When Overstrand Hermanus was recently (2019) awarded UNESCO Creative City status for Gastronomy, it was one of only 10 cities worldwide and the first on the African continent to receive this distinction. “What an honour to be recognised as a laboratory of ideas and innovative practices and for bringing a tangible contribution to achieving sustainable development goals that directly benefit our community,” comments Creation co-owner Carolyn Martin.
The UNESCO recognition is of course not only for Hermanus, but for the entire Overstrand Municipality which includes Hawston, Pringle Bay, Rooi Els, Stanford, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. It is therefore a feather in their collective cap but also a tribute to the many individuals and boutique producers who support the commitment to preserving their environment. These include the local fishermen, cheesemakers, winemakers, brewers, farmers, beekeepers, local chefs and restaurateurs – to mention but a few.
According to Carolyn it is all of the aforementioned whom through passion, innovation, creativity and skill provide an environmentally driven table and hospitality culture in the Overstrand while supporting a vibrant and integrated community. “And the chain effect of using local produce has a massive impact on the local economy in a positive and sustainable way.”
What about Creation’s own contribution? The estate has always been at the forefront of celebrating and preserving its pristine environment. In establishing his vineyards owner JC Martin (who is a qualified viticulturist and winemaker) meticulously considered soil, climate and aspect before selecting the cultivars best suited to the terroir. He furthermore had the foresight to plant only virus-free clones and today Creation is an important source of virus-free clonal material for the wine industry. “This is a long-term investment in sustainability as virus free means improved vineyard longevity. It also means improved quality as healthy vineyards yield healthy grapes which of course help us to produce world-class wines,” Carolyn explains. Additional environmentally friendly practices in the vineyard include armies of wasps and ladybirds to control pests.
‘Enhancing the beauty of nature’ is JC’s winemaking motto and in the cellar he follows an approach of as little intervention as possible. “When in 2012 we decided to go vegan with our wines it followed this approach of producing wines with a sense of place and provenance and reinforced our commitment to conservation, biodiversity and sustainability,” says Carolyn. The estate complies with the guidelines laid down by the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) scheme and all the wines boast the sustainability and integrity seal confirming its commitment to eco-friendly wine production.
As a pioneer in the field of wine and food pairing the Creation Culinary Team adheres to the philosophy of ‘what grows together goes together’. This translates into inventive menus comprising only the finest seasonal ingredients from selected local suppliers – at present more than 80% come from neighbours in the Overberg region. A shining example is the latest ‘Harvest Love Story of Creation’ pairing menu. “We’ve pulled out all stops in celebration of Harvest 2020 and this means not only the grape vintage but also the choice fresh produce harvested from the Overberg and surrounds. In creating the menu we’ve strived to reflect our love for our farm, our region and for what we do – and our guests truly love the experience!” The menu at R795 per person includes seven courses, seven wines and a tasting of any other Creation wines of your choice. Click here to download the menu and here to book.