On 29 October, Groot Phesantekraal winemaker Richard Schroeder and chef Germaine Esau will join forces for The Art of Pairing, an intimate dining experience celebrating the interplay between food and wine.
Featuring a seasonal menu built around fresh ingredients and thoughtfully selected wines, the evening will bring together current vintages and older releases from Groot Phesantekraal’s wine bank. Guests will have the opportunity to discover how wines evolve over time, revealing new layers of complexity and character, and how these qualities can be enhanced through considered food pairings.
The experience begins with West Coast oysters, accompanied by Granny Smith apple and cucumber granita, paired with Groot Phesantekraal Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs 2021.
Next, yellowtail sashimi with nasturtium, pear and Mexican chilli will be served alongside the estate’s flagship Anna de Koning Reserve Chenin Blanc, with vintages spanning 2021 to 2025. This vertical tasting will offer a fascinating perspective on the evolution of one of Groot Phesantekraal’s signature wines.
A traditional waterblommetjiebredie follows, paired with Marizanne Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2025, before a surprise course introduces another unexpected pairing with Groot Phesantekraal Pinotage 2024.
The savoury courses continue with sugar-cured beef steak, panisse, duck liver and orange-glazed beets, accompanied by Groot Phesantekraal Cabernet Sauvignon 2021.
To conclude, almond financier with lemongrass, charred pineapple, rum and raisin will be paired with Groot Phesantekraal Noble Late Harvest 2025, bringing the evening to a fittingly elegant close.
Hosted by Schroeder and Esau, The Art of Pairing offers an opportunity to explore the thought and craftsmanship behind the relationship between the kitchen and the cellar, with each course designed to reveal something new about the wines and the ingredients alongside them.
Event details:
Date: 29 October 2026
Arrival: From 18h30 for a 19h00 start
Venue: Groot Phesantekraal, Durbanville
Price: R1 200 per person
Bookings: Bookings are essential. To reserve a place, email restaurant@grootphesantekraal.co.za.