South Africa’s oldest wine estate, Groot Constantia, is turning 340 this July- and you’re invited to the celebration!
If you are a wine lover and want to learn about the wine history of this beloved wine farm, here’s everything you need to know about Groot Constantia’s 340th birthday celebration, taking place on 13 July 2025.
Exploring 340 Years of Splendour
Groot Constantia is deeply rooted in the vine and the art of winemaking. Enjoy the #GrootConstantia340 celebrations with a Visitors Route experience.
This self-guided tour gives you access to the Manor House Museum and the Cloete Cellar, home to the Grand Constance. The route shares insightful history of the estate.
Complimentary access to three audio walking tours guides visitors through the vineyards, the manor house, and modern production cellar. As guests explore, they’ll engage with an educational cellar tour that highlights the intricacies of the vinification process. End with a wine tasting that offers the chance to sample five wines of your choice, each showcasing the terroir and mastery of the vintners.
Groot Constantia Through Time
Groot Constantia was founded in 1685. 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 renowned sweet wine of Constantia, Grand Constance, marking the beginning of a centuries-long narrative that harks back to the Napoleonic era, when it was a wine favoured by royalty and celebrated for its 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 received global acclaim.
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 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.
Cheers To a Legacy
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.
Raise a glass to 340 years of heritage and take home a bottle steeped in history. Visit Groot Constantia to plan your experience.
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