Groote Post Winery

groote Post was established in 1808 as a facility for monitoring grazing land. Today, the name is known primarily to lovers of excellent South African wines. Peter and Nick Pentz are the third and fourth generations to run the business. They actually come from a "dairy cattle dynasty". It was not until 2001 that the family decided to sell their Holstein herd in order to concentrate exclusively on wine.

The vineyards in the Darling Hills are located around 60 kilometres north of Cape Town. They are characterised by permeable clay, mainly facing south, with the nearby Atlantic Ocean in sight. The cool sea breezes ensure that Sauvignon Blanc can be harvested here three to four weeks later than just a few kilometres further inland.

In the early years, the grape harvest was sold to third parties. in 1998, an experimental batch of Sauvignon Blanc was produced that clearly exceeded Peter and Nick's expectations. The following vintage was praised by the specialised press as a "vintage from hell".

photos: Groote Post