Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2023

In the mid-1990s, Dave Johnson and his wife Felicity (née Newton) joined what was, at the time, a small band of producers in the upper Hemel-en-Aarde valley, and today their sons Gordon and Bevan have taken over the running of this award-winning winery and vineyards. Winemaking is overseen by Gordon and his wife Nadia.

The first bottling was in 1997, and recognition grew steadily, with Newton Johnson now best known for its fine range of pinot noir, including most recently three single-vineyard wines to express different aspects of the granitic soils of the vineyards. The coastal Upper Hemel-en-Aarde valley has one of the coolest climates in South Africa, with maritime winds moderating the temperature, and a diversity of granite, quartz and clay soils.

The winery boasts a stunning view and perfectly placed tasting room and restaurant which looks out towards the popular coastal town of Hermanus and the ocean. In the cellar, gravity is used to avoid mechanical pumping, and only indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation.

Grapes are hand picked and sorted and no chemical additions are made during vinification, all of which is aimed at purity of flavour and natural vineyard expression.