Who is Hasher Wines, and what’s the story behind the brand?
Hasher Family Wines was born from a leap of faith in 2021 when we purchased beautiful vineyards in the Upper Hemel & Aarde Valley. We’re a Belgian family who fell in love with South Africa’s potential for world-class cool-climate wines. Our focus is on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – varietals that truly thrive in our unique terroir – though we also craft small productions of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Pinotage. The name reflects our commitment to family winemaking, with my wife Céline and I at the heart of operations, supported by her uncle and aunt, Christine and Xavier Haspeslagh, as co-investors from Belgium.
What motivated your family to move to South Africa, and why did you choose winemaking as a new venture?
The decision came after an unexpected family loss just before the pandemic, which gave us the courage to pursue our dreams. Though I worked in finance and Céline in HR, wine had always been my passion – I even trained as a sommelier. Céline’s agricultural background through her family made the transition less daunting; her father actually made wine from garden vines, though the quality was questionable! We’d been visiting South Africa for years – I’ve been coming since childhood, and I introduced Céline to the country. The combination of our love for South Africa, my wine passion, and Céline’s agricultural roots made winemaking feel like destiny rather than chance.
How has life in South Africa been for you, personally and professionally? Have there been any challenges for your family?
It’s been exactly four years since we arrived on 4th August 2021, and whilst the children were emotional right up to moving day, they’ve taken to South African farm life like ducks to water. Our three children, who were 5, 6, and 7 at the time, now have this incredible childhood close to nature and the sea. They’ve become so much more resilient, and managing screen time is much easier when the sun’s shining and you’re living on a farm!
The main challenge is being far from family and friends in Belgium, though the lack of time difference helps us stay connected. What’s been remarkable is how warmly our neighbours and wine colleagues have welcomed us – some truly feel like family now. Professionally, it’s been about learning our terroir and adapting our approach to work in harmony with this unique environment.
Besides winemaking, what are some of your family’s other passions or hobbies?
Living on a farm in such a beautiful part of the world naturally draws us outdoors. The children are constantly exploring, whether it’s in our conservation areas or down by the coast. We’re passionate about conservation – a third of our farm is dedicated to nature preservation. Christine and Xavier initially said they’d only visit once a year, but they’ve caught the South African bug too and now come two to three times annually! The whole family has embraced the South African lifestyle of outdoor living and connection with nature.
How does a typical day at Hasher Wines look like?
Our days revolve around the rhythm of the vineyard and the seasons. During harvest, we’re up before dawn, but throughout the year, we’re constantly in the vineyards – monitoring, tasting, making decisions about our minimal intervention approach. Working with our winemaker Natasha Williams, we focus on allowing our terroir to express itself authentically.
A significant part of our days involves hosting guests for tastings and vineyard tours – sharing our story and passion with visitors who come to experience our wines and terroir firsthand. The children are often with us after school, learning about the vines and the process. During the last harvest, they made their very first barrel of wine, though Ernest, our eldest, has found his true calling in folding boxes! It’s a lifestyle where work and family life beautifully intertwine, always guided by what the vines and the vintage are telling us.
What opportunities and challenges do you see for South African wines in the global market?
South African wines have incredible potential, particularly from cool-climate regions like ours. The terroir here can produce wines that compete with the world’s best, especially varieties like our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The challenge is continuing to build recognition and understanding of our unique regions and styles internationally. There’s still work to be done in communicating the quality and distinctiveness of South African wines, but the foundation is absolutely there. Our approach of sustainable, terroir-driven winemaking aligns perfectly with global consumer trends.
How do you see the future of Hasher Wines evolving over the next few years?
We’re focused on truly understanding and expressing our terroir. Since moving here, we’ve replanted extensively, concentrating on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir whilst moving completely away from chemical fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides. Our minimal intervention philosophy, both in the vineyard and cellar, allows us to create wines that authentically reflect our unique site and each vintage’s character. The goal is to establish Hasher Family Wines as a benchmark producer from the Upper Hemel & Aarde Valley, recognised for wines that genuinely speak of their place.
What are the most rewarding aspects of living and working in South Africa for your family?
Watching our children grow up with this incredible connection to nature and the land has been extraordinary. They’re experiencing a childhood we could never have given them in Belgium – free-range living on a farm, close to the ocean, under endless blue skies.
Professionally, there’s something magical about working with this terroir and seeing our vision come to life in the wines. The warmth of the South African wine community has made us feel truly at home, and we’re blessed with an incredible team both in the cellar, vineyards, and office – the people behind the scenes who might often be forgotten but are absolutely essential to everything we do.
Perhaps most profoundly, there’s the knowledge that whilst we’re working on this farm for our lifetime, we’re establishing vineyards that will hopefully outlive us – creating something lasting for future generations. Every day brings new discoveries about our land, our wines, and ourselves, knowing we’re building a legacy that extends far beyond our own time here.
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