Ataraxia – Unveiling Hidden Gems of Hemel en Aarde

We've returned to the Cape, where many European visitors are gradually making their way home. With the end of summer, we welcome early autumn here. For many, this marks the time to bid farewell to the wine regions and start their journey back. The number of flights is also slowly decreasing. In this transitional phase, we want to share our latest visit to Ataraxia, a place we love to frequent. It's not just the wine that draws us here but also the friendship of Hanli and Kevin, who welcome us with open arms every visit.

Our visit with Hanli and Kevin in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley revealed a different side of winemaking that many of us from Central Europe may not consider. One issue that initially appears as a curious challenge but is significant for the winemakers here are the baboons.

This region has a large population of baboons that regularly visit the vineyards. When the grapes ripen, they become an irresistible temptation for them. However, baboons are not gentle visitors—they cause destruction as they pass through the vineyards. Whole sections can be devastated in just a few hours, leading to significant crop losses. Kevin and his team employ various measures to mitigate their losses, including the use of blank cartridges to scare the animals away. This not only frightens the baboons but also birds that are similarly interested in the ripe grapes.

In addition to baboons, birds pose a serious threat to the harvest. While birds may appear less imposing than baboons, their attacks on the grapes are no less harmless. They peck at the berries, causing damage that may not be immediately visible but can be severe in the long run. The nibbled spots quickly become entry points for bacteria, ultimately leading to rot and reduced yield. Kevin has developed effective strategies against this threat. By employing scare tactics and installing nets, he successfully keeps the birds away from the vineyards without causing undue harm to nature.

Apart from challenges with nature and animals, Hanli faces a personal challenge. She has a particular fondness for wines made from the Chenin Blanc grape variety. This is no secret, and Kevin is fully aware of his wife’s weakness for this grape. However, the conditions in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley tell a different story. The soil in the region is excellent for growing Sauvignon Blanc, which Kevin produces with dedication. Hanli's wish for a Chenin Blanc remains a hidden dream that she tries to suppress, though occasionally their humorous debates arise, and she must find solace in Chenins from other producers.

As we concluded our visit, we wanted to learn about their lives outside the vineyard. Many winemakers in South Africa find relaxation on surfboards, but Kevin and Hanli have a different way to unwind. Their life is deeply connected to nature, and their leisure activities have little to do with the warm temperatures and beaches of the Cape. Instead, they seek places where winter temperatures can drop to minus 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. They love traveling to the Himalayas, which represents an entirely different form of peace and relaxation.

To us, living in a country with a vastly different climate, this sounds more like a challenge than a retreat. Yet perhaps such experiences keep winemakers like Hanli and Kevin young and fresh despite the hard work they put into their vineyards.

And so we wrap up our account of our visit to Ataraxia for this week. We hope to provide you with some insight into the challenges and joys of Hanli and Kevin's life. As always, we wish you a pleasant remainder of the week and, of course, the perfect glass of Ataraxia wine—but, as mentioned, please no Chenin Blanc today.