Our Vineyard and Cellar
Creation. A Sense of place and Time
Creation is situated in one of the most biodiverse wine regions in the world. We are in a beautiful arena of undulating hills, surrounded by fynbos-clad mountains and rivers. There are even swathes of fynbos between our vineyards. There is no monoculture here. When we planted our first virus-free vines post 1994, we took a significant lead in environmental custodianship.
Creation. A Sense of place and Time
Creation is situated in one of the most biodiverse wine regions in the world. We are in a beautiful arena of undulating hills, surrounded by fynbos-clad mountains and rivers. There are even swathes of fynbos between our vineyards. There is no monoculture here. When we planted our first virus-free vines post 1994, we took a significant lead in environmental custodianship.
A Distinctive Terroir
Creation could not wish for a better geological pedigree. Set at the foot of the highest peak of Babylonstoren Mountain, the estate benefits from 590- to 255-million-year-old quarzite, Bokkeveld shale and Koffieklip weathered and clay deposit soils that create a mineral-rich, 5-star formula for our vineyards. The estate’s elevation and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, an average daytime temperature of between 22° and 26° C, with a cool night index 12° C lower than the day-time temperature, play a key role in the unique grape and wine production.
Average winter rainfall of between 580 mm and 720 mm together with prevailing cool SE and SW winds, and a daily vortex from the Atlantic Ocean all contribute to the gradual, even and full ripening of our grapes, resulting in elegant fruit flavours balanced by crisp acidity and subtle, smooth tannins.
A Distinctive Terroir
Creation could not wish for a better geological pedigree. Set at the foot of the highest peak of Babylonstoren Mountain, the estate benefits from 590- to 255-million-year-old quarzite, Bokkeveld shale and Koffieklip weathered and clay deposit soils that create a mineral-rich, 5-star formula for our vineyards. The estate’s elevation and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, an average daytime temperature of between 22° and 26° C, with a cool night index 12° C lower than the day-time temperature, play a key role in the unique grape and wine production.
Average winter rainfall of between 580 mm and 720 mm together with prevailing cool SE and SW winds, and a daily vortex from the Atlantic Ocean all contribute to the gradual, even and full ripening of our grapes, resulting in elegant fruit flavours balanced by crisp acidity and subtle, smooth tannins.
From soil to celebrating fine wine
What originates in the vineyard resonates in the glass: wines that reflect the heart and soul of our terroir, which extends from our biome to the cultivar and to the hands that tend the vines. The perfect geological and cool-climate alchemy helps to create wines of distinction, especially our exceptional Chardonnay and our award-winning Pinot Noir.
English poet Robert Browning wrote: ‘Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.’ And this is our mantra. We planted virus-free vines in 2002 because healthy vines naturally produce quality fruit that improves with vineyard age. The cuttings from our vineyards are now used to propagate clean material for new plantings in South Africa.
The Cellarmaster’s Secret
When establishing the first maiden vineyards at Creation, Cellarmaster Jean-Claude Martin meticulously considered soil, climate and aspect, selecting the cultivars best suited to the terroir. This blank canvas offered the advantage of caring for the vineyards from fledgling vines to maturity and his hands-on approach is a golden thread running through the estate’s evolution.
Jean-Claude’s winemaking philosophy and intention is based on ‘working alongside, and expressing the beauty of nature’. To quote: ‘When you are harvesting quality fruit, guide it gently through the winemaking process so as to preserve the sense of place.’ With his key focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Jean-Claude also applies his talents to creating a growing portfolio of other world-class wines.
The Cellarmaster’s Secret
When establishing the first maiden vineyards at Creation, Cellarmaster Jean-Claude Martin meticulously considered soil, climate and aspect, selecting the cultivars best suited to the terroir. This blank canvas offered the advantage of caring for the vineyards from fledgling vines to maturity and his hands-on approach is a golden thread running through the estate’s evolution.
Jean-Claude’s winemaking philosophy and intention is based on ‘working alongside, and expressing the beauty of nature’. To quote: ‘When you are harvesting quality fruit, guide it gently through the winemaking process so as to preserve the sense of place.’ With his key focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Jean-Claude also applies his talents to creating a growing portfolio of other world-class wines.