June is synonymous with Chenin Blanc in South Africa. Throughout #DrinkCheninMonth, wine lovers across the country celebrate the grape variety that has become one of the nation's most distinctive wine exports, known for its versatility, freshness, and ability to shine in countless styles.
This year, Groot Phesantekraal is encouraging enthusiasts to experience Chenin Blanc in a slightly different way. The Durbanville wine estate has partnered with flavour innovator Julian Short, better known as The Flavourist, to create a collection of wine cocktails that showcase the character of its wines in a fresh and contemporary way.
Leading the collection is The Garden Party, a sparkling cocktail that combines Chenin Blanc with fragrant botanicals and bright citrus notes, resulting in an elegant serve perfect for winter entertaining.
A Contemporary Twist on a Classic
Inspired by the iconic French 75, the Garden Party reimagines the classic cocktail through a distinctly South African lens. The recipe pairs gin, lemon juice and honey water with Groot Phesantekraal's Sparkling Chenin Blanc, creating a drink that is crisp, floral and wonderfully refreshing.
Best known for his work at acclaimed cocktail destination Sin+Tax, Short has built a reputation for creating drinks that tell stories through flavour.
For him, wine offers an exciting and often overlooked ingredient behind the bar.
"Wine brings freshness, texture and acidity in a way few other ingredients can," he explains. "Chenin Blanc in particular has an energy that works beautifully in cocktails while still allowing the wine itself to remain the star."
Why Chenin Blanc Works So Well in Cocktails
South Africa is home to some of the world's finest Chenin Blanc vineyards, and the variety's naturally bright acidity and fruit-forward profile make it remarkably adaptable.
Whether enjoyed as a crisp still wine, a sparkling expression or incorporated into cocktails, Chenin Blanc retains its signature balance of freshness and complexity. In the Garden Party, those qualities are enhanced by the delicate sweetness of honey, the zing of fresh lemon, and the aromatic lift of lavender.
The result is a cocktail that feels celebratory without being overly sweet, making it an ideal aperitif before a meal.
The Garden Party Cocktail Recipe
Bright | Floral | Citrusy | Sparkling
Ingredients
- 25 ml gin
- 20 ml honey water (3:1 ratio)
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- Groot Phesantekraal Sparkling Chenin Blanc, to top
- Lavender sprig, to garnish
Glassware
- Flute or wine glass
Ice
- Cubed ice
Method
- Add the gin, honey water and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Fine strain into a flute or wine glass.
- Top with chilled Groot Phesantekraal Sparkling Chenin Blanc.
- Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig and serve immediately.
How to Make Honey Water
This simple syrup alternative adds texture and a gentle floral sweetness to cocktails.
Ingredients
- 750 g honey
- 250 g hot water
- 5 g fine salt
Method
- Add the honey to a saucepan or mixing bowl.
- Pour in the hot water and add the salt.
- Stir until fully dissolved and combined.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Transfer to a bottle and refrigerate until needed.
A New Way to Enjoy a South African Favourite
While wine cocktails may feel like a modern trend, the practice of combining wine with herbs, spices and other ingredients dates back centuries. Today's interpretations simply bring a contemporary sensibility to a long-standing tradition.
The Garden Party demonstrates just how adaptable Chenin Blanc can be, offering a fresh perspective on a variety that continues to define South African winemaking. As #DrinkCheninMonth continues throughout June, it's a fitting reminder that some of the country's most celebrated wines can be enjoyed in more ways than one.
Credit
Images: Groot Phesantekraal , Instagram @grootphesantekraal
