Groot Constantia - Celebrating 340 Years of Winemaking Legacy

In the history of winemaking, one name stands as an honourable testament to the enduring magnificence of the Constantia Valley—Groot Constantia. This esteemed estate prepares to celebrate its 340th birthday on 13 July 2025.

Traversing Through 340 Years of Splendour

Groot Constantia is the original wine business in Constantia, a place that’s deeply rooted in the vine and the art of winemaking. It's a storied land divided and reunited through time, and a testament to the character of the people who have maintained these historic soils. Each milestone is a chapter in the evolving narrative of Constantia's heritage.

To embark on this journey of 340 years is to experience Groot Constantia’s Visitors Route—a self-guided tour that gives access to the Manor House Museum and the Cloete Cellar, home of the Grand Constance, where the essence of the estate's history is kept. Complimentary access to three audio walking tours guides visitors through the vineyards, manor house, and modern production cellar, each providing insight into the estate's legacy. As guests explore, they’ll engage with an educational cellar tour that highlights the intricacies of the vinification process. Included is a wine tasting that offers the chance to sample five wines of your choice, each showcasing the terroir and mastery of the vintners.

Milestones Carved in Stone and Vine

Groot Constantia was founded in 1685 and has a rich history. In 1712, an intricate division sculpted the landscape, creating Bergvliet and Hoop Op Constantia to stand alongside the original estate. Like the vines that flourish in the granite-rich soils, Groot Constantia endured, and in 1975, it reclaimed its historic expansiveness, merging sections of Hoop op Constantia and Nova Constantia farms, reuniting lands that had once been part of Simon van de Stel's 1685 grant.

In 1713, the estate's poetic appeal captured the heart of former sea captain and VOC vice-admiral, Harmens de Marre. He published a poem praising the estate that inspired the famous sweet wine of Constantia – the Grand Constance – marking the beginning of a narrative that would span centuries, harking back to the Napoleonic era, as a wine favoured by royalty with historical prestige. From gold medals at the 1878 Exposition Universelle in Paris to accolades at the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1881, Groot Constantia's wines danced in the spotlight of global acclaim, enriching the estate's legacy.

A Journey Through Restoration

For over 300 years, Groot Constantia faced challenges, including the disastrous Phylloxera attack in the late 19th century. However, even in the face of near destruction, its legendary resilience brought rejuvenation. The significance of Groot Constantia goes beyond its land. In 1925, the Manor House was destroyed by fire. By 1926, it was restored and officially opened as a museum in 1927. And ultimately, in 1984, the homestead and the Groot Constantia estate were declared a National Monument.

A Legacy Carried Forward

The heartbeat of Groot Constantia reverberates through the 340 years. Recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as a Conservation Champion, the estate's partnership with the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association reflects a commitment to the environment. In 1993, the Groot Constantia Act paved the way for a not-for-profit company to own the estate, a testament to the dedication to preserving South African wine culture.

A visit to Groot Constantia is an invitation to learn about the history of the South African wine industry, to walk the pathways of time, and to savour the fruits of the vine. As the 340th anniversary approaches, Groot Constantia invites all who visit to be part of this milestone celebration, where every glass of wine tells a story.

Celebrate Groot Constantia's 340 years of winemaking heritage with #GrootConstantia340. For more information and to purchase your own legendary bottle, visit www.grootconstantia.co.za or follow @grootconstantia.