Groote Post heads to Stellenbosch for Woordfees 2022

The family-owned and run wine farm, Groote Post Vineyards, outside of Darling, will be heading to Stellenbosch for the annual Toyota US Woordfees taking place from 10-16 October. On Tuesday11 October at 13h00, the three Pentz generations will present a first-ever joint taste & tell show.

Festival goers are invited to join the tasting and the conversation. It promises to be an afternoon filled with memorable stories about the family’s transition from milk to wine, and the harmonious three-generation partnership that is essential for a successful family business. Peter Pentz, Jr. says, “This is a unique concept, the first time the three of us will be together on one stage, telling the Groote Post story and talking about wine and business."

Pentz Snr. and Oupa Nico bought the historic 18^th Groote Post farm in 1972, looking for a cool climate site for their very successful dairy operation. Peter, at heart a stockman and cattle farmer of fame, was honoured for his exceptional contribution to the dairy industry when he was awarded National Farmer of the Year in 1998 as well as the World Dairy Expo’s International Person of the Year in 2001. Peter also pioneered the importation of cattle semen into South Africa and, in so doing, made a huge contribution to the improvement of the national beef and dairy herds.

However, Peter Pentz being a man of vision, became aware of the rich wine-growing potential in the Darling Hills. Dairy made way for wine in 2001. Peter’s aim was clear - to maximise the potential of their outstanding terroir and produce wines of the highest quality. Peter Pentz senior likes to comment on moving from the milk to the wine industry, “Nobody ever told me they like my creamy milk, as they do with the Groote Post wines”.

The rest is history. Today Groote Post is a popular destination for locals and tourists, offering award-winning wines, superb country cuisine at Hilda’s Kitchen, Farm Drives through their private game camp and vineyards, beautiful views of the Atlantic coast and Table Mountain, nature walks, birdwatching in the hide and, of course, warm country hospitality.

Since its inception in 2000, the Woordfees has become one of the largest art events in South Africa. Stellenbosch, a university town in the Western Cape Winelands, becomes a hive of activity and inspiration during the festival. In a jubilant celebration of the written word, the performing arts, the visual arts, the performing arts, the discourse arts, and the moving picture, artists, audiences, and communities all come together.