Groote Post, the beautiful historic farm owned by the Pentz family, invites wine aficionados, gastronomes, history- and nature-lovers alike to head up the West Coast for a wine and food experience with a difference and soak up the heritage, rustic charm and warm country hospitality that are synonymous with this family estate.
Whilst enjoying delectable cuisine prepared by internationally-trained cordon bleu chef, Debbie McLaughlin, paired with Groote Post’s award-winning wines, visitors will be regaled with stories from Groote Post’s illustrious history dating back to 1706, including anecdotal references to Hildagonda Duckitt, Groote Post’s most famous hostess.
Hildagonda was born and raised amongst a family of 10 brothers and sisters in the Groote Post homestead 150 odd years ago. Her father was a member of the first Cape Parliament and consequently numerous society receptions were hosted at Groote Post. Hildagonda’s celebrated success as a hostess led her to write and publish two books, “Where is it of Recipes” and “The Diary of a Cape Housekeeper”, which present us with a treasury of Cape cuisine, along with cameos of late Victorian lifestyle at the tip of Africa. These two titles became household names in Victorian England and are now sought-after Africana. Groote Post’s award-winning restaurant, Hilda’s Kitchen, which has established itself as a rare West Coast gem, is named after and inspired by Groote Post’s ‘grande dame’ of Cape Cuisine.
To share in this new wine and food experience, ‘Reflections of Groote Post at Hilda’s Kitchen’, visitors will need to get together with a group of friends and make a reservation in advance.
Groups of between 10 and 20 will be entertained in the private dining-room at Hilda’s Kitchen, relaxing over a three-course luncheon or dinner complemented by Groote Post wines, whilst listening to tales of a by-gone era. A tasting of four white wines will accompany the starter followed by four red wines with the main course and ending with dessert.
Booking is essential: Telephone 022 492 3430 or e-mail: mclaughlin@worldonline.co.za
In addition to its excellent wines and cuisine, Groote Post offers much in which to indulge, including nature walks, farm drives through the vineyards and their 2000-hectare game camp and magnificent spring flowers.
