John and Tasha met in the Western Cape, fell in love, and eventually circled back to the region after years of travel and winemaking abroad. In 2012, they founded Thorne & Daughters with a modest 5,000-bottle vintage and a big vision: to make honest, expressive wines that celebrate South Africa’s old vines and diverse terroirs. John, formally trained in oenology, brings technical precision and a love for texture-driven wines, while Tasha’s background in design and hospitality adds warmth and creativity to the brand.

They don’t own vineyards - instead, they collaborate with growers across Stellenbosch, Swartland, Franschhoek, and beyond, sourcing fruit from heritage parcels and practicing organic farming wherever possible. Their winemaking is hands-off but deeply thoughtful: native yeast fermentations, gentle handling, and a focus on balance over bravado. It’s a family-run operation with a global soul, rooted in the Cape’s sunshine and soil.