News

On 23 March 2026, the Creation Wines Tasting Room on Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge was once again awarded One Star at the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. A One Star rating reflects ‘a mark of distinction that sets a restaurant apart’ in culinary excellence and service, and we are honoured to see our team’s work acknowledged on this national stage.

For us, this accolade is first and foremost a celebration of our people.

Co-owner and creative director Carolyn Martin says: ‘This achievement validates our commitment to experiences that evolve with the seasons while holding fast to harmony between food, wine and environment. What originates in the vineyard should resonate in the glass – and at the table.’

Co-owner and cellarmaster Jean-Claude Martin sees the One Star award as recognition of a long-term vineyard vision: ‘Balance, elegance, distinction and finesse start in healthy, carefully planted vineyards. The Eat Out star tells us that what we’ve nurtured in the soils of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge is being felt by our guests in every glass and on every plate.’

Executive Chef Eleanor Coetzee reflects on what it means in the kitchen: ‘Our One Star award inspires us to keep pushing local culinary innovation while staying grounded in wellness and nature. Every dish is conceived with wine in mind, so that food and wine lift each other and our guests leave feeling nourished, not overwhelmed.’

Working alongside Eleanor, wellness consultants Dr Julienne Fenwick and Nicola Cunningham bring an added layer of intention. ‘Our menus are about flavour, yes, but also about how people feel afterwards,’ explains Julienne. ‘We look at seasonal, nutrient rich ingredients, medicinal herbs and spices, and the order of courses so that the experience is both joyful and gentle on the body.’

‘The most exciting part is the collaboration,’ says Nicola. ‘Chef, farmer, winemaker and wellness all at one table, creating pairings where the wines remain the quiet heroes.’
Together, this team creates a culinary experience in which the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge is expressed not only in the glass, but in every detail of the visit.