Groot Constantia Estate was established by Cape Governor Simon van der Stel in 1685. As the first wine-producing farm in South Africa its roots are inextricably entwined with the very history of wine making in this country. Groot Constantia is, literally, where it all started over 320 years ago.
Visitors are greeted by stately old oak lanes leading up to elegant buildings surrounded by sprawling vineyards which constantly change colours as the seasons come and go.
Mother nature smiled when she prepared the Constantia valley for the wine-maker. She bestowed on him the influence of the sun, wind, oceans, and fertile soil, and then challenged him to plant vineyards and make excellent wines. To this the owners of Constantia have answered positively for three centuries.
As still today, Constantia wine was coveted across the globe over the centuries and those who were fortunate enough to taste it soon refused to settle for anything less. So little was produced and it was of such uncompromising quality that it was exclusively bought and consumed by the aristocracy of the world. In fact, some history books actually use the word \hoarded"! Members of the British Royal House, Napoleon Bonaparte, Louis Phillippe of France, Frederick II (The Great) of Prussia, the Lords Seventeen of the VOC, governors, admirals, captains and many other dignitaries coveted the Constantia label and treated their guests to it. After all how many wines were immortalised in the writings of Jane Austen?
All of this in a setting of indescribable beauty and tranquillity that is, after all, the reason that over 320 years ago Simon van der Stel picked this exquisite location to make his first exquisite wines.
The Estate today covers an area of 170 hectares, of which 90 hectares comprise of vineyards.
There are 9 types of soil, Glenrosa, Clovelly, Hutton and Oakleigh to name a few. Exciting new vineyards are being established and stunning, world-challenging wines are on offer, namely Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Pinotage as main varietals. In every wine, the legend still lives on. The Flagship wines of the Estate is called Gouverneurs Reserve, named after Simon van der Stel and the newly released "Grand Constance", the nectar of the vineyards, which was last made nearly 200 years ago.
Sales and Tours
Come in for a visit we are open 7 days a week from 09h00 to 17h00 during the winter and 09h00 to 18h00 during the summer (except Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year's day).
We offer daily, guided cellar tours, which include a wine tasting. Tours can also be organised outside official times. Wines may be tasted and bought at the wine shop, which also housed a shop and artworks.
The Museum
The Manor House, with its elegant gables, today houses a cultural history museum, which portrays the early years at Groot Constantia, with a superb collection of Cape Furniture, porcelain and maritime art.
The Cloete Cellar
This cellar was built in 1791, its beautiful pediment, the most famous triangle gable in South Africa, still preserved in its original state, was created by the sculptor Anton Anreith. The Cloete Cellar has a collection of dining utensils and artefacts.
Tel: 021 795 5140
We also have Two Restaurants on the farms:
Jonkershuis Restaurant housed in the historic core of the Estate, nestled between the oak trees and vineyards with panoramic views across False Bay. The menu is accessible and versatile with a Cape Malay influence, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner light meals and drinks. Ideally suited for wedddings, corporate or private parties and picnics.
Tel: 021 794 6255, Email:
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Simons Restaurant: A cellar in earlier times, today this restaurant is an idyllic setting for a wonderful alfresco lunch, or you may choose to dine with-in our stunning new restaurant. The menu appeals to all tastes and caters for light lunches to sumptuous evening meals. Functions for up to 400 guests undercover Open 7 days - lunch from 12pm - Dinner from 6pm. Breakfast Saturday and Sunday
Tel: 021 794 1143, Email:
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