As #DrinkChenin Month comes to a close, there’s still time to celebrate South Africa’s favourite grape variety with something a little different. Instead of pouring your usual glass of wine, why not end the month with The Garden Party, a refreshing Chenin Blanc cocktail created by Groot Phesantekraal?
The historic Durbanville wine estate has teamed up with renowned flavour expert Julian Short, better known as The Flavourist, to create a collection of wine cocktails that showcase just how versatile South African wine can be.
Leading the collection is The Garden Party, a sparkling cocktail made with Groot Phesantekraal Sparkling Chenin Blanc. Inspired by the classic French 75, it’s bright, floral, citrusy and effortlessly refreshing, making it the perfect drink to toast the end of Drink Chenin Month.
What does it taste like?
The Garden Party is crisp, elegant and incredibly easy to drink. Fresh lemon juice adds a vibrant citrus kick, while honey water brings just the right amount of sweetness. The Sparkling Chenin Blanc delivers lively bubbles, crisp acidity and delicate fruit flavours, while a sprig of lavender adds subtle floral aromas that make every sip feel like summer in a glass.
According to Julian Short, Chenin Blanc is one of the best wines to use in cocktails thanks to its freshness, texture and natural vibrancy. It adds complexity without losing the wine’s unique character.
More than just one cocktail
The Garden Party is one of six wine cocktails developed for Groot Phesantekraal, each inspired by a different wine from the estate. To accompany the launch, the estate has also released a beautiful cinematic short film showcasing its vineyards, gardens and warm hospitality.
While wine cocktails may seem like a modern trend, they’ve actually been enjoyed for centuries. Groot Phesantekraal’s collection simply gives the tradition a fresh, proudly South African twist.
Make The Garden Party at Home
Ingredients
- 25ml Gin
- 20ml Honey Water (recipe below)
- 25ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- Top up with Groot Phesantekraal Sparkling Chenin Blanc
- Fresh Lavender Sprig, to garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, honey water and fresh lemon juice.
- Shake for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Fine strain into a flute or wine glass.
- Top with Groot Phesantekraal Sparkling Chenin Blanc.
- Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig and enjoy.
Honey Water Recipe
Ingredients
- 750g Honey
- 250g Hot Water
- 5g Fine Salt
Method
Simply stir the honey, hot water and salt together until fully dissolved. Allow it to cool completely before bottling and refrigerating. It will keep well in the fridge and is perfect for cocktails.
Average SA Verdict
If you’re looking for a fun way to end Drink Chenin Month, this is it. The Garden Party is refreshing, elegant and incredibly easy to recreate at home. It’s also a great reminder that South African Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile wines around, whether you’re enjoying it in a glass or shaking it into a delicious cocktail. Cheers to ending the month in style! 🍷✨