JUST 20 minutes from Cape Town, peacefully tucked away within the Tygerberg Hills on the outskirts of Durbanville, a rural gem awaits you, where the rich heritage dating back to 1698 is woven into the very fabric of the estate. This is Groot Phesantekraal. Once a farm with rolling wheat lands, vineyards, grazing cows and sheep, this historic estate latterly saw a quiet evolution under the guidance of fourth generation owners André and Ronelle Brink, elevating it to the top of any wine explorer’s to-do list.
Groot Phesantekraal is the perfect blend of country charm and modern sophistication, where you are spoilt with an excellent selection of wines and exquisitely presented gourmet food in their beautifully restored restaurant housed in the farm’s original stable.
The tasting room, designed by Jacques Erasmus of Hemelhuijs and Ronelle Brink, features a wall of shelves lined with more than 100 classic glass storage jars filled with every possible wine aroma imaginable – black cardamom, Szechuan pepper, eucalyptus, nougat, cut-grass, coconut, cloves, ginger, vanilla, cumin seeds – and gorgeous lighting made out of old glass decanters. In addition to the range of excellent wines, Groot Phesantekraal’s own extra virgin olive oil is available at the tasting room for R70 a bottle. Next door is the original chicken coop where private tastings are held. Or perhaps you prefer an informal outdoor tasting on the grassy terrace where you can enjoy a delectable cheese and charcuterie platter while sipping your wine and gazing across vineyards and farmlands.
One of the oldest farms in Durbanville, the restaurant housed in a converted farm stable (built in 1767) pays homage to the history of the farm. The white-washed plastered walls, original stone floors, open-beam thatched roof and original feeding troughs blend seamlessly with modern touches and wonderful viewsover the rolling hills and mountains beyond.
Juan and Maret van Deventer are the culinary team; Juan is the head chef making magic in the kitchen while Maret, also a chef, runs the front of house.
The menus, based on a combination of contemporary country style and traditional cooking, provide hearty, wholesome meals; a perfect foil to the farm’s wines. The small but eclectic menu changes regularly according to seasonal availability as much of the produce used is sourced on the farm.
On Saturdays, parents can relax outside overlooking the vineyards, tasting wine while their children run freely on the expansive lawns. The menu includes fine cheese and meat platters with ciabatta as well as pizzas from the wood-fired oven.
Call 021 825 0060 or click here.
Wine Tasting & Sales: Tuesdays to Fridays 8am till 4.30pm, Saturdays 9am till 2.30pm
Restaurant: Tuesdays to Fridays, Bbreakfast 8am till 11am, lunch 12pm till 3pm
Saturday brunch 9am till 2.30pm
Saturdays on the Lawn 10am till 2.30pm
Booking is essential: Tasting Room: [email protected] · Restaurant: [email protected]
Groot Phesantekraal Farm, Klipheuwel Way (R302), Durbanville.
