You know it’s going to be a blast when 20 sommeliers gather for the first time after two years – some of them never having been to the Hemel-en-Aarde before. And what an experience it was: celebrating not only the Pinot Noir harvest but also great camaraderie!

After all, the hospitality industry has just emerged from one of the toughest times in history. While we were working on our online shops and running virtual tastings, on-trade wine bars, restaurants and hotels had to close, leaving inventories unsold and skilled staff unemployed. Hats off to those sommeliers who used the time to upskill and thus emerged more connected and knowledgeable than before! We salute your tenacity.

What follows are a few extracts from comments received from our sommelier guests:

I love your passion, the art of service … we loved every minute, Creation created memorable moments. Thank you all for the experience.  – Mike Buthelezi, Ethos, Johannesburg

Thank you, Creation Team.  I enjoyed my time at Creation. What a phenomenal experience it was. The food and wine pairing was great. I loved the presentation and plating of every dish. – Samantha Swartz, The Twelve Apostles Hotel, Cape Town

Thank you, Creation Team it was a stellar experience. – Frans Visser, Capito, Johannesburg

Thank you, Creation, for a wonderful experience. – Bekithemba Moyo, Short Market Club, Johannesburg

Very Educational and Generous. – Tawanda Marume, Expression Wines Africa, Johannesburg

A million thanks to Creation, I really enjoyed every minute of it. Phillip and your team, well done. – Newman Sigoga, The Codfather, Johannesburg

Sometimes in life it is different to express yourself as an individual – for me. Creation is one in a million establishments that stick to their consistency starting to the person that will welcome you from the entrance continuing to the server, to the training is so fundamental – Eric Botha, Culture Wine Bar, Cape Town

JC, Carolyn, Phillip and the rest of Team Creation: wonderful experience and hospitality. Keep up the good work. – Tendai Vincent Matsieng, Saxon Hotel, Johannesburg