Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine farm – in existence for 330 years this year. Wine has been produced on the estate without interruption since 1685 when Commander Simon van der Stel of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) was originally granted the land on which Groot Constantia stands.

It has changed hands many times over the centuries of course and now Groot Constantia is a National Monument and a living museum with the task of preserving the history and cultural legacy of the South African wine industry for the people of South Africa. The current owners of the estate, the Groot Constantia Trust, a non-profit company, has ensured that Groot Constantia is beautifully maintained and operated to the highest standards – delivering a top-quality experience to visitors.

The estate boasts two top-notch restaurants, Jonkershuis and Simon’s where visitors can eat after they have finished exploring the beautiful old manor house Iziko Museum and its surroundings. Visitors can also enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting in the recently upgraded tasting room.

Groot Constantia is no stranger to having their wines awarded, and in fact Groot Constantia’s wines have collectively won 82 gold medals since 2003.

This is the only wine farm that is a member of the Big Six tourist destinations in Cape Town. The other members include Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch and Cape Point.

QUICK FACTS:

Where/How to find us

• Social Media: facebook and twitter @GrootConstantia

• Groot Constantia Rd +27 21 794 5128

• GPS 34 01’ 37,03” S 18 25’ 28,84” E

• Hop on the City Sightseeing Hop On-Hop Off – Blue Mini Peninsula Tour

• International wine orders: grant@grootconstantia.co.za

Cape Town ‘Big 7’ Tourist Destination

• Open 7 days a week

• 300 000 visitors/year

• Wine tastings

• Cellar tours

• 2 Restaurants

• Family Friendly

• TripAdvisor Excellence Award

• Wine and chocolate pairing experiences on offer

 

Background

• Groot Constantia is the oldest wine producing estate in South Africa.

• The farm “Constantia” was granted to Governor of the Cape by Jan van Riebeek.

• A National Monument & a living, working museum.

• Producing wine continuously since 1685 = 330 years.

• One of the longest surviving trademarks in the world today.

• Exporting products to the US since 1774.

• Beautiful setting.

• Magnificent terroir and award winning wine.

• Major tourist attraction.

• Wine drank by King Louis XIV of France, Napoleon.

• Written about by Jane Austen & Dickens.

 

Extent of Operation

• 160 hectares (90ha under vines)

• 500 tons of grapes (400 000 bottles)

• 70% Red wine

• 30% White wine About the vineyards

• Vineyards are high up on the mountain

• Mediterranean climate with cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean

• Average rainfall of 1100mm per annum

• Biodiversity Green Leaders Top recent awards

• 2015 22nd annual Chardonnay du Monde Chardonnay 2014 – best in the world

• 2015 Taj Classic Wine Trophy For more information on Groot Constantia visit www.grootconstantia.co.za.