Red Wines

The heritage of Groot Constantia would be incomplete without regarding its setting. As important as the product of the grape is the beauty and significance of the architecture. The priceless Manor House and the buildings grouped around it are unequalled examples of Cape Dutch architecture both in majesty and simplicity. The collection of artefacts, including furniture and pieces of art, reflects the rich cultural tradition of the Cape. Today, the estate is owned by the Groot Constantia Trust which is committed to building upon the foundations of this, South Africa’s oldest and best known estate. It is one of South Africa’s most visited tourist attractions. The story of Groot Constantia goes back to 1685 when Simon van der Stel, a future governor of the Cape, was granted land for a farm on the Eastern side of Table Mountain, which he named Constantia. After several changes of ownership, it was sold to the Cloete family in 1778 and held by them for five generations until 1885. Groot Constantia received world acclaim for their wines amongst the noble palates of Napoleon, Bismarck and King Louis Philippe of France who was the biggest single buyer of Groot Constantia wines. They were forced to sell after the vine disease phylloxera ravaged the vineyards and it then became the property of the Cape government. The total estate covers 165 hectares of which 87 hectares are currently planted, at a height of 60 - 280 metres above sea level. The climate is generally cool resulting in complex and balanced wines.