A Transient Culinary Dream Unfolds at Epoché This Summer

This summer, the wild beauty of the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley plays host to something fleeting, magical, and entirely unforgettable. From December 2025 to February 2026, Hasher Family Wines presents Epoché - a once-in-a-season dining event where time slows down, nature takes the lead, and every bite tells a story.

Set beside a peaceful farm dam and wrapped in the valley’s fynbos-covered slopes, Epoché isn’t just a meal - it’s an immersive celebration of place and impermanence. The name itself, taken from the ancient Greek word for “a pause in judgment,” sets the tone for an experience designed to pull you out of routine and into the present moment.

At its heart is a 15-course tasting menu crafted by Michelin-starred chefs Edwin and Tom Vinke of De Kromme Watergang in the Netherlands. Known for their seasonally driven cuisine and poetic plating, the father-and-son duo bring their refined European technique to South Africa’s soil, working with the region’s untamed flavours and exceptional local ingredients.

“Each dish and pour is a story: a journey across flavours, textures, and seasons, reflecting both the chefs’ artistry and the valley’s unique terroir,” reads the official statement from Hasher Family Wines.

Every plate is precisely paired with the estate’s signature cool-climate wines, produced by Céline and Frederik Haspelagh, whose vineyard philosophy mirrors the depth and nuance of the valley itself. Their wines - shaped by mineral-rich soils, brisk coastal breezes, and meticulous farming - form the soul of each pairing, enhancing the rhythm of the menu.

But Epoché is more than the sum of its courses. It’s also the vision of the Gonggrijp family - Daan, Joke and Just - the well-loved Hermanus-based team behind local favourites Ficks, Dutchies, and Daans Bakery. Their collaborative spark brought together the Vinke and Haspelagh families, and today, they shape Epoché’s day-to-day rhythm with an effortless blend of hospitality and artistry.

Lunch is served Wednesday to Sunday at 12pm, and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday at 4pm, with limited seating ensuring each service is intimate, atmospheric, and impossible to repeat.

Whether you're a culinary pilgrim, a wine lover, or simply someone craving something unforgettable, Epoché is a moment out of time - a limited-run feast where food, place, and emotion intertwine.

Bookings opened on 5 October 2026.Reserve your moment at www.epoche.co.za.