The World of Groote Post - Summer 2004

Tuesday, 9 November, 2004
Groote Post
Welcome from the Pentz family to our summer newsletter. Warm sunny days and balmy evenings are perfect for a glass of crisp, delicious white wine and what better than a glass of our 2004 Sauvignon Blanc which has done us proud over the past few months.
2004 SAUVIGNON BLANC
Following on from our last newsletter where we informed you how well the 2003 Sauvignon Blanc did winning White Wine of Show in San Francisco comes another achievement that we’re very proud of for the 2004 vintage which was awarded the Grand D’Or at the Michaelangelo awards. A terrific fruit to natural acid balance with its customary refinement resulting from the high altitude of our vineyards and the maritime characteristics that have made this cultivar so popular over the years.

SCHOOL’S OUT
Groote Post Primary
In the year 2000 the Pentz built a school on Groote Post which today houses Groote Post Primary, educating 75 farm labourers’ children from Groote Post and surrounding farms. This is a huge improvement on the previous school infrastructure on a nearby property, which was an average of 7km travel for the majority of the pupils.

Karin Smit and Minnie Hattingh are the two teachers and are financed by the State Education Department. There’s also a Pre-Primary teacher who is responsible for the crèche of 20 children as well as an administrative clerk.

Each teacher is responsible for three grades per class (multigraded education). The school comprises three classrooms, an ablution block and a large open quad, which we have plans to put a roof over in the not too distant future.

A donation of education material comprising books and cassettes was made possible by Mr. Peter Morales of 57 Main Street Wine Company New York, U.S.A.

The mission of the school is educating the pupils to enrich their lives and give them greater opportunities and a better quality of life than the previous generations.

THE WORLD OF GROOTE POST
All the good news
FAIRBAIRN TROPHY
2003 Wooded Chardonnay – Gold
2002 Merlot – Bronze
2003 Sauvignon Blanc – Bronze
MICHAELANGELO AWARDS
2004 Sauvignon Blanc – Grand D’Or
2002 Cabernet/Merlot – Gold
2002 Shiraz – Silver

What’s The Old Man up to now?
When you come and visit us on the farm, you’ll often notice the Old Man up to something. There’s always a new project once the former one is completed to his exacting standards and his security. His latest project is our bird hide which is a perfect spot to relax and view weavers, red bishops etc. etc. Make sure you fin the time to stop and have a chat. He loves to show visitors around. Especially around the next project which he’s working on ... but more of that later!

Special Focus
DEBBIE MCLAUGHLIN
A Cordon Bleu chef who has trained with Prue Leith and Guillianni Bugialli, Debbie is a foodie whose maxim is “One lives to eat”. Fortunately for us she loves to cook too. Fast gaining a reputation for its modern country cooking. Hilda’s Kitchen, the restaurant at Groote Post is where she plies her trade.
 
Here, in the wonderful setting of the Manor House with its remarkable antique collection and its sense of history and heritage, is a remarkable reference in South Africa’s history as Groote Post is the very farm where Hildagonda Duckitt grew up and learnt her craft. The memory of the famed author of “Dairy of a Cape Housekeeper” lives on in the dedication displayed by Debbie in the preparation of lunches at Hilda’s Kitchen.

Already awarded Best New Restaurant on the West Coat by Eat Out magazine the restaurant is perfect for country weddings and family celebrations. Its casual and relaxed approach is the ideal environment to enjoy our range of wines.

The Post
The Baugaard Car Club thoroughly enjoyed their day out at the farm. We’re becoming very popular for functions including conferences for Woolworths and Vodacom as well as for family gatherings.

Jannie and Wilna de Klerk and their new arrival Anja. Both Jannie and Wina play a pivotal role in the vineyard manager and Wilna as our admin guru.

A delighted Mr. and Mrs. Humphries-Davis who enjoyed our 1999 Sauvignon Blanc at their wedding and have become regular visitors to the farm. Affectionately known as “the wedding wine” our Sauvignon Blanc is often wine of choice for wedding ceremonies. Groote Post has become a very popular venue and we have hosted numerous weddings at the farm.