Wine has always welcomed a little experimentation. Long before cocktails became a category of their own, wine was being infused with botanicals, warmed with spice and poured generously in celebration around shared tables.
This World Cocktail Day (13 May), Groot Phesantekraal embraces that spirit of creativity with the launch of a new collection of wine cocktails, developed in collaboration with flavour innovator Julian Short, also known as The Flavourist.
The collection of six cocktails reimagines the farm’s wines in unexpected and refreshing ways, bringing together the character of each wine with layered flavours, seasonal ingredients and a contemporary cocktail approach. From Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc to Cap Classique, Rosé and Syrah, each drink has been carefully crafted to retain the integrity of the wine while introducing new dimensions of flavour, texture and storytelling.
Known for balancing a deep-rooted heritage dating back to 1698 with a progressive outlook, Groot Phesantekraal’s latest offering invites guests to experience wine differently, not as something formal or predictable, but as something playful, expressive and made for connection.
“As a South African bartender, I’ve always loved learning about local wine, and more recently using it as a cocktail ingredient,” says Short. “Wine has so much to offer: acidity, grip, tension, energy, poise, tannin, fruit and so much more. Being able to work with Groot Phesantekraal has been an absolute pleasure, and a wonderful way for me to express my creativity and artistic perspective through a collection of drinks that feel rooted in the farm, the wines and the landscape.”
Short is a Johannesburg-based bartender, bar owner and creative, best known as the co-owner of Sin+Tax, one of South Africa’s most celebrated cocktail bars. His work spans cocktail development, staff training, consultancy and international guest shifts, with an approach centred on flavour, storytelling, thoughtful hospitality and a distinctly South African perspective.
For Short, wine cocktails represent an exciting evolution in contemporary drinks culture.
“Wine cocktails are incredibly exciting because they bring a different kind of structure and elegance to a drink,” he says. “Wine offers freshness, texture, savouriness, fruit, length and a real sense of place. A great cocktail is always the sum of its parts, and every ingredient should add something meaningful. When used thoughtfully, wine can make a cocktail feel more vibrant, more layered and more complete.”
“This project gave us the opportunity to see our wines through an entirely different lens,” says Richard Schroeder, winemaker at Groot Phesantekraal. “Working alongside Julian was incredibly collaborative and creatively energising. There was a real sense of experimentation and play throughout the process, from developing the cocktails to filming the micro films on the farm. We laughed a lot, pushed boundaries and ultimately created something that feels both innovative and authentically Groot Phesantekraal. It’s been exciting to experience the wines in a way that is expressive, approachable and completely unexpected.”
Alongside the cocktail collection, Groot Phesantekraal is unveiling a series of six cinematic reels or micro films by Crave Concepts, each creatively tied to one of the drinks. Together, the films explore different elements of the farm, from its people and heritage to its landscapes, rhythms, textures and atmosphere, creating a visual extension of the cocktails themselves.
The Garden Party 
The Oubaas
Leading the collection is The Garden Party, a sparkling Chenin Blanc cocktail inspired by the classic French 75. Bright, floral and welcoming, it sets the tone for the experience much like an aperitif at the beginning of a long lunch. Its accompanying micro film captures the sensory beauty of the farm’s gardens, landscapes and warm hospitality through a playful and cinematic lens.
The Oubaas, built around Groot Phesantekraal Sauvignon Blanc, pays tribute to patriarch André Brink, affectionately known as Oubaas, and the farm’s deeply rooted farm-to-table philosophy. Crisp, fresh and layered with apple and citrus notes, the cocktail reflects the mindful approach woven into every aspect of the estate, from olive groves and bee hives to kitchen and cellar. Its film celebrates both the leadership behind the farm and the togetherness of the family and wider team.
Last Light 
Farmhouse Spritz
The collection also honours one of the Cape’s most compelling historical figures through Last Light, an ode to Anna de Koning and the Reserve Chenin Blanc that bears her name. Born to a slave in the 17th century, Anna rose to become one of the most influential and wealthy women of her time. Following the death of her husband, Swedish explorer and Dutch East India Company official Olof Bergh, she inherited Groot Phesantekraal in 1724, along with several other prominent Cape farms.
The cocktail combines Chenin Blanc, Olof Bergh brandy, pineapple and the farm’s own olive oil to create a silky, textured drink inspired by the lingering beauty of golden hour. The accompanying film leans into this atmosphere of warmth, nostalgia and cinematic light across the farm landscape.
For lovers of shared tables and lively conversation, the Farmhouse Spritz delivers a savoury and sparkling take on aperitif culture. Built around Groot Phesantekraal Cap Classique Blanc de Blanc with olive brine, limoncello and mint, the drink celebrates communal dining and the energy of gathering around one table. Its ambitious micro film, shot in a single continuous take, captures the spontaneity, humour and cohesion of the people behind the farm experience.
Syrah Sour 
Rosé All Day
The bold and expressive Syrah Sour showcases Groot Phesantekraal’s flagship red wine through a layered cocktail finished with a float of Syrah over whisky, honey and lemon. The result is a drink that evolves with every sip, revealing shifting layers of flavour, aroma and temperature. The film explores the journey of the wine itself, from barrel to bar, while highlighting the playful chemistry between Short and Schroeder.
Rounding out the collection is Rosé All Day, a vibrant pink cocktail featuring Groot Phesantekraal Rosé, tequila blanco, strawberry balsamic syrup and lime. Jammy, savoury and unapologetically playful, the drink is accompanied by a whimsical micro film featuring farm matriarch Ronelle Brink and her elegant prize geese. Set against sunlit vineyards, the story celebrates personality, femininity, laughter and what the team affectionately refers to as “shenanigans”.
Whether enjoyed as a relaxed afternoon serve, a conversation starter around the table or a fresh take on aperitif culture, the collection captures a more curious and contemporary side of wine enjoyment.
The six signature wine cocktails will soon be available at the farm, both in the tasting room and in the restaurant.
For more information, visit www.grootphesantekraal.co.za.
