In a heartfelt celebration of history, Groot Phesantekraal winery in Durbanville has commemorated Anna de Koning, one of South Africa’s most remarkable and inspiring historical figures. On 8 April, a Blue Plaque was officially unveiled by the Cape Town Heritage Foundation at the estate, paying tribute to Anna’s extraordinary life story.
Born around 1661 to a slave, Anna rose against all odds to become a grande dame of Cape society, eventually inheriting Groot Phesantekraal and several other important properties. Her life, often likened to a Cinderella story, embodies the spirit of resilience, grace, and determination. Married to the Swedish explorer Olaf Bergh, Anna weathered many storms, from her husband’s imprisonment on Robben Island to relocations across continents, always standing steadfast beside him with unwavering loyalty.
Today, visitors to Groot Phesantekraal can toast Anna’s enduring legacy with the estate’s flagship Anna de Koning Chenin Blanc. This exquisite wine, crafted by award-winning winemaker Richard Schroeder, is a fitting tribute—celebrated for its rich complexity, elegant profile, and refreshing poise. During Durbanville’s bicentennial celebrations from 8 to 10 April, they welcomed guests for tastings, meals, and a deeper connection to local heritage.
A Living Legacy Rooted in Community and Sustainability
Under the stewardship of the Brink family since 1897, Groot Phesantekraal has remained deeply committed to heritage, sustainability, and agricultural excellence. Fourth-generation owner André Brink describes the estate’s ethos as one that honours the past while looking boldly to the future. “We are proud to preserve not only our land, but also the legacy of those who shaped it,” he says.
Brink, named Farmer of the Year by Agricultural Writers SA, has earned acclaim for his pioneering approach to eco-sustainable farming and food security. Beyond its acclaimed wines, Groot Phesantekraal has restored its original 18th-century buildings, including a restaurant where dishes carry the legacy of Cape culture and traditions.
Anna de Koning’s life continues to inspire generations, symbolising courage, resilience, and the enduring power of hope. As wine lovers gather to celebrate #DrinkChenin Day on 21 June, raising a glass to Anna, they honour not just a remarkable woman, but the layered, intertwined history that shapes South Africa.
Groot Phesantekraal stands as a living monument to a woman who overcame extraordinary odds—and to a community still flourishing because of her legacy.
