Groot Constantia Wine Estate

Steeped in history, Groot Constantia wine estate is the oldest continuously wine producing estate in South Africa. Fine wines and splendid scenery blend together, for a great visit.

A little history of Groot Constantia

The farm Groot Constantia was granted to Simon van der Stel in 1685, the VOC Governor of the Cape of Good Hope at the time.

Producing vegetables, fruit and wines and also grazing cattle, Simon van der Stel also built the homestead. After his death the farm was broken up into three smaller portions Groot Constantia; Klein Constantia; and Bergvliet.

In 1779 the portion of the estate including Van der Stel’s Cape Dutch-style manor house was sold to the Cloete family, who planted extensive vineyards and extended and improved the mansion by commissioning the architect Louis Michel Thibault. The wine cellar was added by Cloete in 1791. The house remained in the possession of the Cloete family until 1885.

In 1885 Groot Constantia was purchased by the government of the Cape of Good Hope and was used as an experimental wine and agricultural estate. Following a disastrous fire in 1925 the house was extensively restored. Since 1993, Groot Constantia Wine Estate has been run in trust, as a non-profit company.

Groot Constantia at a glance

Wines of note

• Grand Constance
• Gouverneurs Reserve Red – Bordeaux style red blend
• Gouverneurs Reserve White
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cape Ruby – a Port style Red wine
• Chardonnay
• Constantia Rood
• Grand Constance
• Lady of Abundance
• Merlot
• Méthode Cap Classique Brut Rosé – Sparkling Rosé
• Pinotage
• Rosé
• VSOP – Cape Brandy

Winemaker

Boela Gerber assisted by Louise van der Westhuizen

Viticulturist

Floriscus Beukes

Reasons to visit

• Grand Constance – a fine example of the Constantia valley dessert wines, as favoured by emperors, kings and other world famous personalities over the centuries
• Exceptional red and white wines, Cape ruby and brandy
• Steeped in history, this estate was chosen for it’s fruitful soil with exceptional and peaceful views over mountains and ocean, with some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the Western Cape.
• Walks and horse rides through the vineyards are allowed(do not pick the grapes!) and dogs are allowed on a leash.

Best time to visit

All year destination. Early morning and late afternoon, is the best photographic and walking times.

What to do at Groot Constantia wine estate

Highlights on the estate

• Historic buildings
• Exceptional restaurants
• Museum and
• Wine tasting of world renowned wines

Things to do or see

• Wine tasting
• Photography
• Coach house museum
• Manor house museum
• Historic gardens
• Cloete cellar
• Simon’s restaurant
• Jonkershuis restaurant
• Children are welcome, with many ducks to feed, squirrels to chase and space to roam

For children

The estate has abundant space for children to play, as well as several tame ducks, squirrels and wild fowl.

Outdoors

• Wander through the vines
• Cycling

Side-tracks

Take time to walk through the vineyards, photograph and relax

South African home grown

Jonkershuis serves some of the finest authentic South African cuisine

Events

No annual public events

Contact

website: Groot Constantia
email: Enquiries
tel: +27 (0)21-794-5128

Social Media

Facebook: Groot Constantia
Instagram: Groot Constantia
Twitter: Groot Constania

Restaurants

Jonkershuis

Bistro for informal, Cape Malay-influenced all day dining. Set in historical barn like buildings, and delightful al fresco views.

website: Jonkershuis
email: Enquiries
tel: +27 (0)21-794-6255

Simon’s Restaurant

More formal Cape inspired cuisine with international influences. Views over the vines and mountains beyond.

website: Simons
email: Enquiries
tel: +27 (0)21 794 1143

Wine tasting

Opening times: 09:00-16:00

More vineyards on the Constantia Wine Route

Constantia Wine Route and Cape Point Vineyards