Durbanville Wine: A Spotlight on Groot Phesantekraal

Durbanville wine has earned a stellar reputation for crafting elegant, cool-climate wines, growing with every vintage in the Durbanville wine region, and it is a gem among South African boutique wineries. Thanks to its location near the Atlantic Ocean, the area enjoys cool breezes and moderate temperatures that allow grapes to ripen slowly, retaining vibrant acidity and developing complex flavours. It’s this natural advantage that gives Durbanville wine its distinctive freshness, and at Groot Phesantekraal, it’s celebrated in every bottle of Groot Phesantekraal wine.

A Legacy Rooted in the Hills of Durbanville

The history of Durbanville wine spans over 300 years, making it one of South Africa’s oldest wine regions and home to historic South African wineries. The first farms were established in the late 1600s, and by the 18th century, vineyards thrived on the rolling hills north of Cape Town. Early settlers recognised the land’s potential, its gentle slopes, cool maritime climate, and well-draining soils were ideal for viticulture even then.

Over the centuries, Durbanville wine quietly contributed to South Africa’s wine scene, with many farms staying family-owned for generations. Unlike larger, commercial regions, family-owned wineries in Durbanville focused on quality over quantity. In the 20th century, the rise of cool-climate viticulture brought renewed attention to its crisp whites and refined reds, known for their elegance and restraint.

Today, Durbanville is a boutique wine destination where tradition meets innovation, perfect for wine tourism in Durbanville. It's a small group of Durbanville wine estates, including Groot Phesantekraal, that are celebrated for careful farming, site-specific wines, and a strong connection to the land. Though it attracts less tourist traffic than Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, the legacy, quality, and terroir-driven approach of Durbanville wine have earned a loyal following among wine enthusiasts.

Groot Phesantekraal: A Heritage Estate with a Modern Vision

Located on Durbanville’s outskirts, Groot Phesantekraal is a historic working farm with roots dating back to 1698. This estate is an integral part of what makes Durbanville wine distinct, blending tradition and progressive winemaking. Its varied slopes, diverse soil types, and cool ocean breezes provide a perfect environment for several varietals suited to cooler conditions. Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc thrive here, yielding crisp and lively wines with a pronounced sense of origin. Meanwhile, red grapes such as Pinotage, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon benefit from extended ripening periods, producing some of the best wines in Durbanville with impressive depth, structure, and elegance. Each variety is carefully cultivated to highlight its unique characteristics and the narrative of the land itself. At Groot Phesantekraal, winemaking is a thoughtful journey, from vine to bottle, honouring the estate’s rich history and the nuances of its terroir.

With this foundation, let’s explore the unique wines that make up the Groot Phesantekraal collection, showcasing the estate’s dedication to quality and expression of Durbanville wine’s cool-climate character.

Our Wine Collection

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc 2024

A quintessential Durbanville wine, vibrant, zesty, and refreshing, celebrating the region’s hallmark crisp minerality. Proudly, awarded a Double Gold at the 2023 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, highlighting its outstanding character and craftsmanship.

• Flavour Profile:
  Enticing aromas of passion fruit, lemongrass, and zesty lime jump from the glass, underscored by tropical nuances that evoke a sense of place. 

• Food Pairing:
  Pairs well with a zesty ceviche of fresh white fish, mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.

Marizanne Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Crafted from specially selected vineyards, this wine offers greater depth and complexity. It’s a structured, layered white that brings out the best of Durbanville wine’s cool-climate character.

• Flavour Profile:
  Inviting aromas of quince, cumquat, and orange blossom follow through on the palate with hints of mango, nutmeg, and vanilla bean. 

• Food Pairing:
  Fluffy passionfruit sponge cake served with poached pears, white chocolate pastry cream and vanilla bean ice cream, or crumbed chicken breast served with pickled cucumbers, baby marrow and peas, topped with creamy brie and red onion.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc 2024

This is a vibrant, fruit-forward expression of Chenin Blanc, ideally suited for everyday enjoyment. It reflects the versatility of the varietal and the charm of Durbanville’s warm days and cool nights.

• Flavour Profile:
  Intense tropical aromas of guava, pear, and blackcurrant meet citrus notes of grapefruit and lemon, with hints of flint and jasmine.

• Food Pairing:
  Fresh notes of wet stone and zesty citrus make this a perfect match for seasonal salads, grilled line fish with lime, or creamy sweet corn risotto; capturing the essence of endless summer.

Anna de Koning Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023

Named after a remarkable figure in the farm’s history, this wine showcases the richness and complexity that old-vine Durbanville Chenin can achieve. This distinguished wine has earned numerous accolades, including a Gold at Veritas, a 92-point rating in Tim Atkin MW’s Best of South Africa 2023, 4.5 stars in Platter’s Guide 2024, and a Double Gold at the Global Fine Wine Challenge, underscoring its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

• Flavour Profile:
  An elegant aroma profile highlights the wine’s cool-climate origins, with ripe white pear wrapped in subtle sweet spice and hints of fresh almond.

• Food Pairing:
  A balance of candied fruit and rich texture makes this wine ideal with sweet desserts or creamy dishes: think almond nougat, berry cheesecake, butter chicken, creamy shellfish, or baked line fish.

Cap Classique

Cap Classique Blanc de Blanc 2022

Made exclusively from Chardonnay, this Cap Classique is all about finesse and celebration. It’s bottle-fermented using the traditional method, offering fine bubbles and bright elegance, and is ideal for wine tasting in Durbanville experiences.

