With the 2024 harvest at Hasher Family Estate all wrapped up, we’re excited to sit down and share the highlights with you.
This year was particularly special as we welcomed the talented duo, winemaker Natasha Williams and viticulturist Wentzel Van Zyl, to our team. Together, we faced one of the most dynamic seasons ever in the beautiful Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
A season of extremes
The story begins with last year's exceptionally wet winter, which peaked with a monumental storm in September, followed by an unusually dry November. Yet, the resilience of our vineyards shone through, thanks to our team’s strategic vineyard management and the ample groundwater supply.
Here's an analysis showing how seasonal climate shapes our vintage's character:
Adaptive winemaking
The early warmth accelerated veraison in January, prompting us to fast-track the harvest and creatively overcome unique challenges. We set our goals on balancing acidity over sugar concentration, crafting cool-climate wines that promise a complex symphony of flavours, genuinely reflective of our terroir.
Pinot Noir premiere
This harvest is even more noteworthy as it heralds the debut of our Pinot Noir from newly cultivated sections of our vineyard. It’s a proud symbol of our ongoing commitment to exploring new expressions and enhancing the diversity of our offerings.
Nature and wildlife
Our vineyard's natural balance was tested by the likes of local wildlife, including a few duikers (small antelope) who fancied our young shoots. Their visits have inspired creative, eco-friendly solutions to protect our vines, which we’re eager to share in the upcoming updates.
As we continue to savour this season gone by, our hearts are heavy with appreciation for your continued support. We look forward to unveiling the distinct character of our 2024 vintages.
Keep an eye out for upcoming vineyard scenes and exciting developments on the horizon.