Newton Johnson Vineyards Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Renowned for world-class Pinot Noir and stunning Hemel-en-Aarde Valley views, offering exceptional wine tasting and dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy delicious food with wine
Newton Johnson Vineyards Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Best Time
Enjoy delicious food with wine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Renowned for world-class Pinot Noir and stunning Hemel-en-Aarde Valley views, offering exceptional wine tasting and dining.
"The view and wine is fantastic. The food at the restaurant is very good. Go there and drink all the wine!"
🎯 Book Restaurant in Advance
The restaurant is very popular; booking ahead is essential to guarantee a table for lunch.
🍷 Taste the Full Range
Don't miss trying their diverse wines, especially the highly-rated Pinot Noir and Albariño.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Views
Vineyard grounds
Breathtaking panoramic vistas of rolling vineyards, mountains, and the distant ocean create an unforgettable backdrop.
Exceptional Pinot Noir
Tasting room
Renowned for its world-class Pinot Noir, often compared to fine Burgundies, offering complexity and elegance.
Diverse Wine Selection
Tasting room
From floral Albariño to creamy Chardonnay and bold Syrah blends, discover a delightful array of high-quality wines.
Delicious Farm-to-Table Dining
Restaurant
Enjoy exquisite dishes like Coq au Vin and Confit de Canard, perfectly paired with their signature wines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Table in Advance
Explore the Full Wine Range
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Restaurant in Advance
The restaurant is very popular; booking ahead is essential to guarantee a table for lunch.
🍷 Taste the Full Range
Don't miss trying their diverse wines, especially the highly-rated Pinot Noir and Albariño.
📸 Capture the Views
The vineyard offers stunning panoramic views perfect for photos. Bring your camera!
🚴♀️ Cycle the Valley
Consider cycling the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, passing by vineyards like Newton Johnson.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Restaurant in Advance
The restaurant is very popular; booking ahead is essential to guarantee a table for lunch.
🍷 Taste the Full Range
Don't miss trying their diverse wines, especially the highly-rated Pinot Noir and Albariño.
📸 Capture the Views
The vineyard offers stunning panoramic views perfect for photos. Bring your camera!
🚴♀️ Cycle the Valley
Consider cycling the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, passing by vineyards like Newton Johnson.
✨ Ask for Clean Glasses
For a premium tasting experience, politely request clean glasses for each new wine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Newton Johnson Vineyards for its exceptional wines, particularly the Pinot Noir, and the stunning Hemel-en-Aarde Valley views. The delicious food at the restaurant and friendly service are also frequently highlighted, making it a highly recommended destination for wine and culinary enthusiasts.
"One of my favourite wine makers and tasting experience. The view and wine is fantastic. The food at the restaurant is very good. Go there and drink all the wine"
Erik Snyman
"Perfect location, gorgeous views, delicious food, wine was amazing. Highly recommended. Wait staff friendly and service quick. Restaurant was busy so definitely book. Open style kitchen and not a formal spot, just perfect! Will
Come again!"
xzaclee van zyl
"This estate was on my list to visit while in the Hermanus area.. I had never tasted any of their wines, but had read some good reviews.
The property is located further up the Hemel and Aarde valley than its more renowned neighbours, but enjoys a splendid view over the valley and beyond to the ocean.
We opted for to taste their full range of wines. What a lovely selection and what a wonderful experience! This estate has succeeded in producing an alluring range of high quality wines from their delicate Sauvignon Blanc- creamy, dry with a long finish from the touch of Semillon, followed by the floral complex Albariño, the soft elegant Southend Chardonnay, to the magnificent unfiltered assertive beautifully balanced Pinot Noir.. exceptional! For the less faint hearted .. try the “Full Stop Rock”…guaranteed to rock you! A audacious blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre.. spicy, powerful and sophisticated!
A small detail that detracts slightly from the splendour of this property is that we had to ask for clean glasses for each tasting.. something that doesn’t fit with a property of this calibre!!
We followed our wine tasting with a wonderful lunch of Coq au Vin and Confit de Canard served with the Pinot Noir, followed by absolutely delicious Basque cheese cake.. how wonderful would this have paired with a beautiful botrytised dessert wine.. but alas not quite yet (hopefully in the future.. hint.. hint). ."
Fred du Plessis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Newton Johnson Vineyards is located further up the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley from Hermanus. It's best accessed by car, offering a scenic drive through the wine region. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Public transport options are limited in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Hiring a taxi or using a ride-sharing service from Hermanus is recommended if you prefer not to drive.
The R320 (Hemel-en-Aarde Road) is the main route. The drive itself is beautiful, passing other wineries and scenic landscapes.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the vineyard.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and Newton Johnson is one of the estates you can visit along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While walk-ins may be accommodated, booking your wine tasting in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tasting room and restaurant hours.
Tasting fees vary depending on the selection. It's advisable to check their website or inquire when booking for current pricing.
Yes, you can visit the restaurant for lunch without necessarily participating in a wine tasting, but booking is essential.
Typically, there is no general entrance fee to visit the property, but specific wine tasting experiences or tours may incur charges.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers delicious farm-to-table cuisine, with popular dishes including Coq au Vin and Confit de Canard, often paired with their wines.
Absolutely. The restaurant is very busy, and booking a table well in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant when booking about their current menu and any available vegetarian or vegan options.
While the focus is on wine tasting and full meals, it's worth checking if they offer lighter options or platters, especially if you're visiting outside of main meal times.
The stunning views and excellent food make it a wonderful spot for a romantic lunch, though they are not typically open for dinner.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire property offers incredible photo opportunities, from the rolling vineyards and mountain backdrops to the ocean views and the tasting room itself.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos during your wine tasting, especially to capture the beautiful setting and your experience.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check with the vineyard management beforehand if you plan to use a drone for aerial photography.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for capturing the landscape and vineyards. Midday can also be stunning with clear skies.
Generally, personal photography is encouraged. However, professional shoots or commercial photography might require prior permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples
🚴♀️ Active Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Newton Johnson Wines
+2The vineyard also excels in other varietals. Their Chardonnay is noted for its structure and refinement, while their Albariño offers a delightful floral and crisp profile, making it an excellent pairing with seafood. For those seeking bolder flavors, the "Full Stop Rock" blend, featuring Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, provides a spicy, powerful, and sophisticated experience.
Visitors can experience this winemaking philosophy firsthand through a tasting. While the wines are exceptional, some guests have noted the importance of requesting clean glasses for each new wine to fully appreciate the nuances of each varietal, a small detail that enhances the overall premium tasting experience.
A Culinary Journey in Hemel-en-Aarde
Beyond the main courses, the dining experience is further enhanced by the stunning surroundings. The open-style kitchen allows a glimpse into the culinary process, adding to the relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. Desserts are also a highlight, with offerings like Basque cheesecake receiving high praise.
Due to its popularity, booking a table for lunch is essential. The restaurant can get busy, and securing a reservation ensures you can enjoy the full gastronomic experience without any hassle. This makes Newton Johnson Vineyards a destination not just for wine lovers, but for food enthusiasts as well.
Exploring the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
The scenic R320 road winds through the valley, providing stunning vistas at every turn. Beyond wine tasting, the area is also known for its beautiful hiking trails and opportunities for nature photography. The combination of world-class wineries, stunning landscapes, and outdoor activities makes the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley a must-visit for anyone exploring the Western Cape.
While Newton Johnson is a standout, the valley is home to other esteemed wineries like Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton Russell, and La Vierge, offering a comprehensive wine-tasting route. Exploring these estates allows for a deeper appreciation of the region's unique viticultural characteristics and the diverse styles of wine produced here.
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