Cape wine lovers, raise a glass! Hasher Family Wines in the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has been crowned Winery of the Year at the 2025 London Wine Competition .
The boutique estate from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus wowed an international panel of sommeliers, wine buyers and judges with its Ernest Pinot Noir winning plaudits and the top trophy at the eighth outing for this international wine award.
Unlike many other wine shows that focus purely on what's in the glass, the judging at the London Wine Competition also factors in quality, value and packaging. A little bit like we all do when deciding which bottle off the shelf is going to deliver bang for our buck.
Hasher's Ernest Pinot Noir impressed the judges with its peppery spice, chewy tannins, and sleek modern design.
"Very 'now' modern expressive packaging," noted UK importer David Harvey, while fellow judge Francesco Fronzo praised its complexity and elegant label design.
The win is a proud moment for co-owners Frederik and Céline Haspeslagh. The Ernest Pinot Noir – named after their eldest son – reflects the winery's ethos of blending traditional techniques with contemporary flair.
"This recognition from the London Wine Competition is a meaningful moment for us," says Celine, co-owner of Hasher Family Wines. "It inspires us to keep sharing our passion with wine lovers across the world. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm and raising a glass of Ernest together."
Can't make it to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley just yet? The estate's Wine Club offers early access to the wines on release, plus free delivery, complimentary estate tastings and invitations to special events on the farm.