"Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution." — Aristotle
Since 2002, Creation Wines has been stirring the pot, or rather, the barrel, of creative innovation and raising the bar of excellence.
Founded by Jean-Claude and Carolyn Martin, the estate has long treated wine not as a static beverage, but as an unfolding conversation between soil, season, science and soul. Their multi-award-winning vineyard has become synonymous with thoughtful hospitality, cool-climate precision and inspired ideas.
The 40-hectare property was virgin land, with the first vines planted shortly after acquisition and the first grapes harvested in 2006.
This year celebrates their 20th harvest!
The winery is renowned for its cool-climate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
We are always overcome by the enveloping earthiness and the sincere authenticity of every welcome. It is deeply pleasant, calming and soothing.
The Creation Wines’ 2026 seasonal pairing menu: Experience Harvest – In Harmony with Nature.
It is not just a lunch, but more a lyrical pilgrimage. Not just a meal, but more a magical mood.
A five-chapter celebration of the most electric time in the vineyard calendar, when grapes arrive glossy and sun-kissed, fermentation hums delightfully in the background, and nature unabashedly shows off her power, splendour and abundance.
At the heart of it all is balance.
Not the wobbly yoga on a rock kind of balance. The real kind. Balance in flavour, in body, in pace, in pleasure.
A menu intentionally designed to leave one feeling deeply satisfied, yet light and energised.
The Prelude: A Green Whisper
The journey begins with a hand cleansing ritual scented with lime essential oil. It reminded me of the pampered feeling of flying first class, only this is so much better.
Then comes Creation Sauvignon Blanc, with a Green Sattvic Soup of leek, parsley, spinach and potato. The wine’s bright citrus line and herbaceous freshness sharpens the palate, while the soup offers gentle layered flavours. Together, they create equilibrium: crisp meets comforting, lively meets soothing.
Chapter One: Sea Breeze in Silk Shoes
Enter Creation Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon, paired with Kohlrabi Ceviche, dune spinach, samphire, capers, kombucha cream and herb oil.
This wine brings saline minerality and freshness. The palate feels rinsed, awakened and newly interested in life. The dish mirrors that brightness with coastal notes and gentle balancing acidity.
Chapter Two: Gratitude, Wrapped in a Taco
A choice of Creation Chardonnay, Ridge or the flagship Art of Chardonnay, arrives beside a soft taco filled with either smoked yellowtail or mungbean tofu, celeriac, fennel salsa, tahini dressing, lemon preserve and lime.
Chardonnay here is silky, elegant and quietly persuasive. It is not called Absolutely Brilliant Chardonnay for no reason. It rounds the edges of spice, coaxes sweetness from vegetables, and lets richness glide rather than lumber. This is balance at its most seductive: generosity without excess, texture without heaviness.
The Pause: Rosé and Perspective
I love this! ADHD asked to be still. Pause. Breathe. It worked!
After a pelargonium cleansing ritual comes a glass of Creation Rosé, served alone.
Its role is palate recalibration, a still point between chapters. Fresh, poised and fragrant, it reminds guests that balance is not only about pairing, but about pause.
Chapter Three: Earth, Elegance & Pinot Noir
Now the velvet glove arrives: Creation Pinot Noir, Ridge or Art of Pinot Noir, served with either oyster mushroom and chickpea tempeh or springbok loin, alongside samp risotto, spinach, radish, violets and nori.
With fine-grained tannins, mineral complexity and notes of red fruit, violet and forest floor, the wine deepens the palate without dominating it. Earthy food grounds the wine; the wine gives wings to the food. It is a beautiful Ballet move.
Chapter Four: Fireside Generosity
Then comes Creation Syrah Grenache, paired with brinjal and basil melanzane, olive crumb, sun dried tomatoes, roasted vine tomatoes, rosemary and pecorino.
Warm, generous and savoury, the wine broadens the palate and amplifies comfort notes without tipping into richness overload. The acidity from the tomato keeps everything buoyant. Herb tones gently huddle it all together.
Chapter Five: The Grand Finale
Dessert offers a delicious dilemma. Quickly overcome by reminding oneself that we look minuscule from outer space and life is short. So choose all the options.
Creation Cape White, a fortified Viognier dessert wine, with ridge apple cake and goat’s milk gelato.
Creation Cape Vintage, a port-style Syrah, with dark chocolate and fig cake.
Or Creation Elation Cap Classique with a local cheese plate for those who prefer savoury endings.
Each option balances sweetness, richness and refreshment differently. The Cape White brightens fruit and cream; the Cape Vintage luxuriates with chocolate and spice; the Cap Classique slices through cheese with celebratory precision.
Book Your Creation Wines in harmony with nature blissful balance experience
For reservations, more information, recipes and wine sales, please visit the Creation Wines website.
