Address:  Private Bag X1 Constantia 7848 South Africa
Phone: +27 21 794-5128
Website: www.grootconstantia.co.za
Open 09.00 – 17.30 daily
Tours on the hour 10.00-16.00 (at 11.00 & 15.00 winter)
Closed only on Good Friday, Christmas Day and the 1st of January.

The story of Groot Constantia, the finest surviving example of Cape Dutch architecture and one of South Africa’s foremost historical monuments and tourist attractions, dates back to 1685. In that year Simon van der Stel, the popular commander and later governor of the Cape, was granted land for a farm, which he named Constantia. When he died in 1712, the property was divided and a smaller farm created around the homestead and its outbuildings.

Mother Nature smiled when she prepared the Constantia Valley for the winemaker. She bestowed on him the influence of the sun, wind, oceans and fertile soil, and then challenged him to plant vineyards and make excellent wines. To this the owners of Constantia have answered positively for more than three centuries, producing one of the world’s most famous sweet blends and today continuing this tradition, creating a range of quality wines.

The name Constantia is irrevocably linked to the most famous wines to be made in South Africa. Constantia wine was coveted across the globe. Limited volumes were made and it was so expensive that it was exclusively bought and consumed by the aristocracy of the world. Members of the British Royal House, Napoleon Bonaparte, Louis Philippe of France, Frederick II (The Great) of Prussia, the Lords Seventeen of the VOC, governors, admirals, captains and other dignitaries coveted the Constantia label and treated their special guests to it.

The heritage of Groot Constantia would be incomplete without regarding its setting. As important as the product of the vine is, so the beauty and significance of 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 art, reflects the rich cultural tradition of the Cape.

Constantia stands as a pinion of excellence for the wine industry and is an ideal example for the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of the country. It is a fully operational farm, one of South Africa’s most visited tourist attractions, where a wide range of quality estate wines are created and sold (seven days a week), and a variety of other attractions, including restaurants & museums make a visit an unforgettable experience.

Groot Constantia Wine Tasting
The legendary wines of the Estate may be tasted and bought every day from 9am to 6pm. The cost includes 5 wines & international souvenir tasting glass, which bears the logo of the Estate. A shop, offering a selection of quality shirts, aprons and caps etc., is also located here. The entire estate is a national heritage and fully operational farm. Although care is taken to make your visit as enjoyable as possible, visitors enter the premises at their own risk. We reserve the right of admission.

Manor House and Wine Museum/Cloete Cellar
The house is presently furnished as the home of affluent people, such as the Cloetes, dating to between the 18th to early 19th centuries at the Cape. Furniture has been placed in pairs and paintings according to themes where possible, in the manner common during this period. Most of the furniture in the house was made at the Cape.

The Manor House, with its elegant gables, today houses a cultural history museum, which portrays the early years at Groot Constantia, with a superb collection of Cape Furniture, porcelain and maritime art.

The Cloete Cellar was built in 1791, its beautiful pediment, the most famous triangle gable in South Africa, still preserved in its original state, was created by the sculptor Anton Anreith. The Cloete Cellar has a collection of drinking utensils and artifacts.