Thorne & Daughters Wines, founded in 2012 by John and Tasha Seccombe in the Western Cape, is renowned for producing some of South Africa’s finest white wines. After a long journey around the world and back to where they first met, the couple settled in the Cape, sharing a mutual love for its almost inconceivable beauty and easy, laid-back way of life. Their wines capture the essence of the region, reflecting its air, sunshine, and vibrant character.
Drawing on the Cape’s rich winemaking history, John and Tasha combine old-vine parcels with new grape varieties, creating wines named after children’s toys. John, a master blender, is especially celebrated for his white wines. His Rocking Horse and Wanderer’s Heart blends are among South Africa’s best values, while his single-vineyard varietals, including ‘Snakes & Ladders’ Sauvignon Blanc, ‘Cat’s Cradle’ Chenin Blanc, and ‘Paper Kite’ Sémillon Blanc, showcase the region’s old-vine sites with outstanding texture and complexity. John’s ability to maintain a consistent profile across his wines while honoring the individuality of each vineyard site is a hallmark of his craft.
In 2024, John was honored with membership in the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild, a distinction given to only around 40 winemakers in South Africa, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s finest. Consistently classified by Tim Atkin, MW, as one of South Africa’s First Growth producers, his expertise in texture and natural winemaking methods sets Thorne & Daughters apart. His sensitive approach includes skin contact with varieties like Clairette Blanche and Sémillon, along with native yeast fermentation, resulting in wines with exceptional texture and balanced acidity. With a focus on quality over quantity, John continues to innovate, expanding into red wines and exploring extreme vineyard sites like the Skurfberg. Thorne & Daughters perfectly tells the story of a once-and-future South Africa: old vineyards, old-school simplicity, and modern precision.