Groot Phesantekraal is hosting a one-night food and wine pairing event on 29 October 2026 in the Durbanville Wine Valley. Led by winemaker Richard Schroeder and chef Germaine Esau, the six-course dinner costs R1 200 per person and pairs seasonal local dishes with current vintages and older releases from the estate's wine bank.
Atmosphere and Heritage:
Durbanville does not carry the same heavy tourist traffic as Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, which works in its favour. Groot Phesantekraal sits on land farmed since the 1700s, with a restored whitewashed cellar and restaurant space converted from an old farm building.
The estate is best known for its white wines, specifically Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, grown in the cooler, clay-rich soils of the Durbanville hills. The overall vibe here is quiet, rustic, and unpretentious.
The Food and Wine Lineup for The Art of Pairing
Chef Germaine Esau built the six-course menu around local ingredients, matching each dish with specific cellar releases:
Course 1: West Coast oysters with Granny Smith apple and cucumber granita, paired with Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs 2021.
Course 2: Yellowtail sashimi with nasturtium, pear, and Mexican chilli, paired with a vertical tasting of Anna de Koning Reserve Chenin Blanc (vintages 2021 through 2025).
Course 3: Traditional waterblommetjiebredie, paired with Marizanne Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
Course 4: A surprise course paired with Groot Phesantekraal Pinotage 2024.
Course 5: Sugar-cured beef steak with panisse, duck liver, and orange-glazed beets, paired with Cabernet Sauvignon 2021.
Course 6: Almond financier with lemongrass, charred pineapple, rum, and raisin, paired with Noble Late Harvest 2025.
The standout feature of this menu is the Anna de Koning Chenin Blanc vertical tasting. Sampling five consecutive vintages side-by-side reveals how the wine shifts in acidity, weight, and fruit texture over time.
Some pro tips:
The Good: Locals love the quality of chef Germaine Esau's food, which sets this winery aside as a premium spot for farm-style lunches in Durbanville. The Anna de Koning Chenin Blanc is a standout and is well known for its balance and ageing potential. The atmosphere is relaxed without being overly informal.
Things to Consider: Because the estate operates primarily as a daytime lunch spot, evening dining events are rare and sell out fast. So make your booking in advance and be quick! Indoor dining spaces can feel slightly noisy when full. Additionally, public transport options out to Durbanville are limited, so you will need a rental car or scheduled Uber for the return trip to Cape Town.
In Summary:
Region: Durbanville Wine Valley, Cape Winelands
Distance / Drive Time from CT CBD: ~30 km / 30 to 35 minutes
Price Range: Event: R1 200 per person | Standard Tasting: R60–R120 | Lunch Mains: R180–R320
Kid / Dog Friendly: Day time restaurant is family-friendly; evening event is adults-only (18+)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance for dining events at Groot Phesantekraal?
Yes. Evening dinners like The Art of Pairing have limited seating and require upfront email booking. Standard weekend lunches should also be reserved ahead of time.
Is Durbanville worth visiting compared to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek?
Durbanville is ideal if you prefer shorter drive times from Cape Town CBD and fewer tour buses. It excels at Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and cooler-climate red varietals.
How far is Groot Phesantekraal from Cape Town CBD?
The drive takes roughly 30 to 35 minutes via the N1 highway and Durbanville Avenue, depending on afternoon traffic.
Booking Details
Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Time: Arrival from 18:30 for a 19:00 start
Venue: Groot Phesantekraal Estate, Durbanville
Price: R1 200 per person
Reservations: Direct email to restaurant@grootphesantekraal.co.za
