Nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain, Groot Constantia is more than just a wine farm; it is a living piece of Cape Town’s history.
Over the last 300 years, the estate has become a local and international favourite, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.
Here’s what you should know before heading to Groot Constantia wine estate 👇
📍 Location
Groot Constantia is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, just 20 minutes from the Cape Town central business district (CBD).
Due to its proximity to the city centre and with many neighbourhoods close by, Groot Constantia is a popular weekend destination for many Cape Town locals and wine enthusiasts.
The valley where the farm is situated is known for its breathtaking views, lush greenery, and panoramic scenes of the mountains, city, and ocean.
Its idyllic setting also offers a tranquil environment where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the vineyards while sampling Groot Constantia’s fine wines.
📜 History
At a Glance…
🔎 Groot Constantia has been producing wine for over 300 years. 🔎 It is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. 🔎 Groot Constantia wines have been enjoyed all over the world, making it an internationally acclaimed farm. |
Groot Constantia is one of the oldest wine-producing farms in South Africa and has a rich history that dates back to when it was founded in 1685.
The farm originated when Simon van der Stel — then the Governor of the Cape Colony — was given the land by the Dutch East India Company.
He named the land area ‘Constantia’, which means consistency and steadfastness in Latin.
Groot Constantia was originally established to produce wine because the Cape was considered the perfect location for viticulture due to its ideal climate and fertile soil.
From its onset, Groot Constantia flourished and quickly gained a reputation for producing internationally acclaimed wines.
👀 Besides The Wine, What Is Groot Constantia Known For?
The farm has two award-winning restaurants: Jonkershuis and Simon’s.
Here visitors can enjoy a selection of baked goods, drinks, and traditional South African food.
🥓 What You Need To Know About The Groot Constantia Restaurants
Groot Constantia has two upmarket restaurants on the estate. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when visiting. Jonkershuis Restaurant The Jonkershuis restaurant is nestled in the heart of the estate, next to the Manor House. It offers a variety of fine and casual dining options, with a cosy interior that will make you feel right at home. Gather in the courtyard for a family-style lunch or sit down in the private dining rooms for a truly unforgettable meal. We recommend the beef bobotie and the cinnamon milk tart or malva pudding for an authentic South African dining experience.
Simon’s Restaurant and Deli The Simon’s restaurant and deli is an inviting eatery where guests can enjoy a range of al fresco dishes, delicious breakfasts, or a warm cup of coffee after a walk on the farm.
You can also gather around the fireplace in the dining room during the winter, providing an intimate and relaxing dining experience.
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For architectural lovers, the Groot Constantia estate has an impressive selection of buildings that showcase the classic Cape Dutch style prevalent during the colonial era.
The Manor House — originally built in 1685 — has been meticulously restored and offers visitors a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the time.
🧱 The Architectural Marvels of Groot Constantia
The estate’s architecture is a captivating combination between Cape Dutch and Georgian styles, reflecting the historical influences of the time. The Manor House is the centrepiece of the farm and displays classic Cape Dutch features, like whitewashed walls, symmetrical wings, and ornate cords. Groot Constantia also has several well-preserved outbuildings, including the original wine cellars. Picturesque white-washed cottages are scattered amidst the vineyards, adding to the estate’s elegant and timeless atmosphere. |
☀️ What Activities Can You Do on the Farm?
Groot Constantia offers a wide range of activities that cater to everyone. Let’s take a closer look at what those are:
🍷 Wine tasting
One of the highlights of visiting Groot Constantia is the opportunity to taste their range of wines in the bottom or top cellar.
During the tasting, you’ll get to sample five of the estate’s signature wines — and as a bonus, you can keep your branded wine glass as a souvenir!
Groot Constantia’s knowledgeable staff will guide you through the tasting, offering unique insights into the wine’s characteristics and production process.
You’ll enjoy these tastings in three different locations: the bottom cellar, the top cellar, and the production cellar.
At each venue, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how different wine varietals are made and some inside information on the production process.
🍫 For Something Different, Try… The wine and chocolate pairing
If you’re looking to get a little extra out of your wine tasting, we recommend Groot Constantia’s chocolate pairing experience. You’ll have the opportunity to taste five different wines expertly paired with handcrafted chocolates. The pairing is meant to enhance the specific flavours of each wine and chocolate, creating a sensory experience you’ll never forget. |
🎫 Cellar and museum tours
Groot Constantia offers guided cellar tours that allow visitors to get a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process.
It’s a great way to learn more about the estate’s history, vineyards, and production techniques that take the grape from harvest to bottle.
The estate is also home to a wine museum showcasing the rich history and cultural significance of viticulture in the Cape.
Inside the museum, you’ll find quirky artefacts, historical documents, and curated exhibits highlighting the evolution of winemaking at Groot Constantia through the ages.
