Ataraxia – Uncovering Hidden Treasures of Hemel en Aarde

We returned to the Cape, where many European visitors are slowly heading home. With summer's end, we welcome early autumn. For many, this is the time to say goodbye to the wine regions and embark on their journey back. The number of flights is also declining slowly. In this transitional phase, we’d like to share insights from our latest visit to Ataraxia, a place we cherish diving into. Our connection to Hanli and Kevin, who warmly welcome us each time, is as compelling as their wine.

Our visit to Hanli and Kevin in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley exposed a different approach to winemaking, something many of us from Central Europe may not fully grasp. The issue at hand initially seems quirky—baboon encounters make a considerable impact on local winemakers.

The region is home to a substantial baboon population that frequently descends upon the vineyards. As the grapes ripen, they become an irresistible lure for the animals. However, baboons are not gentle guests—they devastate vineyards across large swathes in mere hours, leading to significant crop losses. Kevin and his team take various measures to minimize these losses. They deploy blank cartridges to scare the animals away, disrupting not only the baboons but also birds drawn to the ripened grapes.

In addition to baboons, birds also present a serious threat to the harvest. Although birds might appear less threatening, their attacks on grapes can lead to severe repercussions. They pick at the berries, and while the immediate damage isn't visible, it leads to more significant issues down the line. The nibbled spots become entry points for bacteria, resulting in rot and decreased yield. Kevin has developed effective strategies ranging from scare tactics to installing nets, successfully keeping birds away while maintaining ecological balance.

Apart from nature's challenges, Hanli faces a personal hurdle. Her love for wines crafted from the Chenin Blanc grape is well known. However, Kevin’s commitment to the Sauvignon Blanc that thrives in their valley complicates her dream for a Chenin Blanc, which remains something of a whimsical fantasy, occasionally sparking light-hearted debates between them as she turns to Chenins from other producers.

At the end of our visit, we delved into their lives outside the vineyard. While many South African winemakers find solace on surfboards, Kevin and Hanli find relaxation from their deep connection to nature. Rather than bask in the warm temperatures and beaches, they are drawn to regions where winter chills can plummet to minus 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Their passion for trekking in the Himalayas reflects a very different kind of enlightenment and rejuvenation.

In our climate, this notion sounds more like a challenge than a retreat. Yet, perhaps these experiences are what keep winemakers like Hanli and Kevin youthful and invigorated despite the rigorous work poured into their vineyards.

Thus, we conclude our account of our recent visit to Ataraxia for the week. We hope to give you insights into the challenges and joys faced by Hanli and Kevin. As always, we wish you a pleasant remainder of the week and, of course, the perfect glass of Ataraxia wine—but please, as previously noted, no Chenin Blanc today.