
Ataraxia Wines Hemel-en-Aarde
Experience serene wine tasting with breathtaking valley views at Ataraxia Wines, a Hemel-en-Aarde gem.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Ataraxia Wines Hemel-en-Aarde
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience serene wine tasting with breathtaking valley views at Ataraxia Wines, a Hemel-en-Aarde gem.
"The tasting room is amazing - a beautiful space with stunning views - worth a visit just for this."

🚗 Navigate the Gravel Roads
The drive up is 'nervy' but worth it! Take it slow and enjoy the stunning valley views. :oncoming_automobile:
📅 Book Your Tasting
Secure your spot for an informative and delicious wine tasting experience. :calendar:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Wine Lounge Views
Tasting Room
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley from a modern, artsy tasting room.

Exceptional Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
Tasting Menu
Savor award-winning cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, celebrated for their finesse and depth.

The 'Serenity' Blend
Tasting Menu
Discover the 'Serenity' blend, a highly-rated wine that some visitors find even more compelling than their signature Pinot Noir.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Scenic Drive to Serenity
Book Your Tasting Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Navigate the Gravel Roads
The drive up is 'nervy' but worth it! Take it slow and enjoy the stunning valley views. :oncoming_automobile:
📅 Book Your Tasting
Secure your spot for an informative and delicious wine tasting experience. :calendar:
🖼️ Art & Wine Ambiance
Enjoy local art displayed in the tasting room, adding a modern touch to the serene setting. :art:
🍷 Explore the Range
Don't miss their Chardonnays and the highly-praised 'Serenity' blend. :wine_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Navigate the Gravel Roads
The drive up is 'nervy' but worth it! Take it slow and enjoy the stunning valley views. :oncoming_automobile:
📅 Book Your Tasting
Secure your spot for an informative and delicious wine tasting experience. :calendar:
🖼️ Art & Wine Ambiance
Enjoy local art displayed in the tasting room, adding a modern touch to the serene setting. :art:
🍷 Explore the Range
Don't miss their Chardonnays and the highly-praised 'Serenity' blend. :wine_glass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ataraxia Wines for its breathtaking views and the serene atmosphere of its tasting room. The wines, particularly the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, are highly regarded for their quality and character. While the journey involves navigating gravel roads, the overall experience is considered well worth the effort.
"Gréât tasting here - the pourer was a real expert. The tasting room is amazing - a beautiful space with stunning views - worth a visit just for this. Make your own mind up about the wines but a highlight for me was their 2022 Pinot Noir - surprisingly powerful, and a little smokey and spicy. Well worth a drive up the Valley."
Carl King
"Quaint and artsy. Road to wine lounge can be very nervy to drive, especially if there is an oncoming vehicle. Server was very knowledgeable and friendly. Wish there were some pairings or wine by the glass offered. Beautiful views."
Efcee Buys
"Great wine estate to visit when touring the Hemel en Aarde. Great range of wines, with their top wines also being available to taste. Their Chardonnays are my favourites. Great service and the views are fabulous. A slightly arduous journey to get there but it’s worth it"
Lisa Harlow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ataraxia Wines is located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The drive from the main road involves gravel roads that can be 'nervy' and challenging, especially with oncoming traffic. It's recommended to drive cautiously and allow extra time for the journey. The scenic route is part of the overall experience.
Yes, the road leading to the wine lounge is described as 'very off-road' and 'nervy' by visitors. While beautiful, it requires careful driving, particularly if you encounter other vehicles. It's advisable to have a vehicle suitable for gravel roads.
Many visitors opt to drive themselves to Ataraxia Wines, enjoying the scenic route through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Consider using a GPS or navigation app to guide you. For those who prefer not to drive, local tour operators in the Hermanus area may offer wine route excursions.
Ataraxia Wines is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, which is a short drive from the coastal town of Hermanus. The exact travel time can vary depending on road conditions and your starting point within Hermanus, but it's generally considered an accessible destination for a day trip.
While specific turn-by-turn directions can vary, expect to navigate onto unpaved roads as you get closer to the winery. It's best to rely on your GPS and look for signage indicating the winery. The 'lofty rise' mentioned in descriptions gives a clue to its elevated position.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your wine tasting in advance at Ataraxia Wines. This ensures you can secure a spot, especially during busy periods, and allows the winery to prepare for your visit, offering a more personalized and enjoyable experience.
Ataraxia Wines is typically open for tastings and visits. While specific hours can vary, they are often open on weekdays and sometimes on public holidays like Heritage Day. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening times.
