Ataraxia Wine Farm, Hermanus
Photo Caption: Can anyone #guesswhere this picturesque wine estate is?
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Photo by @redwolfeimports
Ataraxia Wine Farm is one of the successful new wineries in South Africa. Ataraxia is Greek for “a serene state of mind, free from worry and preoccupation”, which one can experience when visiting this picturesque wine farm.
This wine farm in Hermanus is situated in the heavenly stretch of land beneath a lofty peak of Babylon’s Tower mountain range in the Overberg region, with jaw-dropping vineyard, valley and mountain views.
In 2004, the husband and wife, Kevin and Hanli Grant, in partnership with a few friends, purchased the Skyfields Farm. The 47-hectare prime vineyard property situated in the Hemel en Aarde road was then envisioned to produce the Ataraxia wine label.
The vineyards are planted on some of the most spectacular terroirs South Africa has to offer. The farm’s elevated, predominantly south-facing slopes and a particularly mild climate give Ataraxia its excellent grape-growing conditions. Ataraxia enjoys the privilege of cultivating some of the most ancient soils on Earth. The vineyards’ soil contains fourteen different soil deposits derived from Table Mountain Sandstone, Cape Granite and Bokkeveld Shale, which can be traced back to more than 1000 million years ago. These deposits are all beneficial to the growing of superior grape qualities. There is a total of twelve hectares under vine with another twelve hectares planned for the future.
Wines
Ataraxia wines are a pure expression of the soil in which they grow. With its ideal location and dramatic setting, the farm produces wines of incredible finesse, balance, and depth. Although a relative newcomer to the South African wine industry, Ataraxia is fast-becoming one of South Africa’s leading producer of wines.
Ataraxia offers 4 perfectly created wines, namely, an unwooded Sauvignon Blanc, a wooded Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir and a red blend, called Serenity. These wines are made by the very talented winemaker and member of the Cape Winemakers Guild, Kevin Grant.
The Ataraxia Wine Lounge
Ataraxia is also home to a vernacular architectural style white chapel that sits on top of the hill, amongst green vineyards with the great Babylon Toren Mountain as the backdrop. The chapel has been converted into a charming wine tasting room where visitors can have a taste of Ataraxia wines while enjoying the peaceful yet dramatic scenery.
The wine lounge has been described as “surely one of the most spectacular and dramatic positions in the whole world”. The Ataraxia Wine Lounge has a stunning, modern interior with white walls with pops of colour from the exquisite artwork by Tay Dall.
The heavenly views from the balcony of the wine lounge are guaranteed to make your wine tasting in Ataraxia worthwhile. So, relax in the lounge with its plump cushions and comfy couches while sipping your favorite Ataraxia wine and admiring the interesting artworks, or simply savor the breathtaking view from the balcony.
The picture-perfect drive on the dirt road to the Ataraxia Wine Lounge is a bit rough for sedan cars, so simply take it slow and enjoy the vineyards and the view.
Ataraxia is open on Mondays to Fridays from 09h00 to 16h00, on Saturdays and public holidays from 10h00 to 17h00 and closed on Sundays and certain public holidays. Booking is needed if you are a group of ten or more.
A visit to this scenic place is a must-try. A warm welcome awaits you!