🎧 Pro Tip: Take the Audio Tour
Groot Constantia offers three self-guided audio tours to help you discover the estate at your own pace. You’ll learn all about the history and production of the estate’s wines and facts about the buildings and the farm. Download the VoiceMaps app from the App Store or Google Play Store to access these tours and sign up. Then select ‘Cape Town’ from the menu and navigate to ‘Groot Constantia Museum, Cellar, and Vineyard Audio Guides.’ You’ll be able to download the guides and use them for free when you visit the estate. |
🧺 Estate walks and picnics
There is no better way to experience the natural beauty of Groot Constantia than on foot! Designated walking paths will take you through the vineyards, gardens, and scenic landscapes.
You can walk through the entire property — which is often unheard of as many other wine farms have restricted areas.
The estate is also open to the public who just want to visit and enjoy the natural setting. You don’t need to buy anything from the shops or restaurants to visit Groot Constantia.
After your leisurely stroll around the grounds, we recommend purchasing a few snacks from Simon’s deli and enjoying a light meal under the trees.
You can also book a pre-packed picnic through the Groot Constantia website.
📅 Events and festivals
Groot Constantia hosts a handful of events and festivals throughout the year that are definitely worth attending.
Some popular options include:
- The Hop and Vine Festival takes place annually in August and celebrates the high-quality wines of Groot Constantia with a festive atmosphere and fun activities.
- Heritage Month celebrations are hosted in September and celebrate the diversity of South African culture with themed events and live music.
- Constantia Fresh is the farm’s annual garden party hosted annually in March. Visitors can sample wines from all over the country, enjoy delicious foods, and listen to live artists throughout the afternoon.
- Good France Festival celebrates the French culture that influenced wine-making on the Constantia estate.
- The SA Wine Harvest Festival is hosted every year in February and celebrates the high-quality grape harvest before production season starts.
These events usually offer live music, tasty food, and award-winning wines to enjoy as you soak up everything the estate has to offer.
👋 Groot Constantia is…
✅ Child-friendly. ✅ Ideal for families. ✅ Pet friendly. ✅ Wheelchair accessible. |
🚗 What Does a Perfect Day at Groot Constantia Look Like?
A day at Groot Constantia is filled with exploration, relaxation, and indulgence. Here’s an outline of what a perfect day at Groot Constantia might look like
🌅 Morning
- Start your day by arriving at Groot Constantia and taking in the breathtaking views of the vineyards and surrounding landscapes.
- Begin with a guided cellar tour to learn about the winemaking process, the estate’s history, and the uniqueness of the Constantia Valley.
- After the tour, head to the tasting room for a wine-tasting session. Sample a selection of Groot Constantia’s wines, guided by knowledgeable staff who can share insights and recommendations.
🧺 Mid-Morning
- Embark on a leisurely walk through the estate’s vineyards and gardens. Explore the picturesque surroundings and soak in the tranquillity of this scenic destination..
- Find a cosy spot on the estate’s grounds and enjoy a picnic. Purchase your own snacks or opt for a pre-packed picnic basket from Simon’s, one of the estate’s restaurants, filled with delicious bites and perfectly paired wines.
🍷 Afternoon
- Visit the wine museum and immerse yourself in the history and cultural significance of winemaking in the Cape. Explore the exhibits, artefacts, and documents that showcase Groot Constantia’s heritage.
- Indulge in a delectable lunch at the estate’s deli. Choose from a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and savour the flavours while overlooking the vineyards.
🌙 Evening
- As the day draws to a close, head to the estate’s restaurant, Jonkerhuis, or the tasting room for a sunset experience. Savour a glass of your new favourite Groot Constantia wine while taking in the panoramic views as the sun sets over the vineyards.
- Before heading home, remember to purchase some of your favourite wines to take as a memento of your visit to Groot Constantia. We highly recommend picking up their flagship Chardonnay or acclaimed Grand Constance for your collection!
👋 When Is the Best Time to visit, and How Long Should You Stay?
Groot Constantia is open seven days a week, from 09:00 to 17:00. The estate opens a bit earlier than other wine farms, allowing visitors to spend quality time on the farm. We recommend staying for at least two to three hours to make the most of your visit. The estate is open year-round but gets quite busy in the warmer months (November through March). If you plan on visiting during the summer, we encourage you to book activities ahead of time to avoid disappointment. |
🍷 The Wines of Groot Constantia
The wines of Groot Constantia are a local favourite with exceptional flavours due to the estate’s traditional wine-making process.
The wine is so well-loved that three varietals were included on the Top 100 SA Wines list — two reds (Groot Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon and Groot Constantia Gouverneur’s Reserve) and one dessert wine (Grand Constance).
Each year, the farm produces over 60,000 cases of wine — 65% red and 35% white.
🧑🌾 Get to Know the Winemaker
Groot Constantia’s primary winemaker is Boela Gerber. He has worked on wineries worldwide, including prominent farms in France, Italy, Spain, and the U.S.
Boela’s extensive background and portfolio have given him a chance to expand his wine-making knowledge and refine it to the unique, minimalistic production style that Groot Constantia is known for today. |
Chardonnay
Type: White wine.
