Celebrating 340 years of exceptional wine production at Groot Constantia
Groot Constantia, established in 1685, is South Africa's oldest wine estate and a beacon of winemaking heritage. As it approaches its 340th anniversary in 2025, the estate invites wine enthusiasts to join in the celebration of its enduring resilience, cultural significance, and prestigious reputation.
The estate, located in the picturesque Constantia Valley, boasts a rich history that spans centuries. In 1712, Groot Constantia underwent an intricate division, creating separate parts named Bergvliet and Hoop Op Constantia alongside the original estate. By 1713, the estate had gained poetic fame when former sea captain and VOC vice-admiral Harmens de Marre praised it in a poem. This period saw the emergence of the famous Grand Constance, a sweet wine that would later become celebrated internationally and favored by royalty, particularly during the Napoleonic era.
However, the estate was not immune to adversity. In the late 19th century, Groot Constantia faced the devastating Phylloxera attack, which threatened its vineyards. Despite this setback, the estate managed to recover and reclaim much of its original land in 1975, merging sections from Hoop op Constantia and Nova Constantia farms, reunifying lands from Simon van der Stel’s original 1685 grant.
Groot Constantia's global acclaim is further highlighted by its wins at prestigious exhibitions. In 1878 and 1881, the estate's wines won gold medals at the Exposition Universelle in Paris and the Melbourne International Exhibition, respectively. The Manor House, damaged by a fire in 1925, was restored and reopened as a museum by 1927.
In 1984, the homestead and estate were declared a National Monument, emphasizing their cultural and historical value. This commitment to preserving South African wine heritage was further solidified in 1993 with the establishment of the Groot Constantia Act, which created a not-for-profit company to own and manage the estate.
Today, visitors can explore the original Cape Dutch Manor House, view historical exhibitions on furniture and culture, and enjoy wine tastings that connect to centuries of heritage. The Groot Constantia Visitors Route offers a self-guided exploration of the estate, including access to the Manor House Museum and the historic Cloete Cellar.
As part of the Visitors Route experience, an Educational Cellar Tour provides insight into the winemaking process, while Audio Walking Tours offer an immersive journey through time. For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.grootconstantia.co.za or follow @grootconstantia on social media.
Groot Constantia's 340th anniversary celebration on 13 July 2025 promises to be a grand affair, reflecting the estate's enduring legacy and prestigious reputation in winemaking both locally and internationally. Follow the hashtag #GrootConstantia340 to keep up with the latest news and updates.
[1] https://www.grootconstantia.co.za/ [2] https://www.wwf.org.za/news/groot-constantia-wine-estate-conservation-champion/ [3] https://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/groot-constantia [4] https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/food-and-wine/groot-constantia-celebrates-340-years-of-winemaking-1.56552360 [5] https://www.capetownmagazine.com/groot-constantia-340th-anniversary/
- Groot Constantia, with its rich history dating back to 1685, now offers an educational experience for visitors, providing insights into the winemaking process and highlighting the importance of sustainability in maintaining its home-and-garden and cultural lifestyle.
- As part of its mission to promote sustainability and preserve South African heritage, Groot Constantia, in commemoration of its 340th anniversary in 2025, will emphasize the value of education, showcasing the estate's resilience, renown, and commitment to a sustainable lifestyle, both within its home-and-garden and in the broader winemaking industry.