• Flavour Profile:
  The wine opens with enticing lemon curd and wet stone, flowing onto a rounded, mouth-watering palate. Subtle brioche and leesy notes add depth, thanks to malolactic fermentation and 22 months of lees ageing in the bottle.

• Food Pairing:
  Bright, fresh, and crisp flavours with creamy undertones pair perfectly with lemony salads like Salmon Niçoise, light sushi, or freshly shucked oysters. Bubbles for breakfast? Absolutely! This Cap Classique adds a festive touch to a traditional English breakfast or brunch.

Syrah Rosé

Syrah Rosé 2024

A dry and expressive rosé with a little more weight and spice than your average pink wine. It’s playful, yet grown-up, ideal for long lunches and relaxed gatherings.

• Flavour Profile:
  Delicate salmon pink hue with inviting aromas of ripe grapefruit, subtle dried herbs, and floral hints evoking summer gardens and citrus groves. The first sip reveals a creamy texture that coats the palate, complemented by a saline note that enhances the fruitiness. Juicy peach and tangy pomegranate mingle, finishing crisp and refreshing.

• Food Pairing:
  Grilled shrimp skewers served with a citrusy herb marinade for a perfect match that complements its creamy texture and refreshing grapefruit notes.

Syrah

Syrah 2023

This is a cool-climate Syrah that shows restraint, elegance, and spice. It reflects Durbanville's red shale soils, offering fruit purity and a sense of place.

• Flavour Profile:
  On the nose, beautiful aromas of redcurrant and Madagascan Green peppercorn which follow through to the palate with an elegant grainy palate. The layering of the wine is complex, yet it is a sleek style of cool climate Syrah.    

• Food Pairing:
  Rich Christmas spices in this wine complement flavorful red meats like Sichuan crispy duck breast, five-spice cured pork belly, and dry rub Karoo lamb, making it perfect for a memorable dinner.

Pinotage

Pinotage 2022

A fruit-driven, modern Pinotage with soft tannins and generous flavour. It offers an easy-drinking experience while still carrying a strong sense of South African identity. This distinctive wine earned a 90-point rating in Tim Atkin MW’s Best of South Africa 2023, highlighting its quality and character.

• Flavour Profile:
  Vibrant red-purple with nutmeg, star anise, cinnamon, and smoky notes. The palate offers mulberry and Maraschino cherry, balanced acidity, and a lingering finish.

• Food Pairing:
  Velvety tannins with sour cherry flavours and savoury finish make this Pinotage perfect for spicy dishes like Asian pork stir-fry, Harissa lamb, chilli con carne, and Cajun short ribs, striking the ideal balance to complement bold flavours.

Berliet Reserve Pinotage 2022

This limited release Pinotage is rich and full-bodied, proudly showcasing South African heritage and craftsmanship. Celebrated for its excellence, it received a 4.5-star rating in the Platter’s Guide 2024.

• Flavour Profile:
  The wine reveals bright red fruit aromas, layered with allspice, vanilla, cinnamon, and hints of dried rose petals. The palate is velvety, featuring raspberry and mulberry, finishing with a long, linear finish.

• Food Pairing:
  Roasted oak flavours pair perfectly with game meats like Springbok carpaccio or shank, rich roasted-tomato gnocchi, and salty olive tapenade with cured anchovy paste. Imagine autumn leaves crunching underfoot or a crackling wood fire, our Berliet brings that warm atmosphere to your table.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Structured and layered, this is a classic example of what Durbanville’s cooler sites can deliver. It’s powerful yet polished, offering depth and finesse. Awarded Double Gold at the 2023 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards and 4.5 stars in the Platter’s Guide 2024, it stands as a testament to both terroir and craftsmanship.

• Flavour Profile:
  Concentrated dark fruit aromas of blackcurrant and blueberry lead to a full-bodied palate. Pinecone and black pepper notes blend with dried herbs, highlighting the cool-climate terroir. The wine finishes long and complex, with a lingering blueberry aftertaste.

• Food Pairing:
  Elegant and balanced, our Cabernet Sauvignon offers subtle plum and blueberry flavours. Its restrained dark berries and bright acidity pair perfectly with roasted marrow on brioche, pork and chicken liver terrine, or hearty pork knuckle broth. A true winter winner!

Red Blend

Cape Francolin Red Blend 2022

Named after the native bird often seen on the farm, this Bordeaux-style blend is complex and comforting. It’s a wine that tells a story of heritage, balance, and place.

• Flavour Profile:
  This blend is a lush and polished wine with raspberry and mulberry perfume that follows through to the palate with silky tannins, sweet spice, and cocoa.  

• Food Pairing:
  Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted root vegetables, and hearty stews. Its smooth tannins and fruity notes complement the rich flavours of authentic South African cuisine, making it an ideal wine for your Sunday family meal.

A Taste of Durbanville, A Legacy from Groot Phesantekraal

Each Durbanville wine in our collection reflects the land, legacy, and potential of Groot Phesantekraal. Visit our on-site restaurant for seasonal dishes paired with our wines, followed by a guided wine tasting experience to explore each varietal’s story. Join our Wine Herd, a premier wine club in South Africa, for exclusive releases and events celebrating authenticity and taste. Visit our website to learn more and savour the unique flavours of Groot Phesantekraal, where every bottle tells a story.