Groote Post Vineyards, a cherished family-owned winery located near Darling, will make its way to Stellenbosch for the annual Toyota US Woordfees, scheduled from October 10th to 16th. On Tuesday, October 11th at 13:00, the three generations of Pentz family members will take the stage for an unprecedented joint “taste and tell” showcase.
Under the title “Groote Post: Drie Generasies Proe Tesame,” Peter Pentz sr. (fondly referred to as ‘The Old Man’), along with Nick and Peter Pentz jr., will convene around a table to engage in dialogue while savoring three of their beloved Groote Post wines. Festival attendees are cordially invited to partake in the tasting session and discussion. The afternoon promises a tapestry of captivating anecdotes about the family’s journey from dairy to viticulture, and the harmonious collaboration across three generations that is integral to the triumph of a family enterprise. Peter jr. enthuses, “This is a novel concept, marking the first instance where the three of us will jointly grace a single stage, sharing the Groote Post narrative while delving into the realms of wine and business.”
In 1972, Peter snr. and his father, Oupa Nico, acquired the historic 18th-century Groote Post farm, initially in pursuit of a cooler climate locale for their thriving dairy venture. Peter, renowned as a stockman and esteemed cattle farmer, garnered accolades for his exceptional contributions to the dairy sector, including the distinction of National Farmer of the Year in 1998 and the title of International Person of the Year at the World Dairy Expo in 2001. He also revolutionized South Africa’s livestock industry by introducing cattle semen, which significantly enhanced the quality of the national beef and dairy herds.
Yet, Peter, a visionary at heart, discerned the remarkable wine-growing potential within the Darling Hills. Consequently, in 2001, the realm of dairy yielded to viticulture. The mission was clear—to harness the full potential of their exceptional terroir and create wines of the utmost caliber. Reflecting on his transition from milk to wine, Peter snr. jests, “Nobody ever told me they like my creamy milk, as they do with the Groote Post wines.”
The trajectory that ensued is etched in history. Today, Groote Post stands as a beloved destination for both locals and tourists, offering award-winning wines, exquisite country fare at Hilda’s Kitchen, enthralling Farm Drives through their private game reserve and vineyards, panoramic vistas of the Atlantic coastline and Table Mountain, serene nature walks, birdwatching from hidden enclaves, and, above all, a warm embrace of rural hospitality.
Since its inception in 2000, the Woordfees has evolved into one of South Africa’s most significant artistic events. Stellenbosch, a university town nestled in the Western Cape Winelands, burgeons with vibrancy and creativity during this festival. In a jubilant celebration of literature, performing arts, visual arts, discourse, and cinema, artists, audiences, and communities converge to share their passion for creativity and culture.
