the table has been designed to make guests feel seen, cared for, connected and uplifted,” Creation said.
They said tat all the ingredients used in the Creation menu are chosen for their health benefits, as well as their flavours and textures.
More photos from Creation:
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Dining and Cooking