Shaking Up the Durbanville Wine Valley: Groot Phesantekraal’s New Chenin Blanc Cocktail
If you’ve been following my travels around the Cape Winelands, you will know that I am slightly obsessed with the Durbanville Wine Valley. It’s not only because it’s the region I call home (okay, maybe a little), but it’s also because it’s steeped in history with a modern twist!
Today, let’s talk about a farm that more recently stole my heart: Groot Phesantekraal. They’ve just done something incredibly cool to celebrate South Africa’s signature grape variety, Chenin Blanc, and trust me—you’re going to want to hear this.
Why You Need to Visit Groot Phesantekraal in the Durbanville Wine Valley
If you’re wondering, "What is there to do in the Durbanville Wine Valley?" or looking for the perfect weekend escape, Groot Phesantekraal is one of the newest places to look. Located just off the R302, this historic estate perfectly blends old-world charm with a super fresh, contemporary vibe because they have just renovated.
They recently decided to challenge the way we traditionally view wine by teaming up with a legendary flavour innovator. Meet Julian Short (aka The Flavourist), the creative mind behind Johannesburg’s internationally acclaimed cocktail bar, Sin+Tax.
Together, they’ve created a curated collection of six different wine cocktails, each inspired by a different bottle from the farm's portfolio. First up to hit the spotlight? A gorgeous creation called The Garden Party.
"Wine brings freshness, texture, acidity, and a real sense of place. Chenin Blanc, in particular, has an energy and vibrancy that translates beautifully into cocktails."
— Julian Short, The Flavourist
Where Can I Find the Best Wine Cocktails in Cape Town?
Right now, the trend of wine mixology is exploding, and Groot Phesantekraal is joining the pack.
The Garden Party is a sparkling Chenin Blanc cocktail inspired by the classic French 75. It pairs the estate’s crisp, lively Sparkling Chenin Blanc with delicate botanical notes. It’s vibrant, floral, utterly refreshing, and designed as the ultimate aperitif.
For Groot Phesantekraal winemaker Richard Schroeder, this project was all about showcasing just how versatile South African Chenin Blanc can be:
"The Garden Party is approachable, expressive, and joyful, but at its heart, it still celebrates the quality and character of the Chenin Blanc."
How Do You Make a Chenin Blanc Cocktail at Home?
Can’t make it out to the Durbanville wine route today? Don't worry, girl—I’ve got you covered. While the full collection of cocktails is best experienced fresh at the farm's tasting room, they’ve shared the exact recipe so you can bring a taste of the Cape Winelands into your own kitchen.
The Garden Party Recipe
Vibe: Bright, Floral, Citrusy, Sparkling
Glass: Flute or elegant wine glass
Ice: Cubed
Garnish: Fresh lavender sprig
The Ingredients:
25 ml Gin
20 ml Honey water (3:1 ratio — recipe below!)
25 ml Fresh lemon juice
Top up with: Groot Phesantekraal Sparkling Chenin Blanc
The Method:
Add your favorite gin, the homemade honey water, and fresh lemon juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake it like you mean it for 5 to 10 seconds.
Fine strain the liquid into your glass.
Top it off with the star of the show: Groot Phesantekraal Sparkling Chenin Blanc.
Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig, slap the lavender slightly to release the aromas, and enjoy!
Prep: How to Make the Honey Water (3:1)
Ingredients: 750g Honey, 250g Hot water, 5g Fine salt.
Method: Combine everything in a pot and stir until the honey and salt are fully dissolved. Let it cool completely, bottle it, and keep it in the fridge!
What’s Next at Groot Phesantekraal?
If you missed out on the June Chenin celebrations, do not panic. This wine cocktail journey is rolling right through the winter season!
July is officially here, which means Groot Phesantekraal is launching the next drink in their exclusive series: The Oubaas, featuring their incredibly popular estate Sauvignon Blanc. You can check out a stunning cinematic micro-film of the estate's gorgeous property and find out more details on the Groot Phesantekraal Cocktails Page.
Plan Your Visit to Groot Phesantekraal
Ready to go explore? Grab your besties, hit the road, and head out to Durbanville for an unforgettable tasting experience.
📍 Address: Groot Phesantekraal Farm, Klipheuwel Way (R302), Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa
📞 Telephone: +27 (21) 825 0060
📧 Email: restaurant@phesantekraal.co.za / wines@phesantekraal.co.za
Until next time, happy sipping! Don't forget to tag me in your wine farm selfies!
