Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hamilton Russell Vineyards is a producer in the Hemel-en-Aarde region of South Africa. The estate is known for its elegant, structured Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines made just 2 miles (3km) from the Atlantic Ocean, in one of South Africa's coolest wine-growing regions.

Founder Tim Hamilton-Russell, a retired advertising executive, founded his pioneering estate in 1975, and was the first in the country to try cool-climate winemaking this close to the coast. The 30 hectares (79 acres) of Chardonnay and 22ha (49 acres) of Pinot Noir are grown on stony, clay-rich soils, and benefit from cooling breezes from the ocean.

Just the two varietal wines are made under the main Hamilton Russell label. The company also owns a neighboring winery and 113ha (279 acre) vineyard, which makes a Sauvignon Blanc – Chardonnay blend and Pinotage-based red, under the Ashbourne label, and the Southern Right Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc. Both these ranges are released under the broader Walker Bay appellation.

Hamilton Russell is also known for its links to progressive politics. Tim Hamilton-Russell campaigned for fair payments for workers and signed the Cape Winelands agreement rejecting apartheid in 1989. Since 1994, under the ownership of his son Anthony, social initiatives have included the opening of a preschool centre for all families in the area. The estate also supports initiatives to maintain biodiversity in vineyard areas.