Upcoming Event

Hemel-En-Aarde Wine Region Dinner at Toronto Lawn Tennis Club
Tuesday, April 8 @ 6:30 p.m.

In 1975, Tim Hamilton-Russell (father of Anthony Hamilton-Russell) decided to settle in the Hemel-En-Aarde (heaven and earth) Valley. Tim was in search of a cool region where he could grow the great grapes of the Cote d’Or (Pinot Noir & Chardonnay) in South Africa. After extensive soil mapping of the area validated its potential, Tim proceeded to set up the initial vineyard plantings and Hamilton Russell Vineyards was created. At its creation, and for several many years, Hamilton Russell Vineyards was South Africa’s most southerly wine producer.

The Atlantic is nearby and cool sea breezes flow in through a series of connected valleys. Rainfall is generous and the soils are a mixture of shale, clay and sandstone with some decomposed granite. Growth in the area initially was slow but in the past two dozen years has seen a substantial burst with over two dozen wineries setting up or planting new vineyards. Many of the top South African wineries have now invested in this region including new wineries set up by three ex-Hamilton Russell winemakers. The region has also been subdivided into three sub regions; Valley, Upper Valley, and Ridge.

On multiple occasions in the past, we have featured tastings of Hamilton Russell Vineyards and its sister wineries, Ashbourne and Southern Right. This dinner features the wines of multiple additional wineries plus a diverse range of grapes. Each of our dinner wines are pricey, rarely available in our market, and have been sourced through private winery offers or exclusive Vintages offerings.

Join us as we explore the amazing potential of Hemel-En-Aarde.

The Wines

• Mullineux Kloof Street Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022
• Ashbourne Sandstone White 2023
• Alheit Hemelrand Vine Garden 2020
• Tesselaarsdal Chardonnay 2022
• Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir 2022
• Cap Maritime Pinot Noir 2020
• Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal 2020

Menu

Starter:
Bread and Butter
Seafood Bisque

Entree:
Duck Confit
Lentil Pilaf, Braised Red Cabbage, French Beans,
Duck Jus

Dessert:
Dark Chocolate Espresso Semi Fredo
Candied Pecans
(Gluten Free)

When & Where

• Members: $120
• Members: $135

Closing date: Your booking or cancellation must be received by Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Your E-transfer acknowledgement from your bank will be your only confirmation. If we are unable to accommodate your registration due to our capacity limit, you will be notified and a full refund will be offered.

Your cheque payable to South African Wine Society or Interac E-transfer payment payable to winessainfo@gmail.com (preferred) will reserve your place at the dinner.

As a courtesy to other members, please refrain from wearing any scented products, including perfumes, colognes, after shaves or hand lotions.