A season of flavour at Groot Phesantekraal: Winter dining, cocktails and wine specials

Monday, 13 July, 2026
Groot Phesantekraal
Winter has arrived at Groot Phesantekraal in the Durbanville Wine Valley, bringing with it a season of rich flavours across the farm.

Winter has arrived at Groot Phesantekraal, bringing with it a season of rich flavours across the farm. From Chef Germaine Esau’s comforting new winter menu and value-driven mid-week set lunches, to Julian Short’s latest Flavourist cocktail creation, The Oubaas, and an exclusive offer on the award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, there is something to savour at every turn.

Chef Germaine Esau’s winter menu reflects farm-fresh flavour

Winter dining at Groot Phesantekraal Restaurant embraces the season with a menu that celebrates bold flavours, local farm produce, and indulgent comfort.

Created by Chef Germaine Esau and his team, the winter menu invites guests to begin with dishes such as roasted and lightly smoked beetroot with goat’s cheese and crisp halloumi, Phesantekraal lamb tartare, or glazed wagyu tongue, before moving on to hearty mains including Phesantekraal pork with smoked pineapple and satay sauce, classic coq au vin, pan-roasted venison loin, and sustainably sourced line fish with smoked fish velouté.

The experience concludes on a sweet note with inventive desserts such as roasted parsnip and ginger parfait, guava and custard with cardamom ice cream, dark chocolate agnolotti, and a delicate Belnori chèvre fraise soufflé – all thoughtfully crafted to complement the estate’s wines and the warmth of the winter season.

Book via Dineplan.

Mid-week winter lunches done right

Make the most of winter with a leisurely mid-week lunch at our restaurant. Available from Tuesday to Friday between 12h00 and 15h30, the special winter set menu offers exceptional value at R295 for two courses or R385 for three courses, including a glass of Estate Chenin Blanc or Cape Francolin Red Blend.

Start with a choice of salt and pepper calamari with confit potato, chorizo and sauce Puttanesca, or seasonal soup served with a braaibroodjie, followed by either herbed barley risotto with parmesan and lemon-whipped cream cheese or a comforting Phesantekraal venison pie with potato purée and mushroom gravy. End on a sweet note with Cape malva pudding and roasted banana ice cream or a decadent chocolate delice with mascarpone and Boeretroos.

Book your table via Dineplan and settle in for a delicious seasonal escape.

A menu inspired by comfort, connection, and seasonal flavours

"Winter is a season that naturally draws people to the table, and our winter menus were created with that sense of comfort and connection in mind. We’ve taken beautiful local ingredients, many sourced from the farm and surrounding region, and paired them with rich, warming flavours that reflect the season while still feeling refined and contemporary. Our winter set lunches offer guests an opportunity to enjoy some of our favourite dishes at exceptional value, whether they’re joining us for a relaxed mid-week catch-up or a long lunch paired with a glass of wine. We want every meal to feel generous, memorable, and distinctly Groot Phesantekraal." – Chef Germaine Esau

Meet the Oubaas: July’s signature wine cocktail

July sees the arrival of the second drink in our exciting wine cocktail series, created by mixologist Julian Short, The Flavourist. Named The Oubaas, the cocktail pays tribute to fourth-generation owner André Brink (aka Oubaas), whose vision continues to shape the farm and our philosophy. Built around Groot Phesantekraal Sauvignon Blanc and complemented by brandy, fresh lemon juice and bright apple syrup, it is a crisp, refreshing serve with layers of fruit, acidity, and subtle spice. More than just a cocktail, The Oubaas reflects the estate’s farm-to-plate ethos, where ingredients, wines and experiences are thoughtfully connected to the land.

Available exclusively at the restaurant throughout July, it offers guests a distinctive taste of the people, produce, and stories that define Groot Phesantekraal.

Exclusive offer on our award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon

Enjoy an exclusive offer on Groot Phesantekraal’s award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, a standout expression of the estate’s winemaking excellence. Recognised in the Winemag.co.za Prescient Top 10 Cabernet Sauvignon Report 2025, where it achieved an impressive 93 points, this Cabernet continues to affirm its place among South Africa’s finest. For a limited time, the wine is available at a special price of R1 000 (normally R1 134), with an additional Wine Herd offer at R940. Rich, structured, and elegantly layered, this is an exceptional opportunity to secure a highly rated vintage at an outstanding value.

Click HERE to learn more about our Wine Herd membership and how to join.

Shop the offer via our online store. Enjoy free shipping on all orders.

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Chef Germaine Esau
Chef Germaine Esau

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