OUR COOL COLLECTION OF WINE COCKTAILS BY THE FLAVOURIST, JULIAN SHORT

A NEW WAY TO EXPERIENCE WINE

Here at Groot Phesantekraal, something unexpected is stirring. And it starts with wine.

We’re reimagining how wine is enjoyed with the launch of an innovative new collection of wine cocktails, created in collaboration with acclaimed South African flavour innovator Julian Short (also known as @TheFlavourist).

Blending heritage, flavour experimentation and contemporary cocktail culture, the collection introduces a fresh, playful approach to wine that feels expressive, social and unmistakably modern.

Wine cocktails are having a moment

Long before cocktail culture became mainstream, wine was already being infused with herbs, spices and seasonal ingredients around communal tables across Europe and beyond. Today, wine cocktails are experiencing a global resurgence as drinkers seek lighter, fresher and more versatile serves that bridge the worlds of wine and mixology.

At Groot Phesantekraal, that evolution takes shape through six signature cocktails designed to showcase the farm’s wines in entirely new ways.

From Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc to Cap Classique, Rosé and Syrah, each cocktail has been crafted to preserve the integrity of the wine while layering in texture, freshness, aromatics and unexpected flavour combinations.

A collaboration between wine and cocktail creativity

The collection was developed alongside Julian Short, one of South Africa’s most respected bartenders and creative voices in modern cocktail culture.

Best known as the co-owner of Sin+Tax, Short’s work spans cocktail development, hospitality consultancy, training and international guest shifts, all underpinned by a distinctly South African approach to flavour and storytelling.

According to Short, wine offers an extraordinary foundation for cocktail creation.

“Wine cocktails are incredibly exciting because they bring a different kind of structure and elegance to a drink,” he explains. “Wine offers freshness, texture, savouriness, fruit, length and a real sense of place.”

For Groot Phesantekraal, the collaboration presented an opportunity to explore the farm’s wines from an entirely different perspective.

Winemaker Richard Schroeder describes the process as collaborative, playful and creatively energising, resulting in cocktails that feel both innovative and authentically rooted in the farm’s identity.

The six signature Groot Phesantekraal wine cocktails

The Garden Party

Inspired by the classic French 75, The Garden Party is a sparkling Chenin Blanc cocktail that is bright, floral and effortlessly welcoming.

Designed as the perfect aperitif, it captures the sensory beauty of the farm’s gardens, hospitality and relaxed atmosphere.

The Oubaas

Built around Groot Phesantekraal Sauvignon Blanc, The Oubaas pays tribute to farm patriarch André Brink (aka Oubaas) and the estate’s farm-to-table philosophy.

Fresh apple and citrus notes create a crisp and layered cocktail that reflects the connection between vineyard, kitchen and cellar.

Last Light

One of the most evocative cocktails in the collection, Last Light honours Anna de Koning, one of the Cape’s most influential historical women.

The cocktail combines Chenin Blanc, Olof Bergh brandy, pineapple and the farm’s olive oil to create a silky, textured serve inspired by golden hour across the farm landscape.

It also celebrates the acclaimed Reserve Chenin Blanc named after Anna de Koning, connecting the farm’s present-day winemaking to its remarkable history dating back to the 18th century.

Farmhouse Spritz

For lovers of aperitif culture and shared dining, the Farmhouse Spritz delivers a savoury and sparkling experience.

Made with Groot Phesantekraal Cap Classique Blanc de Blanc, olive brine, limoncello and mint, the cocktail captures the lively energy of gathering around one table with friends and family.

Syrah Sour

The Syrah Sour offers a bold reinterpretation of Groot Phesantekraal’s flagship Syrah.

Layered with whisky, honey and lemon before being finished with a float of Syrah, the cocktail evolves continuously as it’s enjoyed, revealing shifting flavours, aromas and textures with every sip.

Rosé All Day

Playful, vibrant and unapologetically fun, Rosé All Day combines Groot Phesantekraal Rosé with tequila blanco, strawberry balsamic syrup and lime.

The result is a jammy, savoury pink cocktail that celebrates personality, femininity and relaxed summer energy.

Cinematic micro films bring the cocktails to life

Alongside the cocktail collection, we’re also releasing a series of six cinematic micro films created by Crave Concepts.

Each film is inspired by one of the cocktails and explores a different aspect of the farm — from its people and history to its landscapes, textures and atmosphere.

Together, the films extend the storytelling behind the cocktails, creating a visual journey through the farm and its wines.

A more contemporary approach to wine

Known for balancing a heritage dating back to 1698 with a progressive outlook on hospitality and wine culture, Groot Phesantekraal continues to explore new ways for people to connect over wine.

The collection reflects a growing shift toward more approachable and experience-driven wine occasions, where wine is no longer confined to formal settings but becomes part of relaxed afternoons, long lunches, shared tables and social discovery.

Whether enjoyed as a pre-lunch aperitif, an afternoon cocktail or a conversation starter around the table, the new wine cocktail collection offers a fresh and contemporary way to experience South African wine culture.

The six signature wine cocktails will soon be available in both the tasting room and restaurant at Groot Phesantekraal.  

Click here to view the cocktail recipes and micro films, and here to purchase our wines online.