Pairs well with: Grilled seafood, roasted chicken, creamy pasta dishes, and soft cheeses. Perfect for: Enjoying on a sunny day or as an aperitif during a light lunch. |
Groot Constantia produces a crisp and elegant Chardonnay that perfectly reflects the cool climate of the Constantia Valley.
The wine has a refreshing combination of citrus and tropical fruit flavours that are complemented by subtle oak notes for balanced acidity.
Groot Constantia’s Chardonnay has won double gold and top-rated district wine for several years in a row, making it clear as to why this is one of their most popular products.
Sauvignon Blanc
Type: White wine.
Pairs well with: Fresh salads, grilled vegetables, seafood dishes, and goat’s cheese. Perfect for: Casual occasions or social gatherings like picnics and barbecues enjoyed on a warm summer evening. |
The estate’s Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by its vibrant and distinct flavours. It showcases intense aromas of tropical fruits, gooseberries, and fresh herbs.
With the combination of lively acidity and fresh flavours, the Sauvignon Blanc provides a zesty finish.
This wine is another local favourite, winning double gold in nearly all competitive categories.
It’s also known as one of the best Sauvignon Blancs in the world, winning the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy.
Shiraz
Type: Red wine.
Pairs well with: Grilled or roasted meats, lamb curry, hearty stews, and strong cheeses. Perfect for: A cosy evening in with a rich meal or on winter occasions spent in front of the fireplace. |
Groot Constantia produces a rich and full-bodied Shiraz with a bold character.
The wine displays the best that this grape variety offers, with intense flavours of dark fruits, black pepper, and hints of spice.
The Groot Constantia Shiraz is another world-class wine, receiving awards like the Best International Shiraz and Top Scorer at the Gilbert Gaillard International Challenge in 2021.
Merlot
Type: Red wine.
Pairs well with: Roasted duck or chicken, grilled pork, mushroom-based dishes, and medium-hard cheeses. Perfect for: Various occasions, like relaxed dinner parties, where its smoothness can be enjoyed by everyone. |
The estate’s Merlot is known for its smooth and velvety texture. It offers pleasant flavours of ripe plums, black cherries, and dark chocolate.
Groot Constantia’s Merlot is often combined with subtle earthy flavours and tannins to improve its overall taste.
This varietal is one of the best in the Cape, boasting awards like the National Winner in the nationwide Wine Challenge and silver in the International Wine and Spirits Competition.
Pinotage
Type: Red wine.
Pairs well with: Grilled meats such as steak or lamb, smoked dishes, hearty stews, and flavorful cheeses. Perfect for: Cosy gatherings and cooler evenings, where its robust character can be savoured over meals shared with friends and family. |
Groot Constantia’s Pinotage has a rich taste of ripe red berries, plums, and hints of dark chocolate.
The wine has a touch of smokiness to round off the flavour combinations nicely.
This is another of Groot Constantia’s most prized wines, winning awards such as silver in the International Wine and Spirits Competition and double gold in the National Wine Challenge.
Rosé
Type: Blend of red and white wine.
Pairs well with: Light and fresh dishes like salads, seafood, sushi, grilled chicken, and soft cheeses. Perfect for: Relaxing summery occasions like picnics and leisurely afternoons with friends. |
This beautiful pink wine has a vibrant, easy-drinking character with fresh notes of strawberries, watermelon, and florals.
It has a crisp and refreshing taste with a good acidic balance that finishes with a hint of citrus.
The Groot Constantia Rosé is an international favourite, with awards like National Champion and double platinum in the Top 100 Wines Challenge.
MCC
Type: Sparkling Rosé wine
Pairs well with: Seafood like oysters or sushi, creamy pasta dishes, and light, fruity desserts. Perfect for: Celebratory moments and special gatherings worth remembering. |
The Groot Constantia MCC is a sparkling wine traditionally made and left to mature in its bottle for 18 months to ensure the flavours are perfectly fermented.
It has a ripe tropical fruit flavour that combines with lemon zest for a balanced acidity and refreshing flavour.
This wine has won many noteworthy awards, including the Top MCC in South Africa and double gold in the Cap Classique Challenge.
Grand Constance
Type: White dessert wine.
Pairs well with: Rich desserts like crème brûlée, chocolate truffles, fruit tarts, and strong cheeses. Perfect for: Special occasions or as a sweet finish to a meal. |
One of Groot Constantia’s most iconic wines is the Grand Constance, a sweet and fresh dessert wine.
It’s a revival of the estate’s historic “Vin de Constance” that gained international fame in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Grand Constance is made from Muscat de Frontignan grapes which have expressive apricot, honey, and caramel flavours that finish with a spicy twist.
It is also one of the estate’s most acclaimed wines, winning the National Dessert Wine Champion for several years.
Grand Constance is recognized as one of the best wines in the district, consistently features on the Top 100 SA Wines list, and boasts gold and double platinum award status.
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