{"id":9131,"date":"2019-04-24T10:48:29","date_gmt":"2019-04-24T08:48:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.melkkos-merlot.co.za\/af\/groote-post-country-market-2\/"},"modified":"2022-08-18T11:35:28","modified_gmt":"2022-08-18T09:35:28","slug":"groote-post-country-market-2-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.melkkos-merlot.co.za\/af\/groote-post-country-market-2-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Groote Post Country Market, Darling"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re spoilt for choice when it comes to markets in and around Cape Town. The ones that are practically on my doorstep are regular haunts. But then there are the special country markets one has to work just a little bit harder for \u2013 by driving 50 minutes instead of 15. The Groote Post Country Market<\/a> is one of these gems. I\u2019ve been numerous times and return again and again because, well, it\u2019s just so fabulously different from the city markets.<\/p>\n

For starters you get to breathe actual country air. Your car gets bragging rights by tasting some dirt road. There are cows, horses, goats and assorted other country creatures to admire along the way. And everybody is just a little bit friendlier \u2013 after all, this is the west coast.<\/p>\n

The market is held on the grounds of the historic Groote Post wine estate<\/a> on the last Sunday of every month (except for the winter months of May-July). It\u2019s a seriously laid-back affair, with Darling and Yzerfontein locals eager to share their wares and pause for a natter about country life. This is a very family-friendly market with human wee ones (and the four-legged furry kind) welcomed with open arms.<\/p>\n

For starters there are guided horseback rides. Given that it\u2019s 15+ years since I\u2019ve been on a horse, I decided in favour of preserving my dignity and against trying to haul myself up a mare. My up-for-anything 72-year-old friend, whom I dragged along to the market on my most recent visit, had other ideas. Riding a horse was still on her bucket list in her eighth decade. So naturally she slotted into the queue of excited 6-year-olds, trying hard not to look out of place. I\u2019m not sure who had more fun \u2013 her finally being in a saddle, or me watching her trying to get into it. She was a bit exhausted afterwards I think, because she politely turned down my offer of a tractor ride next, opting instead for a glass of red wine\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>

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I think I can, I think I can…<\/span> The horse was docile, the guide patient, so\u00a0up she went.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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The market is a cornucopia of gorgeous things just begging to go home with you. Jewellery, flowers, clothing, cheese, charcuterie, wooden toys, quirky d\u00e9cor items \u2013 this market has it all. And then there\u2019s the food. Her name is Nellie, but I call her The Pie Lady, and boy does she make a mean pie. It\u2019s a toss up between oxtail and mutton curry for my favourite. A word of warning though, she sells out quickly, so if you want to walk away with a few of her individual pies for Sunday supper, you should buy them before noon.<\/p>\n

For munchies at the market there is loads to choose from. German sausages and rocket on crisp rolls, tacos loaded with toppings, stupendous burgers (which I really highly recommend) plus loads more. Darling Brew is there if craft beer is your thing. Of course there are Groote Post wines to enjoy by the glass or the bottle.<\/p>\n

The one thing that is often missing at markets is seating, with many places just not providing enough. At Groote Post this is not an issue because huge bales are scattered all over the place, perfect for settling in for a lazy day of sipping, nibbling and sniffing clean country air.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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To get there, take the west coast road (R27) out of Cape Town. There are three options here:<\/p>\n