We are delighted to welcome Hasher Family Wines, from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, to the Thorman Hunt portfolio. They are our first South African grower.
In 2021, Belgian couple Frederik Herten and Céline Haspeslagh bought this 180 hectare estate near Hermanus. It is a mix of vineyards and native fynbos, with land set aside for biodiversity. Since then the wines’ reputation has grown quickly, and the estate was named International Winery of the Year at the London Wine Competition in both 2025 and 2026.
Frederik caught the South Africa bug as a boy on a visit to Hermanus, and the wine bug later, discovering Ribera del Duero while studying in Spain. Céline grew up with a few hundred vines at the family home, and the whole family helped make wine for friends.
Farming for the future
Regenerative viticulture and conservation are central to Hasher. The vineyards are farmed without herbicides or pesticides, relying on organic fertilisers and farm animals. A third of the farm, 60 hectares, is dedicated to nature conservation. Corridors of indigenous fynbos let native plants and wildlife move freely. The estate is a WWF Conservation Champion, recognised for protecting 14 species of conservation concern. One of them is the micro-frog, one of South Africa’s smallest amphibians, at just under 2cm long when fully grown.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at heart
The vines sit on north-western slopes at 185 to 220 metres, just 5km from the cool South Atlantic, on decomposed granite soils. Since 2023 the winemaking has been led by Natasha Williams, whose experience at Bosman Family Vineyards, in France and in California has made her one of South Africa’s most exciting young winemakers. She intervenes only when needed. French oak is used as a vessel rather than a dominant force, with no overextraction or bâtonnage, so the wines show the valley’s terroir with clarity.
“All eyes should be on this remarkable young woman.” Tamlyn Currin
The range
Hasher Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: approachable yet complex, and ready to enjoy now
Sauvignon Blanc: African ripeness with a Loire-like line of acidity
Cyriel Cabernet Franc: generous and perfumed, with no new oak
Marimist Chardonnay: Natasha’s “celebration of sea and mist”, with gentle oak and crystalline fruit
Ernest Pinot Noir: the estate’s best-known wine, with concentrated red fruit and a herbal fynbos edge
“The passion for South African wine runs through the Thorman Hunt team, and we have been waiting for the right opportunity to begin our journey there; what Frederik, Céline and Natasha are creating at Hasher is truly exciting, so finally our wait is over.” Simon Thorpe MW, Managing Director
“Thorman Hunt is a family business, and that always resonates with us; it means thinking in generations, not in next quarter’s results. They also share our belief in wines with a true sense of place… and yes, there was a dog in the office too, which felt very familiar.” Céline Haspeslagh, Hasher Family Wines
The wines arrive in the UK in late autumn. Many of you tasted them first at our Autumn Portfolio Tastings in London, Bristol and Manchester, and we look forward to sharing them more widely soon.
