South Africa's most acclaimed cool-climate wine ward; the 'Valley of Heaven and Earth' inland from Hermanus and Walker Bay; shale and clay soils; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of international standing from three sub-wards — Valley, Ridge, and Upper. Hamilton Russell Vineyards pioneered the region; now home to boutique producers making some of Africa's greatest wines.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | Good Hemel-en-Aarde vintage; cool maritime freshness in Pinot and Chardonnay |
| 2022 | — | Good vintage; ocean influence preserved freshness; Pinot Noir fragrant and silky; Chardonnay crisp |
| 2021 | — | Excellent; cool conditions enhanced aromatics; Pinot Noir shows extraordinary elegance and mineral depth |
| 2020 | — | Exceptional Valley vintage; Pinot Noir of Burgundian complexity; Chardonnay rivals premier cru; landmark year |
| 2019 | — | Good growing season; Pinot Noir shows fragrance and silky texture; Chardonnay shows limestone precision |
| 2018 | — | Excellent cool year; Valley Pinot Noir shows elegant red cherry and earthy depth; Chardonnay mineral and fine |
| 2017 | — | Variable Cape year; Hemel-en-Aarde's coolness moderated vintage challenges |