South Africa’s cool-climate revolution continues to reshape premium wine programs across the UK, and few estates embody this shift better than Hasher Family Estate. A young, terroir-focused producer in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and operated by a dynamic team with deep European farming roots, the estate farms decomposed granite and clay vineyards just five kilometres from the South Atlantic, an environment that naturally produces bright fruit, natural acidity, and refined elegance. Their move to regenerative agriculture, removal of chemical inputs, and a cellar philosophy centred on restraint has resulted in a portfolio ideally suited for modern, ingredient-driven gastronomy.

Producing five exceptional, award-winning wines, this estate represents the very best of South Africa—a must-have for any forward-thinking wine program looking to showcase true South African terroir.

1. Ernest Pinot Noir 2023 – “Pinot Noir of the Year” at the London Wine Competition

Ideal Pairings: duck, venison carpaccio, mushroom-driven dishes, charred octopus

Hasher Family’s flagship wine is a benchmark for cool-climate South African Pinot Noir. Pale ruby with lifted notes of ripe cherries, rose petals, and subtle spice, the wine shows impressive tension and fine tannin detail. The 2023 vintage, shaped by early picking and excellent natural acidity, offers a red-fruited vibrancy that fits seamlessly into Michelin-style menus.

Why it works on a wine list:

Ernest is a versatile, food-friendly Pinot Noir with the polish and purity expected from a global top performer. Its balance of freshness and finesse makes it a sommelier favourite for pairing with both delicate and richer dishes: think duck breast with cherry glaze, venison carpaccio, roasted beetroot, morel risotto or even charred octopus with burnt lemon.

2. Marimist Chardonnay 2023 – Wine of the Year South Africa (London Wine Competition)

Ideal Pairings: scallops, butter-poached turbot, roast chicken, celeriac purée dishes

Medium yellow, rich, and texturally confident, Marimist is a modern, lees-driven Chardonnay offering tropical creaminess, ripe citrus, and clear ageing potential. The long, cool ripening period of the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley lends freshness and definition.

Why it works on a wine list:

The style sits comfortably between Burgundian restraint and New-World generosity—an ideal profile for fine-dining pairings. Its depth stands up beautifully to butter, cream, roast poultry, and shellfish, while its tension keeps the palate clean.

3. Cyriel Cabernet Franc 2023 – A Cool-Climate Alternative to Bordeaux

Ideal Pairings: lamb saddle, smoked aubergine, roasted quail, herbed mushroom dishes

The Cyriel Cabernet Franc 2023 presents bright ruby colour, violets, rose, cassis, raspberry, and a hallmark wet-gravel minerality. Silky tannins and a lifted red-berry profile make it one of the most gastronomically adaptable reds in the lineup.

Why it works on a wine list:

Cabernet Franc is gaining traction in the UK on-trade as a fresher, more food-friendly alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon. Cyriel delivers elegance, moderate alcohol, and spice without heaviness—ideal for contemporary kitchens leaning toward open-fire grilling, vegetable-driven plates, or North African spice profiles. This wine fits particularly well in tasting-menu pairings due to its aromatic lift and textural precision.

4. Batrachella Pinotage 2023 – A Modern Take on a South African Classic

Ideal Pairings: barbecued short rib, game birds, cocoa-rubbed meats, smoked duck, roasted root vegetables

Batrachella is a deep ruby, aromatically complex Pinotage displaying blueberries, wild strawberries, black tea, cacao nibs, fynbos florals, and sweet Sichuan pepper on the finish. It is structured but elegant, with lively acidity and exceptional purity.

Why it works on a wine list:

Batrachella represents the new generation of Pinotage: fresh, linear, detailed, and expressive of site rather than oak. Its flavour profile makes it a natural companion for smoked dishes, fire-grilled meats, or cocoa- and spice-accented preparations. Restaurants exploring South African cuisine or open-hearth cooking will find this wine particularly compelling.

5. Nauticus Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – A Textural, Coastal Expression with Saline Drive

Ideal Pairings: oysters, citrus-cured kingfish, goat cheese, tempura vegetables, herb salads

The Nauticus 2024 is pale straw, aromatic with green apple, citrus, exotic fruit, and flinty minerality. Extended lees contact in concrete eggs adds a rounded mouthfeel, while a saline, coastal finish defines its cool-climate identity.

Why it works on a wine list:

Not your typical high-thiol Sauvignon Blanc—this is a sophisticated, mineral-driven version suited to seafood-led restaurants and modern tapas kitchens. Its balance of energy and texture makes it a standout option for by-the-glass programs where freshness and precision matter.

Final Word for Buyers

Hasher Family Estate represents the next generation of South African fine wine: terroir-driven, sustainably grown, stylistically precise, and built for gastronomy. For sommeliers and on-trade buyers looking to diversify beyond traditional regions while maintaining quality and credibility, these five wines offer a compelling, high-performing addition to premium lists.