Located a mere 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.
A must-visit in the Durbanville Wine Valley, the Groot Phesantekraal Restaurant – the recipient of a Best Bistro Highly Commended Award at 2019 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries Awards – has an enticing Spring Menu that is not to be missed. The highly acclaimed Groot Phesantekraal wines are also no strangers to awards. Latest accolades include a 2019 Michelangelo Double Gold for the Groot Phesantekraal Sauvignon Blanc 2019 and a Gold Medal for the Cabernet Sauvignon 2017.
Escape from the hustle and bustle as all traces of city life are forgotten by the time you reach the end of the road. A wonderful welcome awaits you: beautiful gardens, historic white-washed buildings and spectacular views across the valley. Here and there a farm dog lolls in the shade while hens and chicks potter around. This is tranquillity at its best. This is the historic Groot Phesantekraal.
Wine tasting
Enter the tasting room, designed by Jacques Erasmus of Hemelhuijs and Ronelle Brink, where central features are a wall of shelves lined with over 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… to name just a few – and gorgeous lighting made out of old glass decanters.
In addition to the range of excellent wines, Groot Phesantekraal’s very 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.
The restaurant
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 views over the rolling hills and mountains beyond.
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.
Breakfast and lunch are served Tuesday to Friday and the Saturday brunch and picnics on the lawn are popular with locals and visitors alike.
Opening hours and contact details
Wine Tasting & Sales: Open Tuesday to Friday: 08:00 – 16:30 · Saturday: 09:00 – 14:30
Restaurant: Open Tuesday to Friday: Breakfast: 8:00 – 11:00, Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00
Saturday Brunch: 09:00 – 14:30
Saturdays on the Lawn: 10:00 – 14:30
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Booking is essential
Phone 021 825 0060 or visit their website here…
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