Thorne & Daughters

Thorne & Daughters are a driving force in South Africa's New Wave wine movement, producing what critic Neal Martin calls "lovely, quite cerebral wines" from carefully selected vineyards across the Western Cape. Founded in 2013 by John and Tasha Thorne-Seccombe, the producer works with 15 growers spanning Bot River, Stellenbosch, Swartland, Franschhoek and beyond—a deliberate strategy to chase quality wherever it grows rather than be confined to a single region. They make wines in collaboration with Peter-Allan Finlayson at Gabriëlskloof cellar, bringing a collaborative ethos to every bottle.

About Thorne & Daughters

John and Tasha built Thorne & Daughters on a simple principle: seek out vineyards where people, place, soil and vines align in genuine synergy, then do those vineyards justice in the cellar. They work closely with growers to adopt lutte raisonnée farming—gradually eliminating chemical herbicides and fungicides while building thriving soil health. This partnership approach means every relationship is unique, shaped by the specific needs of each vineyard rather than applied as rigid doctrine.

In the winery, their philosophy is one of restraint. White wines ferment with wild yeasts in vessels of old French oak—ranging in volume from 225 to 600 litres—with minimal additions. They remain on their lees through malolactic fermentation and stay there until November blending—no rushing to bottling. Red wines receive similarly gentle handling: whole clusters and stems are included to build natural structure, avoiding the need for new oak that can mask rather than express terroir. The result is wines that taste more like their sites than their winemakers' ego.

Their range spans single-vineyard expressions and multi-parcel blends. 'Tin Soldier' comes from South Africa's only 100% Semillon Gris vineyard on Paardeberg mountain. 'Cat's Cradle' and 'Paper Kite' both speak to Paardeberg's character through old bush vines—Chenin Blanc and Semillon Blanc respectively. 'Rocking Horse', their flagship, blends Roussanne, Semillon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Clairette from across the Western Cape, showing how diverse sourcing can create coherent, mineral-driven wines.

Food Pairing

Thorne & Daughters whites excel alongside oysters, cured fish, grilled squid and goat's cheese. Their Chenin Blancs and Semillons have the acidity and texture to handle butter sauces without disappearing. The reds—particularly Copper Pot Pinot Noir and Wanderer's Heart—suit roasted poultry, charcuterie platters and lighter game dishes. Avoid heavy cream sauces; these wines prefer restraint in the kitchen as much as the cellar.

What makes Thorne & Daughters part of South Africa's New Wave?

They produce minimal-intervention wines using indigenous yeasts, old oak, and whole-cluster fermentation. They source from hand-picked growers across multiple regions and collaborate with other innovative winemakers, rejecting conventional single-estate models.

Are Thorne & Daughters wines organic or biodynamic?

They use lutte raisonnée farming with partner growers—gradually eliminating chemical herbicides and fungicides while building soil health. It's a pragmatic approach to sustainable viticulture, not certification-driven.

Which Thorne & Daughters wine should I buy first?

Start with 2023 Rocking Horse (92 pts, their flagship blend) or 2023 Cat's Cradle Chenin Blanc (95 pts) for depth. Both show their house style: mineral, textured, food-friendly whites made to age.

Who makes Thorne & Daughters wines?

John and Tasha Thorne-Seccombe founded Thorne & Daughters in 2013. They produce wines in collaboration with Peter-Allan Finlayson at Gabriëlskloof cellar, sourcing from 15 growers across the Western Cape including Swartland, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek.

What style of wine does Thorne & Daughters make?

Thorne & Daughters make minimal-intervention whites and reds using wild yeast and old oak. Their Chenin Blancs and Semillons are buttery and complex, while Sauvignon Blancs are green and flinty. A Snakes & Ladders Sauvignon Blanc scored 94 points.

How much does Thorne & Daughters wine cost?

Thorne & Daughters wines range between £19.95 and £29.65. Most bottles sit between £22 and £27, offering accessible pricing across their white and red range.