Ever wondered what keeps a historic wine estate alive beyond the vines? Groot Constantia’s new short film, “Rooted. Preserved. Shared,” offers an intimate look at the people shaping South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm. Directed and produced by Rory Appleton and Rubert Fitchet of Sledgehammer Studio, the short film captures Groot Constantia as a working estate, shaped by the hands that tend it.
For Groot Constantia’s CEO, Jean Naudé, the project became a moment of reflection. “We believe wine is shaped by human hands as much as by the land,” he says.
“Groot Constantia is a beautiful estate that forms part of South Africa’s story,” says Rubert Fitchet, director at Sledgehammer Studio. “This film was our way of honouring its human terroir and the care that continues to carry it forward.”
Having filmed the estate over the years, the Sledgehammer team set out to focus on the people behind the scenes.
National Treasure
One of the film’s key takeaways is that Groot Constantia does not belong to a single owner or era but is continually shaped by those who encounter it. Every visitor becomes part of its unfolding narrative, contributing to its evolving legacy. More than a place of production, Groot Constantia is a space of exchange, where stories, memory, and meaning flow alongside its wine.
“It lives in the care, craft and pride of those who value and preserve it,” adds Naudé.
Wine Experiences
At Groot Constantia, guests can enjoy tastings in three distinctive cellar spaces: the Bottom Cellar (9am-5pm), Production Cellar (10am-4pm), and Top Cellar (10am-4pm).
Visitors can select a curated set of five wines, served with a complimentary branded glass to keep. For a more luxurious experience, the chocolate-and-wine pairing includes five specially chosen wines paired with handcrafted chocolates.
For those wanting to immerse themselves more fully in the estate’s history, the Visitors Route Experience takes you through the stories and faces of the Manor House Museum and Cloete Cellar. It includes a guided or self-guided cellar tour. This experience also includes a five-wine tasting, a souvenir glass, and the option to add a chocolate pairing.
For more information, visit the website here.