A reserve tasting at Ataraxia Wines typically consists of 5 wines and costs around R75 per person. Prices can be subject to change, so it's advisable to confirm the current tasting fees when making your reservation.
A standard tasting at Ataraxia Wines usually includes a selection of their wines, often featuring their signature Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as other varietals and blends like 'Serenity'. The tasting is often described as informative and delicious.
Some reviews suggest that wine by the glass might not be readily available, with a focus on structured tasting experiences. It's best to inquire about this when booking or upon arrival if you prefer to order individual glasses.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Hemel-en-Aarde Valley offers stunning backdrops, and Ataraxia is no exception. The tasting room itself provides incredible panoramic views, making it a prime spot for photos. Capture the rolling vineyards, the unique architecture of the tasting room, and the expansive valley vistas.
Absolutely! The 'Skyfields' location and the elevated position of Ataraxia Wines make it an ideal spot to witness and photograph spectacular sunsets painting the valley. The golden hour light enhances the natural beauty of the landscape.
Yes, you can take photos inside the tasting room. The space is described as artsy and modern, with local artwork on display, offering a unique visual element to your photography. Remember to be respectful of other guests and the staff.
Landscape photography is a must, capturing the vastness of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Portrait photography with the vineyard or valley as a backdrop also works beautifully. The serene atmosphere lends itself to capturing moments of quiet enjoyment.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is welcomed. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. For professional or commercial shoots, it's best to contact the winery in advance to inquire about their policies.
🍽️ 🍇 Wine & Dining
Ataraxia Wines is renowned for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Visitors also rave about their 'Serenity' blend, with some finding it even more exceptional than their marque Pinot Noir. Their wines are praised for intricate character, finesse, and depth.
While Ataraxia Wines focuses on the wine tasting experience, some reviews mention a desire for food pairings or wine by the glass. It's advisable to check with the winery directly about any current food offerings or if they allow outside picnics. Some special events, like cellar dinners, may be organized.
Yes, you can purchase wines directly from Ataraxia Wines. Many visitors buy bottles to take home, especially after enjoying a particular vintage during their tasting. This is a great way to relive the experience.
Ataraxia's wines are a product of the unique terroir of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a cool-climate region ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Winemaker Kevin Grant is a passionate 'terroirist,' focusing on soil and the natural expression of the grapes.
While not always explicitly mentioned for standard tastings, special events like cellar dinners are sometimes hosted. For regular visits, it's best to inquire about any available food pairings or if you can bring your own snacks to enjoy with your wine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🥂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Winemaking at Ataraxia
The name 'Ataraxia' itself, derived from Greek for a serene state of mind free from worry, perfectly encapsulates the winery's ethos and the experience it offers. The wines are noted for their intricate character, finesse, and depth, reflecting the unique microclimate and soil composition of the 'Skyfields'. Visitors often find the tasting experience to be both informative and delicious, with knowledgeable staff guiding them through the range.
From the 'Young Blood' series, showcasing wines from young vines, to their highly-regarded reserve tastings, Ataraxia offers a diverse portfolio. The commitment to quality and the serene setting make it a standout destination for wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic South African wine experience.
Experiencing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Beyond Ataraxia, the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Route boasts several other esteemed wineries, including Bouchard Finlayson, La Vierge, Newton Johnson, and Creation Wines. Exploring these estates allows visitors to experience the diverse expressions of the region's terroir and winemaking styles. Many visitors combine a visit to Ataraxia with stops at other nearby wineries for a comprehensive wine-tasting tour.
While the drive can be 'nervy' on gravel roads, the serene beauty and exceptional wines of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley make the effort entirely worthwhile. It's a destination that truly lives up to its heavenly name, offering tranquility and world-class wine.
The 'Serene State of Mind' Experience
The tasting room, with its modern, artsy feel and local artwork, provides a unique backdrop for enjoying the wines. The 'Skyfields' location further enhances this sense of calm and elevation, offering a perspective that feels removed from the everyday hustle. It's a place where one can truly 'sip, savor, and let the enchantment unfold'.
Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual visitor, the atmosphere at Ataraxia encourages a moment of stillness and appreciation. The combination of exceptional wine, breathtaking scenery, and a mindful approach to hospitality creates an unforgettable experience that embodies its namesake.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit