Last weekend, my husband and I were invited by owner Nick Pentz to visit Groote Post in Darling on the West Coast to catch the last of the flower season. With little expectation, we were completely blown away by the scale and diversity of their operations, as well as the innovative spirit of the family.
From milk to wine
To truly appreciate how far the family has come, one must look back in time – something I always enjoy, as it showcases the creativity and resilience of South African farmers.
The story begins with Nick’s great grandfather, who operated a dairy farm in Observatory in the early 20th century. This farm was part of the growing local dairy industry, providing fresh milk and dairy products to the surrounding areas, eventually leading to the creation of Union Dairy in Tokai.
It was during their extensive search for new pastures across the Western Cape that they arrived in Darling and specifically at Groote Post and the neighbouring farm.
The birth of winemaking
In the late 1990s, the Pentz family transitioned into winemaking as part of a broader agricultural diversification effort. This move coincided with the South African wine industry’s growth and newfound international attention after the end of apartheid and the lifting of trade sanctions.
Innovation is at the core of the Pentz family ethos; they saw the need to adapt to shifting economic conditions. The unique terroir and climate of their farm in Darling proved to be ideal for vineyards, leading the family to venture into wine production alongside their cattle operations.
Conservation and sustainability
Conservation and sustainability are central to the Pentz family's farming and winemaking approach. They are deeply committed to preserving the natural environment, and a large portion of Groote Post is designated as a private nature reserve.
This reserve is part of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly fynbos – one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Groote Post plays an important role in protecting indigenous flora and fauna, including rare species.
By offering guided nature and wildflower tours, the Pentz family raises awareness about the significance of conservation and sustainable farming in protecting biodiversity.
A highlight of our visit was encountering a peculiar flower called the "Rat Tail". Despite the cloudy skies, we enjoyed a full flora experience that was still magnificent.
Another memorable sight was the new generation of Rau quaggas (an extinct subspecies of plains zebra once native to South Africa, now being reintroduced through the Quagga Project), as well as giraffes, wildebeest, and the farm’s prized Nguni cattle.
The story of Seasalter
Many might not know that the famed Seasalter – a premium blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon – is produced by Groote Post. In true Pentz family fashion, the wine’s name wasn't crafted by a marketing agency but named by Nick and inspired by Seasalter, a coastal town in Kent, UK, home to the Michelin-starred gastropub The Sportsman.
The Pentz family’s bold and innovative decisions, like the launch of Seasalter, demonstrates their ongoing pursuit of relevance while staying true to their roots.
I am excited to learn more about Groote Post’s rich history and its family's commitment to preserving not only natural heritage but also the historic aspects of the farm, including its beautiful buildings.
Photos: Christine Lundy
