Historical vineyard, with royal distinction
A beautiful location against the Constantiaberg mountain. This vineyard lays accessible at the foot of the mountain, yet stretches high up the slopes. This is not only good for sweeping views of False Bay, but also great terroir for Sauvignon Blanc. This must be one of the most scenically beautiful wine estates.
A little history of Groot Constantia
Originally also part of the farm Constantia, which was granted to Simon van der Stel in 1685, the VOC Governor of the Cape of Good Hope at the time.
After the death of Simon van der Stel, the farm was broken up into smaller portions Groot Constantia; Klein Constantia; and Bergvliet.
This valley is not only scenically beautiful, but has good decomposed granite rock, on steep slopes. These slopes create cool updrafts from the ocean, which allow for slower ripening grapes. This breeze creates wines with great complexity.
The valley was well known, for its sweet dessert wine which was greatly sought after by the aristocracy of the 18th and 19th century. In this tradition Klein Constantia revived the wine under the label Vin de Constance in 1986.
Groot Constantia at a glance
Wines of note
- Brut Methode Cap Classique Reserve
- Chardonnay
- Estate Red Blend
- Glen Dirk Sauvignon Blanc
- Metis Sauvignon Blanc
- Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc – this author’s favourite
- Riesling
- Vin de Constance – a have to try naturally sweet Muscat dessert wine
Winemaker
Matthew Day
Viticulturist
Craig Harris
Reasons to visit
- Vin de Constance – a fine example of the Constantia valley dessert wines, as favoured by emperors, kings and other world famous personalities over the centuries
- Exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, wooded and non-wooded, also a fine red blend and Brut Methode Cap Classique sparling wine.
- Steeped in history, the original estate was chosen for it’s fruitful soil with exceptional and peaceful views over mountains and ocean, with some of the best views in the Western Cape.
- Fine restaurant
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
- Wine tasting of world renowned wines
Things to do or see
- Wine tasting
- Photography
- Country style bistro restaurant
For children
There are no specific child friendly facilities
Outdoors
- Wander down the vineyard road
South African home grown
Vin de Constance is a jewel of South African dessert wine
Events
No annual public events
Contact
website: Klein Constantia
email: Enquiries
tel: +27 (0)21-794-5188
Social Media
Facebook: Klein Constantia
Instagram: Klein Constantia
Twitter: Klein Constania
Restaurants
The Bistro @ Klein Constantia
Bistro style menu
website: The Bistro @ Klein Constantia
email: Enquiries
tel: +27 (0)21-794-5188
Wine tasting
Monday to Saturday
10h00 – 17h00
Sundays
10h00 – 16h00
Note: wine tastings end 30 minutes prior to closing.
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