Nick and Peter Pentz (junior) took them on a tour of the vineyards where they met the harvest team and joined in the action hand-picking sauvignon blanc grapes, followed by a visit to the cellar to watch and learn about the wine-making process. They then proceeded to Hilda’s Kitchen for a leisurely lunch and meaningful conversations about the 2021 harvest, the impact of the ban on the sale of alcohol on the farm, as well as Groote Post’s agri-tourism offerings which include Hilda’s Kitchen restaurant and Farm Drives through the vineyards and private gamp camp.

Premier Alan Winde commented, “Agriculture and tourism are two of the leading job creating sectors in the Western Cape and it is important that we support these industries so that they can grow and create more jobs… I was heartened to see during our visit today that the owners and management of Groote Post are as committed to protecting jobs on their farm as we are to saving jobs in this industry.” Minister Meyer added, “Today, I saw the passion for agriculture from the owners and the workers at Groote Post. These are the people driving economic growth in the Western Cape.”

Nick Pentz concluded, “The extremely positive engagement we enjoyed with the Premier and the Minister was very gratifying and welcomed by the whole Groote Post team. As the harvest draws to an end, we will be extremely busy in the cellar getting our wines ready to be released into the market. With the ease of lockdown, we look forward to an increased appreciation of our wines by consumers, and to witnessing wine lovers escaping to the countryside once again to enjoy everything we have to offer at Groote Post.”