With a rich history spanning 336 years, South Africa’s oldest wine estate, Groot Constantia, simply must feature on your Cape Town itinerary. It would be remiss not to visit this world-class tourism destination that is a living legacy, attracting hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors each year. Recently clinching the 86th spot out of 100 in the prestigious World’s Best Vineyards competition for 2021, there has never been a better time to experience Groot Constantia.
While the pandemic put a halt to visits for some time, I am happy to report that visitors are once again flocking to the Rainbow Nation’s oldest wine producing farm. Rest assured that all Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols are in place. Social distancing is fairly easy to maintain as the large estate offers unique and exciting visitor experiences in various indoor and outdoor spaces.
Groot Constantia may have originated in 1685, but this Provincial Heritage site and living museum continues to evolve in innovative ways. Offering informative tastings of their award-winning wines, delicious chocolate and wine pairings, museum visits, self-guided tours, nature walks, restaurants and a fabulous Wine and Gift Shop (who doesn’t love a bit of retail therapy?), there is certainly something of interest for everyone.
Wherever you cast your eyes, one is surrounded by the rich heritage and history of this extraordinary estate. You can actually feel it in the centuries-old buildings as you wander around the estate. History shows that the Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, Simon van der Stel, requested land from the Dutch East India Company.
“He periodically sent out riders to collect soil samples in order to explore. In 1685 he fell in love with the soil and chose 891 morgen (about 763 ha) situated behind Table Mountain for its wine-growing potential and magnificently beautiful scenery. Over the years the wines produced on the estate caught the attention of influential people across the globe – due to its impressive quality.”
The list of distinguished clients includes Napoleon Bonaparte, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and King Louis Philippe of France, to name just a few.
It is ideal to explore and savour each experience that Groot Constantia offers at a leisurely pace. However, if you are pressed for time, discover Groot Constantia on a circular self-guided tour of the Visitors Route. The activities include exploring the original Cape Dutch Manor House, visiting the famed Cloete Cellar (the birthplace of Grand Constance), a wonderful wine tasting experience and viewing the wine museum and cultural history museum.
The easily downloadable free audio walking tours offer three tours that include the vineyards, historical manor house and modern-day production cellar.
VISITORS ROUTE
My friend Jean and I experienced a guided tour with Victor on a sunny winter’s day that teased us with a hint of Spring that would arrive in the following weeks. Victor is a highly knowledgeable ambassador at Groot Constantia and entertained us with anecdotes throughout the tour.
We began with a gentle stroll through the Muscat vineyards, where red and white grapes are grown. The lush and fertile Constantia Valley is home to Groot Constantia’s vineyards that are situated between 60 – 280 metres above sea level. The South Easterly summer wind blows in from False Bay, bouncing off the valley mountains, bring much-needed coolness to the vines.
Their wines are crafted to perfection, with the aid of rich African soil, sunshine, terroir and skill. Victor also spoke about the farm’s sustainability efforts, which I’ll go into more detail later. The vineyard and valley views are spectacular which make for some very Instaworthy images.
TOUR THE MANOR HOUSE MUSEUM
Trevor from Iziko Museums took us on a short history tour around the grand Manor House Museum (photography not permitted). The Homestead tour provides you with a fascinating insight into the way of life of a successful Cape farmer during the 18th and 19th centuries. The exhibition features a wide range of period pieces including furniture, copperware, brass, paintings, textiles and ceramics. As abhorrent as slavery was and still is today, it was a part of the farm since its establishment. The tour includes a look at where the slaves worked and slept.
WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
“Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” – Andre Simon, French wine merchant, gourmet and wine writer (1877–1970)
I tend to agree with Andre Simon. I like to think that perhaps we would’ve been great friends in a previous lifetime. Take a walk through the modern-day wine production centre, followed by a tasting at the renowned Cloete Cellar, the birthplace of Grand Constance. Built in 1791 as the original wine production cellar, tasting wine here is very special indeed and an integral part of the overall visitor experience.
