Hamilton Russell Vineyards
About the Winemaker
Hamilton Russell Vineyards holds the distinction of being the first wine estate established in South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. In 1975, Tim Hamilton Russell - an advertising executive with a deep passion for wine - acquired around 400 acres of undeveloped land near the coastal town of Hermanus, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Recognising the promise of this cool-climate location, he began planting classic grape varieties suited to the conditions.
Today, Hemel-en-Aarde, meaning “Heaven on Earth,” has developed into one of South Africa’s most exciting wine regions, home to a growing number of wine estates. In 1991, Tim’s son, Anthony Hamilton Russell, took over the winery and refined its direction, focusing exclusively on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.