From virus-free vines to global critical acclaim, Creation Wines celebrates International Pinot Noir Day (Monday, 18 August 2025) with four unique expressions of Pinot Noir that unite Swiss precision, South African soul, and world-class terroir.
Creation is redefining South African Pinot Noir – proving that Hemel-en-Aarde belongs among the world’s great appellations for this most exquisite and expressive grape. Ahead of International Pinot Noir Day on Monday, 18 August 2025, Creation celebrates the cultivar at the heart of its story. Founded by Swiss winemaker Jean-Claude Martin and his South African wife, Carolyn, Creation has become known for Pinot Noirs of finesse, transparency and sustainability, consistently recognised among the best in the world.
Situated at 240 to 300 metres above sea level and shaped by cool Atlantic breezes, Creation’s vineyards thrive on the refreshingly cool nights and natural diurnal temperature variation that slow ripening, preserve acidity, and build the complexity for which Pinot Noir is so admired. This rhythm of the vineyard enhances the wines’ aromatics, deepens colour, and refines texture, hallmarks of truly world-class Pinot Noir.
Planted to virus-free vines – the first in South Africa post-1994 – Creation’s vineyards also provide healthy planting material to vine nurseries, contributing to the future security of the South African wine industry by safeguarding long-term grape health and sustainability.
As winemaker JC Martin explains: ‘Pinot Noir is the transparent communicator of origin – the most honest narrator of place.’
This philosophy is expressed in four distinctive Pinot Noir wines:
- Creation Art of Pinot Noir – ethereal, single-site, barrel selection, consistently rated 95+ points (Tim Atkin MW awarded 96–97) RRP: R990
- Emma’s Pinot Noir – structured and complex, recently scored 97 points (Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za) RRP: R990.00
- Creation Reserve Pinot Noir – layered, velvety, with excellent maturation potential RRP: R470.00
- Creation Estate Pinot Noir – fragrant, romantic, with red berries and earthy undertones RRP: R310.00
Key Achievements for Creation Wines:
- Named 3rd Best Vineyard in the World (Best Vineyard in Africa) – World’s Best Vineyards Awards 2024
- Recognised as a WWF-SA Conservation Champion, with solar energy, circular water systems, sustainable packaging, and cutting-edge climate research projects (ClimaVin, Vititec GEN-Z)
- Winner of Best Brand Experience at the inaugural V d’Or Awards, Paris 2024
- Consistent 95–97 point ratings from leading global critics: Tim Atkin MW, Decanter, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Christian Eedes (Winemag.co.za)
- Pinot Noir blocks serve as mother vines, safeguarding South Africa’s grape security with virus-free propagation
‘For us, Pinot is the most honest narrator in the story of our ancient soils, cool maritime breezes, diurnal fluctuations, and changing seasons. But fine wine takes fine people – from our vineyard team to our winemakers – and each decision made in harmony with nature is reflected in the glass.’ – JC and Carolyn Martin
On International Pinot Noir Day, Monday, 18 August 2025, Creation invites wine lovers to discover Pinot Noir in its most authentic form – in wines that tell the story of place, people, and precision. Each bottle is a love story of origin, crafted on the windswept ridges of Hemel-en-Aarde and celebrated on the world stage.
ENDS
About Creation Wines
Founded in 2002 by Swiss winemaker Jean-Claude Martin and South African-born Carolyn Finlayson Martin, Creation Wines is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge near Hermanus. Recognised among the world’s top vineyards, Creation is acclaimed for its cool-climate wines, sustainable innovation, and world-class hospitality experience.
Media Opportunities
Creation Wines welcomes media inquiries for:
- Sample requests
- Interviews with Cellarmaster Jean-Claude Martin
- High-resolution images of the vineyard, winery, and bottle
Carolyn Martin
Please contact: Carolyn Martin, Creative Director, +27 72 673 1880, carolyn@creationwines.com