Choose five wines to taste from the impressive list of award-winning wines and settle in for a leisurely tasting session, either at the long counter with repurposed pendant lights made from Grand Constance bottles or at one of the tables placed around the cellar. Perhaps indulge in one of life’s greatest pleasures with a decadent chocolate and wine pairing (additional cost for the chocolate).
The Methode Cap Classique Brut Rosé (not usually for tasting) is one of my favourite bubblies, while the Lady of Abundance 2018, a new red blend, displays beautiful layers of complexity. It is tempting to sit, sip and savour the wines, but I recommend viewing the old drinking vessels and carriages on display, learning more about the history of winemaking through the ages. Groot Constantia continues to produce an impressive number of award-winning wines that are known throughout the world, and I have no doubt that this winning streak will continue for years to come.
WWF CONSERVATION CHAMPIONS
“We, Groot Constantia, are a WWF Conservation Champion – acknowledged as an environmental leader in the wine industry for our commitment to conservation, responsible production practices, integrated environmental management systems, and spearheading innovations in water, energy efficiency and climate adaptation.”
Groot Constantia achieved Conservation Champion status in January 2018 as a member of WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and is one of only 50 wine farms around the Western Cape to do so. As proud custodians of the land, they practice sustainable measures to protect and conserve often endangered fauna and flora, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
One of their top priorities is efficient consumption of resources. They do this in a number of ways, including:
- Soil erosion control through stormwater management. This is critical when farming against steep slopes as this wine-producing region receives nearly double the rainfall of other producing areas in South Africa.
- Strong focus on water-saving initiatives.
- Use of drip irrigation.
- Clearing of alien invasive vegetation.
- Planting indigenous trees each year.
- South Africa’s Cape floral kingdom is one of the richest areas in the world for plant biodiversity. With over 9 000 plant species, the majority are native fynbos vegetation. They collect seeds from resident fynbos species in order to re-establish more fynbos areas on the farm which is an ongoing process. Read about their other sustainable initiatives here.
The distinctive sugarbird and protea logo that appears on the wine bottle shows Groot Constantia’s commitment towards conserving the environment. Purchasing wines with the logo is one way that you can support this important environmental initiative, as well as visiting the farm.
GROOT CONSTANTIA PICNICS
Picnic season is finally here and Jonkershuis Eatery really knows how to put on a sumptuous picnic spread. Jean and I enjoyed the most divine picnic beneath the ancient oak trees, sitting back on our leaning chairs and relaxing with a glass of Groot Constantia Rosé 2020.
The Eatery prepares fresh, sustainable and ethical dishes with locally sourced produce, as is evident in the picnic feast we happily tucked into, complete with biodegradable packaging. Delicious dishes included Smoked Snoek Paté with Apricot Relish, Roasted Vegetable Salad, Green Pesto Pasta Salad, Smoked Chicken Breasts, Fromage with grapes and an assortment of relishes, pickled onions and a fresh French baguette.
Indulgent dark chocolate brownies with strawberries provided a sweet ending. This mouth-watering feast was plenty for two people (wine not included) and was the perfect ending to a perfectly lovely experience at Groot Constantia. Stock up on superb wines and an array of local artisanal gifts from the Wine and Gift Shop.
With more international markets opening up and allowing travel to South Africa, you can be sure that Groot Constantia will be on many visitor itineraries. It is always best to book in advance as visitor numbers are still limited during Lockdown Level One.
Is Groot Constantia on your must visit list of Cape Town experiences? Let me know in the comments below and if you have been here before, I’d love to know what you enjoy most about Groot Constantia.
Click here for more information about the Visitors Experience and to book tickets.
DISCLOSURE: Living It Up CT was invited to experience Groot Constantia by FusionDesign for review purposes. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. All Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols were adhered to.
Living It Up CT endorses responsible drinking. Not for sale to persons under 18.
Yours in Ecotourism, Food & Wine
xoxo
Until the next adventure!
