Groot Constantia Wine Estate

Description

The Groot Constantia, one of the oldest vineyards farms in South Africa and an example of the Cape’s Dutch-influenced architecture, is located in the suburbs of Cape Town. The farm includes a wine museum, two restuarants, and its classical Cape Dutch Mansion is open to the public.

The estate produces a wide boutique of supurb wines, including red and white wines. It has won numerous awards over the years, and continues to do so consistently. The Cloete Cellar, which dates back to 1791, is the original cellar of the estate. It now houses a display of wine-making equipment and various drinking vessels.

The estate offers wine tasting opportunities, and bottles can be purchased at the tasting. Simon's Restaurant offers a plethora of continental dishes, and can cater for large functions. The Jonkershuis Restaurant offers classical and contemporary Cape Malay cuisine. This restaurant is known for its atmosphere and views, being situated in the historical heart of the estate.

History of the Farm

The history of the farm dates back to 1685 when Simon van der Stel, a Governor of the Cape, was granted land for a farm. He named the farm Constantia. Wines from the beautiful semi-rural Constantia Valley soon graced many an aristocratic table in Europe. The arrival of the French Huguenots in 1688 lent to the momentum that Cape Wines were gaining. By 1690 half a million vines were established in Stellenbosch and the Cape Peninsula.

Upon Simon van der Stel's death in 1712, the property was bought by Captain Oloff Bergh. Since then the farm has had many owners the last of which was the Cloete family. Hendrik Cloete bought it in 1778 and the family has kept it in their hands for five generations. Since 1885 the property has been a part of the Cape government.